The Pac-12's new chapter brings Washington State (1-5, 0-2) to Reser Stadium to face Oregon State (4-2, 2-0) at 6 p.m. on USA Network. The Beavers want to stay unbeaten in league play, while the Cougars are hoping for a fresh start.
Oregon State insider Juniper Ostrowski corrects everyone's tree species and calls the Beaver offense "old-growth." It's hard to argue. Braden Atkinson has 2,257 yards and 21 touchdowns, Jesse Legree has 932 receiving yards and 12 scores, and left tackle Josiah Timoteo and lineman Carter Guillaume are expected back. Washington State insider Hank Palouse has the tapes from every Pullman game since cassettes. He's ready to record a new beginning: redshirt freshman Owen Eshelman makes his first career start after Caden Pinnick was benched.
Wazzu also has questions at left tackle, where Ashton Tripp is questionable. Oregon State is missing linebacker Kord Shaw, cornerback Kai Wheaton and safety RJ Whitten. ESPN ranks the Beaver offense ninth in the country. Calm weather should let the passing game work.
Our call: Oregon State 35, Washington State 16.