Scouting Report: WSU At Oregon State

7:15 p.m., Reser Stadium, Corvallis

Offense

Washington State: The key for the Cougars offense is obvious: Hold on to the ball. The Cougars have coughed up 19 fumbles this year. Eleven of those have been recovered by the opposing team. The last two Cougars losses can be directly attributed to turnovers. Not just the two overtime interceptions, but the ones during regulation as well. All nine of the Cougars’ turnovers against Arizona and ASU came in the opponents’ territory. Two were inside the 10-yard line. Against Oregon State’s defense (No. 2 in the Pac-10), you don’t get that many chances so you have to make the most of them.

Oregon State: Statistically, the Beavers have the top offense in the Pac-10. Running back Ken Simonton is the reason why. The junior averages 142 yards per game and is the quickest through the hole in the Pac-10. His backup, Peter McCall, a transfer from Michigan, is also coming on strong. He had 146 yards against UCLA. The passing game is similar to what WSU has run in the past with a lot of quick outs and crossing patterns. Quarterback Jonathan Smith does not have a big arm, but he does not make many mistakes, either.

Advantage: None

Defense

Washington State: In order to keep the Beavers in check, the Cougars’ defensive line will have to plug the gaps up front and do more than just arm-tackle. That hasn’t happened yet for the Cougars. Washington State is quick to the ball, but against OSU needs to be wary of overpursuing. Simonton can break back and go the distance at any time. The Cougars’ outside rush is getting better and they will need that against Smith.

Oregon State: The Beavers are the one team in the league that has the talent in the secondary to keep up with WSU’s receivers. Terrance Carroll and Co. have 100-plus starts between them. The group has allowed 211 passing yards per game. Defensive end DeLawrence Grant has also come up big for the Beavers. The senior has forced four fumbles and has four sacks. The linebacking corps is quick, hits hard and wraps up better than anyone in the Pac-10.

Advantage: Oregon State

Special teams

Washington State: Kicker Anousith Wilaikul is 6 of 8 on field goals. That’s a better average than Rian Lindell, now with the Seahawks, had last year. But Wilaikul’s two misses could have been game-winners. Until he proves he can kick in the clutch, the Cougars are in trouble.

Oregon State: Washington State’s kicker/punter Alan Cox had two tackles last week. That’s not a good sign, especially when the No. 2 kickoff return team is next on the schedule. The Beavers should be able to establish good field position with their kickoff return man Ricky Walker (24.3 yards per return) and punt returner T. J. Houshmandzadeh (10.6 yards per return).

Advantage: Oregon State

The score: Oregon State 42, Washington State 32