Predictions: No. 11 Oregon State Beavers @ Arizona Wildcats
By 750 THE GAME STAFF
Each week our staff at 750 The Game and fellow Pac-12 experts predict the score of every Oregon State Beavers game. This week the No. 11 Oregon State Beavers (6-1) travel to Tucson to take on the Arizona Wildcats (4-3). The Vegas line has Oregon State -3.5.
John Canzano:
This is going to be a great game. Arizona is improved in 2023 and entered the bye week playing itss best football of the season. Meanwhile, Oregon State is trying to get to the conference championship game and can’t afford a loss here.
Oregon State 34, Arizona 31
Jon Wilner:
It’s strength on strength in the Week 9 nightcap with Oregon State’s relentless running game facing an Arizona run defense that ranks No. 14 nationally in yards allowed. That suggests the outcome depends on matchups elsewhere, specifically: Arizona quarterback Noah Fifita’s efficiency against an OSU pass defense that has performed well all season. We should note that the Beavers have covered the spread in eight of the past 12 series meetings.
Pick: Arizona +3.5
T.J. Mathewson:
You can’t underestimate how important it is for Oregon State to focus on this game and this game only. A 7:30 PM kickoff in Tucson facing a hot quarterback and a stout defense that stops the run and gets after the quarterback just reeks of upset potential. While the Beavers are going to need another good performance out of their quarterback DJ Uiagalelei, Oregon State needs a significantly better performance out of their defense on the road to stay on track. Both Pac-12 road games have been a defensive disaster and this hand shows all the cards for another offensive dual between these two programs. I can’t pick against Oregon State, though. They are the better team, there is nothing in their play which tells me I should pick against them. They will sneak this one out at the end with a late touchdown or field goal.
Oregon State 38, Arizona 31
Steven Vaughan:
As a betting degenerate, I like to bet on games. I have no good feel on this one. Having said that, I think it’s going to come down to something simple. If the Arizona defensive line can stand up to the physical Oregon State offensive line, the Wildcats have a legit chance to win. Arizona’s offense is really good. Jedd Fisch is a great coach. I think Oregon State’s offensive line gets the job done and Oregon State pushes around the Wildcats enough.
Oregon State 35, Arizona 27
Judah Newby:
Anyone else getting 2008 vibes for this one?
I see way more points this year than the 19-17 final from 15 years ago that kept OSU’s Rose Bowl hopes alive at the time, but it ended in a fashion similar to what I predict for this Saturday night: a 24-yard Justin Kahut field goal to win. Atticus Sappington – get ready. This game will come down to you.
Oregon State 37, Arizona 34