WSU offense needs a breakthrough against Oregon State

Washington State will start redshirt freshman quarterback Owen Eshelman when it visits Oregon State at 3 p.m. Saturday in Corvallis. It will be Eshelman’s first college start, after he played two snaps earlier this season against FCS Duquesne. He replaces Caden Pinnick, whose passing struggles helped leave the Cougars with a sputtering offense.

WSU enters at 1-5 overall and 0-2 in Pac-12 play, averaging 12.6 points per game. Its minus-6 turnover margin ranks 129th nationally. The Cougars have also opened 0-6 for the first time since 2010, while a 10-bowl appearance run across the past 11 full seasons is at risk. Coach Kirby Moore has already taken over playcalling, and Eshelman’s arm strength and accuracy offer a chance to create more downfield opportunities.

The challenge is severe: Oregon State is 4-2 and 2-0, averaging 522 total yards per game, fifth in the country, after beating San Diego State 66-14. Quarterback Braden Atkinson leads the nation with 376 passing yards per game and has 21 touchdown throws against two interceptions. Freshman receiver Jesse Legree leads the country with 12 receiving touchdowns. WSU’s defense has kept the team competitive but has allowed several explosive plays. The game also marks the 112th meeting between the schools and includes an unofficial, fan- and alumni-backed rivalry rock that has not yet been named. Oregon State opened as a 17.5-point favorite.