The Beavers bite the Cougars in the lone Pac-12 matchup of this 2024 college football season, as Oregon State beats the odds in a 41-38 victory.
The two remaining Pac-12 programs matched up during OSU’s senior night in front of a completely sold-out Reser Stadium.
The Beavers were heading home empty-handed, seeing a fifth straight loss to the Air Force Falcons after beginning the season 4-1 to end up at 4-6 and figuratively scoring zero points being shutout.
Playing host to a Washington State Cougars team who recently appeared in the top 25 before losing to the New Mexico Lobos the prior week, the Beavers were hoping to display a good fight against one of their bitter rivals.
The first half would see a back-and-forth, with OSU’s offense setting the tone early that they would not let this game get away from them. Quarterback Ben Glubrason would boast a perfect compilation percentage, going 10 for 10 on his pass attempts, with Trent Walker having 81 receiving yards off of five catches.
The Beavers would also out run the Cougars, with over 100 total rushing yards at the half, including three rushing touchdowns, averaging a little over 5.5 yards a carry. All this for OSU to hold the lead 21-17.
“Being better at routes, that requires detail, so that really helps him too,” said head coach Trent Bray. “I know he’s (Ben Gulbranson) capable, so getting to see it unfold is really special.”
Stadium on Nov 23. Gulbranson passed for 294 yards and 2 touchdowns, greatly which aided the Beavers in their narrow win over the Cougars. (Sean Snyder)
Following the second half, despite two picks, Gulbranson would finish his night with 294 passing yards and two touchdown passes. The Oregon State defense would, too, show up when it mattered most, holding the Cougars’ offense to 2 for 7 on third downs.
With under two minutes to go, OSU cornerback Exodus Ayers forced a fumble, and linebacker Jaden Robinson recovered. The Beavers’ offense would wear down the clock, as kicker Everett Hayes would call the game with a 54-yard field goal to bring the final score to 41-38, Beavers.
“All the ups and downs has really helped me improve as a person and as a kicker, so it was really awesome to do this on senior night too,” said Everett Hayes when asked about his emotions after and before the game.
OSU’s offense would gain over 480 total yards and defensively would hold the Cougars offense to under 140 rushing yards after coming in which they were averaging.
Oregon State will take to the road one last time this season, with their final matchup of the year against the number 12 ranked Boise State Broncos and their Heisman finalist, Ashton Jeanty, on Nov. 29.