First look: WSU at Oregon State

Time: 4 p.m. Saturday TV: FSN

The records: WSU, 3-2, 1-1 Pac-10; Oregon State, 2-2, 0-1 Pac-10.

Last week: WSU lost to USC 28-22 at home; Oregon State lost 41-13 to California at home.

Last time: Oregon State kicked off a seven-game Cougars losing streak by overcoming a 30-13 deficit to win 44-33 in the Pac-10 opener in Corvallis on Oct. 1, 2005. WSU quarterback Alex Brink threw for a school-record 531 yards but had four second-half interceptions as the Cougars managed just a field goal after the half.

The line: WSU by 3

What it means for WSU: This could easily be called the most important game on the schedule for the Cougars, with the narrow loss to No. 3 USC behind them and difficult home games against Cal and Oregon up next. WSU must prove its strong play on national television last week was no fluke, and doing so at Reser Stadium, which has been a House of Horrors for WSU, would be an impressive statement.

What it means for Oregon State: The Beavers find themselves in a situation much like the one they were in last year when taking on the Cougars. Oregon State has beaten only Eastern Washington and Idaho and has been blown out by Boise State and Cal. Without a decent win – and with both losses coming against ranked opponents – it’s difficult to tell just how good this squad is and it needs a “statement” win.

Key matchup: Alex Brink vs. Sabby Piscitelli

Strong safety Piscitelli had one of those four second-half interceptions last season and returned it 23 yards for a momentum-changing score in the fourth quarter. Brink will test the OSU secondary with what appears to be a slightly more conservative passing attack. Piscitelli’s ability to get in Brink’s head could be tied closely to Oregon State’s fortunes.

Injury update: For the Cougars, DT Feveae’i Ahmu will miss 3-4 weeks, perhaps more, with a fracture that extends halfway through the fifth metatarsal in his left foot. LB Andy Mattingly of Mead will miss this week with a concussion, and S Michael Willis is questionable with a shoulder injury. In a bit of good news, LT Bobby Byrd (knee) is expected to make a limited return to practice today and might be able to play this week. For Oregon State, RT Josh Linehan (knee) will miss a second week.

Glenn Kasses