Washington State tops Oregon State 24-21

**Cougars Claim Emotional ‘Pac-2’ Victory Over Beavers in Corvallis Showdown**

**Corvallis, OR – November 18, 2023** – In a contest dripping with significance far beyond the typical conference rivalry, the Washington State Cougars clinched a hard-fought 24-21 victory over the Oregon State Beavers on Saturday night at Reser Stadium. Broadcast live on CBS, the prime-time clash lived up to its billing as both teams, the remaining members of a fractured Pac-12 Conference, battled with intense pride and a glimpse into their uncertain future.

The game, dubbed by many as the “Pac-2 Championship,” saw the Cougars overcome an early deficit and mount a crucial second-half surge to secure the win. Washington State’s offense found its rhythm in the third quarter, putting up 10 critical points that ultimately proved to be the margin of victory. While Oregon State, playing in front of their home crowd, fought valiantly to the final whistle, they were unable to bridge the gap, leaving the Beavers with a bitter defeat.

This matchup carried an unprecedented emotional weight due to the impending dissolution of the Pac-12. With ten of the conference’s twelve schools departing for other Power Five leagues – Big Ten, Big 12, and ACC – Oregon State and Washington State are currently the only two institutions without a confirmed conference home for the 2024 season and beyond. This unique predicament imbued the contest with an extra layer of competitive fire, as each program sought to assert dominance and lay a claim to the conference’s legacy amidst ongoing legal and administrative battles.

The atmosphere at Reser Stadium reflected the high stakes, with fans from both sides contributing to a raucous environment under the lights. The back-and-forth action was emblematic of two teams not just playing for a win, but for respect, identity, and a statement about their resilience.

For Washington State, the victory moves them to 5-6 on the season, keeping their bowl eligibility hopes alive with one game remaining. The win also provides a significant boost in morale and bragging rights in what has become a deeply symbolic rivalry. Oregon State, now 7-4, will undoubtedly rue missed opportunities, as the loss potentially impacts their final rankings and bowl game prospects.

As the dust settles on this intense encounter, the focus for both programs will quickly shift from the field to their future in the rapidly evolving landscape of college athletics. The “Pac-2” may have played their most significant game to date, but the broader fight for their survival and stability continues.