The Beavers returned to the losing column on Saturday, as they were again on the receiving end of a 30-plus-point rout after getting trounced by Minnesota, 48-14. With the defeat, they fell to a 1-2 record.
Similar to 2016, defense appears to be the team’s biggest obstacle. They are currently 128th in points (46.0) and 115th in total yards (483.7) allowed per game. The ground D, in particular, is getting pounded for 245 YPG, and is fresh off an appalling performance, where they gave up five rushing touchdowns to the Golden Gophers.
The offense isn’t as bad, but it’s just bordering the “decent” level. Quarterback Jake Luton is doing a good job distributing the ball around, with pass-catchers Noah Togiai, Jordan Villamin, and Isaiah Hodgins each having 10 or more catches and one TD on the season. The QB, however, has a hot-and-cold 4-4 TD-INT ratio, and a “decent” 61 percent completion rate and 224.6 passing YPG average.
The backfield tandem of Ryan Nall and Art Pierce is proving to be the more effective part of the offensive unit, as the two run for 102.3 YPG on 5.2 yards per carry.
Oregon State has lost 14-straight road games (5-9 ATS).
It felt like it took a gallon of blood, sweat, and tears before the Cougars were able to come out of Week 2 with a victory. Against Boise State, they climbed a 31-10 deficit with only 10 minutes left in the game, tied before the end of regulation, and then played them in three overtimes before finally earning a 47-44 win, making it one of the longest games in the two schools’ history.
Back-up QB Tyler Hilinski played the hero role for Washington State, as he stepped in for the injured Luke Falk (head) in the fourth quarter and immediately lit up the defense. He finished with 240 yards, three TDs, and one interception on 24-for-34 passing.
Falk has been cleared for Week 3 and is expected to start. The senior currently has a 3-1 TD-INT ratio on the season, and he’s completing 78.1 percent of his throws (57-for-73). RB James Williams, who has two receiving TDs and a team-leading 275 total yards, will continue being the workhorse of the offense.
On defense, Hercules Mata’afa should still have the biggest spotlight. The junior is again pacing the team in sacks (5.5) and tackles for loss (two). He leads the Cougars’ balanced play on D, where they allow 22 points and 274 total yards per game.
Wazzu has beaten Oregon State three-straight times (2-1 ATS).
