A historic matchup awaits on Saturday as No. 14 Oregon State takes on No. 21 Washington State at Martin Stadium in Pullman, Washington. This will be the first time in 97 previous matchups that both teams meet as ranked opponents. Expectations are high, with a sellout crowd anticipated and a national television audience tuning in. It’s shaping up to be an exciting college football showdown.
Washington State athletic director Pat Chun expressed his excitement, stating, “How are two ranked football programs with the history both programs have in the circumstances that they’re in?”
Oregon State enters the game with their highest AP Top 25 ranking in over a decade, while Washington State returns to the rankings for the first time since 2019. Despite being opponents on the field, both schools are facing an uncertain future off the field as the last remaining teams in the Pac-12 conference.
The Pac-12 conference has undergone significant changes recently, with USC and UCLA announcing their intentions to join the Big Ten in 2024. Oregon and Washington will also be departing for the East, while other Pac-12 teams have found new homes in the Big 12 and ACC. Oregon State and Washington State find themselves in a precarious situation as the conference they have been a part of since the beginning of major college football faces an uncertain future.
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While disappointed, the matchup between two ranked teams serves as an opportunity for Oregon State and Washington State to showcase their worth and prove their value to the nation.
Both schools have a rich history in college football, having survived various conference transitions and played at the highest level. However, the changing landscape of college football has shifted the focus to metrics such as ratings and brand power, rather than the traditional regional rivalries. This shift has led to schools like Stanford and UCLA playing conference games on the other side of the country.
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Oregon State and Washington State were originally founded to serve their agricultural communities, not as media market powerhouses. The schools and their passionate fan bases feel that the focus should be on the quality of their programs and their achievements. Despite the uncertainty surrounding their future, both schools are determined to prove their worth on the national stage.
Oregon State has experienced a significant turnaround in recent years under the leadership of former Beavers star quarterback Jonathan Smith. The team had their first 10-win season in over 15 years last year and currently has a chance to win the conference this season. The support from the community has been tremendous, with increased ticket sales and strong attendance at home games.
Washington State, under coach Jake Dickert, has also had a strong start to the season, with impressive wins against Colorado State and Wisconsin. The fans have shown their unwavering support, understanding the significance of the moment for their team and the community.
Both Oregon State and Washington State find themselves in a state of uncertainty as the conference landscape continues to evolve. Despite the challenges, they remain focused on rebuilding the Pac-12 conference and have taken legal action to protect their interests. In the meantime, they are determined not to be victims but rather to make the most of their current situation.
On Saturday, the courtrooms and legal battles will be set aside as football takes center stage. Oregon State will be looking to end their losing streak against Washington State on the road, while the Cougars aim to avenge last year’s loss. Both teams are eager to establish themselves in the first game of Pac-12 play and prove their worth.
