WSU vs OSU: Bowl Bid, Pac-2 Stakes Preview

**Pac-2 Showdown: Washington State, Oregon State Face Off with Bowl Bid, Future on the Line**

CORVALLIS, Ore. – In a game laden with significance stretching far beyond a typical regular-season finale, Washington State and Oregon State are set to clash this Saturday, November 25th, at Reser Stadium. Kicking off at 3:30 p.m. ET (12:30 p.m. PT) and broadcast live on FOX, the matchup represents the second half of an in-season home-and-home series, with both teams carrying substantial motivation into the contest.

For the Washington State Cougars (5-6 overall, 2-6 Pac-12), this game is a definitive win-or-go-home proposition for their bowl aspirations. A victory would elevate their record to 6-6, securing bowl eligibility and extending their season. Head Coach Jake Dickert’s squad, coming off a thrilling 38-35 victory over the Beavers earlier this season, understands the high stakes of this pivotal contest.

Oregon State (7-4 overall, 4-4 Pac-12) already boasts bowl eligibility but will be playing with a powerful drive for revenge on their home turf. The Beavers are looking to even the score after their narrow defeat in Pullman on September 23rd, a game that went down to the wire.

Adding an unprecedented layer of importance to this matchup is the backdrop of the dissolving Pac-12 Conference. As the only two remaining schools without a guaranteed conference home beyond this season, Washington State and Oregon State have become colloquially known as the “Pac-2.” This game takes on the feel of a de facto championship for the schools fighting for their survival and a new path forward in college athletics. Their joint legal efforts to secure the Pac-12’s remaining assets and chart a future path for their athletic programs, ideally maintaining Power 5 status, have forged a unique, if reluctant, alliance. This backdrop transforms a traditional rivalry game into a profound statement about their collective resilience and shared destiny, offering an early glimpse into what a new conference arrangement could feel like for them.

The Beavers enter this pivotal game under new leadership. Longtime Head Coach Jonathan Smith, who significantly revitalized the Oregon State program, departed earlier this week to take the head coaching position at Michigan State. Defensive Coordinator Trent Bray has been elevated to interim head coach for this contest, bringing a new dynamic to the Beavers’ sideline. Washington State, meanwhile, continues under the leadership of Head Coach Jake Dickert.

On the field, the game pits two contrasting offensive philosophies against each other. Oregon State is expected to lean heavily on its formidable run game, led by standout running back Damien Martinez and orchestrated by quarterback DJ Uiagalelei, complemented by a stout defense that will be looking to control the line of scrimmage. Washington State, conversely, will likely rely on its high-octane passing attack, quarterbacked by the dynamic Cameron Ward, to move the ball and score points. The first meeting saw a combined 73 points, suggesting another high-scoring affair could be in store as both teams unleash their offensive arsenals.

Oregon State is currently favored by 2.5 points, reflecting their home-field advantage and overall record. The total points line is set around 59.5, indicating expectations for an offensive battle.

This isn’t just a rivalry game; it’s a battle for a bowl bid, for pride, and for the very future narrative of two programs navigating an uncertain landscape. Catch all the action live this Saturday, November 25th, on FOX.