| When the Cougars run the ball: The Cougars actually sport the conference’s second-best rushing offense with the three-headed backfield of Tardy, Woolridge and Hutsona meshing nicely. Oregon State was gashed on the ground by Cal last week, and the Cougars will look for similar success. EDGE: WSU |
| When the Cougars pass the ball: Oregon State isn’t likely to give up another 531 passing yards to Alex Brink this season, but it’s not likely to pick off four more passes, either. The Cougars seem to have found a happy medium by throwing short, which means WSU is more likely to control this game through the air. EDGE: WSU |
| When the Beavers run the ball: Yvenson Bernard and the entire offensive line returns from last season’s team, but Oregon State hasn’t been able to run the ball against good teams after falling well behind. WSU would seem to have an advantage, but injuries on the defensive line might tilt the playing field Oregon State’s way. EDGE: OSU |
| When the Beavers pass the ball: Matt Moore has struggled and is under fire from Oregon State fans, but even without Mike Hass to throw to this season he still might make some inroads against the Cougars pass defense. Think Moore might try to hit a pass or two over the middle? EDGE: EVEN |
| Coaching/intangibles: If Moore is catching heat from Beavers fans, then head coach Mike Riley is sitting in an oven after an embarrassing blowout loss to Cal. The Beavers know this is an absolute must win, but their confidence is not nearly at the level of the Cougars’ right now. EDGE: WSU |
| Dennis Erickson tenure: Erickson did well at WSU in his two seasons, but winning a BCS bowl with the Beavers can’t be matched. For the record, the Cougars defeated Erickson’s Idaho team 56-10 this year while the Beavers beat the Vandals 38-0. EDGE: OSU |
