> ## Content Index
> Fetch the complete content index at: https://www.emeraldcityspectrum.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further.

# Analysis: Two Keys For Washington State to Enact Revenge vs. Oregon State
- URL: https://www.emeraldcityspectrum.com/washington-state-keys-victory-oregon-state-rematch-revenge/
- Published: 2025-11-29T22:26:52.000Z
- Updated: 2026-10-08T06:17:02.000Z
- Author: Jacob Stevenson
- Tags: Analysis, Jimmy Rogers, Zevi Eckhaus, Cougars, Maxwell Woods, Kirby Vorhees

\[caption id="" align="alignnone" width="7128"\]

![  Washington State Cougars quarterback Zevi Eckhaus (4) hands the ball to Washington State Cougars running back Kirby Vorhees (9) during the first quarter at Reser Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Craig Strobeck-Imagn Images  ](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1d/f2/1df2f77b-83dd-4bc0-a6d2-6d1bb5df89a3/content/images/2026/10/usatsi_27479562-format-original-3.jpg)

Washington State Cougars quarterback Zevi Eckhaus (4) hands the ball to Washington State Cougars running back Kirby Vorhees (9) during the first quarter at Reser Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Craig Strobeck-Imagn Images \[/caption\]

The Washington State Cougars host the Oregon State Beavers on Senior Day, and with a win, the Cougars would close out Jimmy Rogers’ first season as a bowl-eligible team. The Cougars have already faced the Beavers once this year, losing 10- 7 in Corvallis a disappointing result against a one-win team in a game where Washington State managed only seven points. For WSU to secure bowl eligibility this time, they will need a much sharper offensive performance and must correct several issues that hurt them in the first matchup in Corvallis.

Both teams enter the weekend coming off losses before their respective bye weeks. Oregon State fell to Tulsa 31-14, while Washington State dropped a tough home game to James Madison in a 24-20 loss. With postseason hopes at stake, the Cougars cannot afford another offensive slump in Pullman.

Here are two keys to watch in Saturday’s regular season finale:

**Make Oregon State Beat You Through the Air**

Oregon State has struggled offensively throughout the season, especially in the passing game. In the first matchup with Washington State, quarterbacks Maalik Murphy and Gabarri Johnson combined to go just 12-for-18 for 60 yards, averaging only 3.3 yards per completion. Their struggles continued in their most recent outing against Tulsa, where they combined to complete 11 of 25 passes for only 100 yards.

However, the Beavers did receive a spark from true freshman Tristan Ti’a, who received his first significant action against Tulsa. Ti’a went 8-for-11 for 141 yards, but also threw two interceptions, making his accurate stat line look far less impressive. Interim head coach Robb Akey has not announced a starter for Saturday, but given Ti’a’s performance, it is likely he will get snaps in some capacity on Saturday.

Running back Anthony Hankerson has been the bright spot of Oregon State’s offense, rushing for 1,015 yards and nine touchdowns. Outside of Hankerson, however, the Beavers have not generated consistent production on the ground. Washington State’s run defense has been excellent for most of the season, and that strength must continue to force the Beavers to have to air it out to try and move the ball. If the Cougars can limit Hankerson and force the Beavers into obvious passing situations, they should be able to exploit Oregon State’s season-long instability at quarterback.

**Second Half Offensive Production**

Washington State’s defense has been strong all year, but the offense has struggled with consistency, particularly having chronic issues scoring points in the second half of games. The first meeting with Oregon State was a perfect example of this problem rearing its ugly head once again. The Cougars didn’t put up a single point after halftime in Corvallie, and when an offense disappears for an entire half, winning becomes extremely difficult, especially on the road.

To secure a victory on Saturday, Washington State must sustain drives and most importantly, find a way to produce points in the second half. The defense has carried the team for stretches of the season, but it cannot be expected to win games without any offensive support. The running game behind Kirby Vorhees and Maxwell Woods will be important to maintain balance, and quarterback Zevi Eckhaus must avoid costly mistakes that have nipped him and the Cougs on offense all year. His pick-six against James Madison was costly, and ball security will be essential against an Oregon State team that has struggled this season.

**The Path to a Bowl Game**

With just one win separating Washington State from bowl eligibility, the formula is straightforward: take care of the football, find steady offensive production throughout the game, and force Oregon State to beat you through the air. If the Cougars execute those keys, they should be in a strong position to secure their first bowl appearance of the Jimmy Rogers era and amend for one of their worst losses of the season in a rare regular season rematch.