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# Preview: Zevi Eckhaus, Washington State Seek Revenge and Bowl Bid vs. Oregon State
- URL: https://www.emeraldcityspectrum.com/washington-state-cougars-oregon-state-beavers-rematch/
- Published: 2025-11-29T00:34:36.000Z
- Updated: 2026-10-08T06:17:02.000Z
- Author: Corbin Smith
- Tags: Cougars, Zevi Eckhaus, Isaac Terrell, Kirby Vorhees

In a rare rematch during a college football season, the Washington State Cougars host the Oregon State Beavers this Saturday in Pullman, looking to avenge an earlier loss to their lone Pac-12 rival. This isn’t just another late-season game — it’s a chance for both teams to redefine their momentum, leave a final impression on the season, and fight for pride in a rivalry that always brings extra intensity, particularly with Washington State still having a bowl game to play for.

For Washington State, a win means more than just wrapping up with a victory: it’s about building confidence and ending the year on a high note by clinching a bowl bid for first-year coach Jimmy Rogers. The Cougars have shown flashes of balance when they commit to the run game with Kirby Vorhees and company and protect the football, and in a rivalry atmosphere, consistency and discipline could pay off big. Their offense will likely lean on establishing a steady ground game — setting up manageable third downs, controlling the clock, and forcing the Beavers to stay honest on defense without having a one-dimensional attack.

On defense, Isaac Terrell and WSU’s front will need to pressure OSU’s backfield, shut down inside runs, and force the Beavers into uncomfortable down-and-distance situations, something they weren’t quite as consistent as they would have like to be with in the first game between these two teams. If the Cougars dominate the line of scrimmage and find a way to create a turnover or two, they could control the tempo from start to finish.

But Oregon State won’t go down quietly closing out what has been a very disappointing season. The Beavers will lean on their physical rushing attack led by Anthony Hankerson — pounding the ball early, wearing down WSU’s defensive front, and flipping field position. Their identity seems rooted in toughness, clock control, and pounding out yards in chunks: if OSU can get the ground game going and set a physical tone, they could tilt the momentum in their favor. On offense, the Beavers will likely try to establish rhythm and keep drives alive; if they can sustain drives and stay patient, they may be able to take advantage of any breakdowns in WSU’s defense.

Defensively, OSU must remain disciplined, avoid big mistakes, and hold up in goal-line or third-down situations, hoping to force Washington State quarterback Zevi Eckhaus into a bad decision or two to add to their eight interceptions as a team for the season. In a rivalry game, mental errors and flashiness rarely win — steady, clean football usually does. That gave the Beavers an advantage in the first go-around between rivals.

This matchup feels destined to be gritty, physical, and tightly contested even if there’s not anything close to a conference title or College Football Playoff berth to be had — a battle of trenches, discipline, and execution, rather than highlight-reel plays. The winning edge will likely go to whichever team controls the line, won’t beat themselves with turnovers or penalties, and manages the emotional energy with poise.

If Washington State can run consistently, protect the football and lean on pressure in the backfield, they have a real shot at controlling the game. If Oregon State gets its ground game rolling early and sustains drives while staying rugged on defense, they could steal a road win and salvage the season with pride intact. Either way — don’t expect a blowout. Expect a hard-fought, maybe one-score game — classic rivalry, classic college football.