The pick: Why Washington State will beat Oregon State

CORVALLIS – The last time the Cougars came here, it took a dominant finish to recover from an uninspired start in order to knock off the Gary Andersen-era Beavers. If Washington State is playing uninspired ball at any point of Saturday’s game, it’ll be presumably be in the third or fourth quarter, with the Cougars already clinging onto a three- or four-touchdown lead. Jermar Jefferson and OSU’s run game, which could also return Artavis Pierce, have presented some level of threat to every team the Beavers have faced this season, but in a game where the Cougars have an overwhelming edge in passing yards, they could also outdo the hosts on the ground. Scoring should come easy for Mike Leach and WSU Saturday in Corvallis and so should 5-1.

The pick: Washington State 48, Oregon State 24.