WEEK 14 GAME SCHEDULE
Saturday, November 30, 2024
Oregon State Beavers vs Boise State Broncos
SERIES HISTORY
Oregon State Beavers Notes
Game Notes
• Oregon State closes out its 2024 regular season Friday when visiting Boise State. Kickoff at Albertsons Stadium in Boise is slated for 9 a.m. PT (10 a.m. in Boise). • The game will air live on FOX. Tim Brando (play-by-play), Devin Gardner (analyst) and Josh Sims (sideline) will call the action. • The game will air live on the Beaver Sports Radio Network. For a list of affiliates, turn to page two of these notes. • Every game this season can be heard live on the Varsity Network, a free application available via computer browsers, smartphones and tablets. After downloading the application, search for Oregon State. • The teams are meeting for the 11th time, with Oregon State holding a 6-4 advantage in the series. The Beavers were 34-17 winners in 2022, the last meeting. The teams last met in Boise in 2010, a 37-24 win by the Broncos.
Oregon State By The Numbers
21 – Conversions on 37 fourth-down attempts this season. The 21 successful attempts rank third nationally.
28 – Rushing scores, third-most by a Beaver squad dating back to 1996. That trails only 2022 (36) and 2021 (33).
41 – Points by the Beavers versus WSU, marking a season-high.
45.6 – Percent success rate on third down- 73-for-160 – ranking 23rd nationally.
77 – Catches for Trent Walker, which is good for 10th in a single-season at OSU. His 12 catches against Washington State are tied for the eighth-most in a game. Walker ranks 10th nationally for total catches.
972 – Rush yards by Anthony Hankerson this season. He is 28 yards shy of the 19th 1,000-yard season in Oregon State history.
2012 – The last time OSU defeated top-25 opponents in back-to-back games, doing so versus No. 13 Wisconsin and No. 19 UCLA.
Against Boise State
• The teams are meeting for the 11th time, with Oregon State holding a 6-4 advantage. It’s just the fourth game in Boise between future conference opponents, with the Broncos leading there, 3-1. \ Just one point separates the teams, with OSU totaling 295 to Boise State’s 294. • The Beavers are 3-0 in games decided by seven points or less. • Oregon State head coach Trent Bray is 3-1 as a member of the Beavers versus Boise State. He was 2-1 as a linebacker, winning games in Corvallis in 2003 and 2005. He was also Oregon State’s defensive coordinator in the Beavers’ 34-17 win in 2022, also in Corvallis. \ Bray’s 19 tackles in the 2004 game are the most by a Beaver against the Broncos. That tally also marks the seventh-most in a game at Oregon State. • Skyler Thomas is the lone current Beaver on defense who made a tackle in the 2022 matchup, totaling two solo. No current players on the offensive side of the ball made a catch, a rush or a pass in the 2022 game. • Mike Hass’ 293 yards at Boise State in 293 is the most in a single-game ever by a Beaver. He also had 12 catches in that game, which is tied for eighth. \ A look at top individual performances by Oregon State players against Boise State heading into the game:
To Bowl
• Getting to 6-6 would make the Beavers bowl eligible for the fourth consecutive season. Oregon State has made four consecutive bowl games once previously, from 2006 to 2009 when it went to the Sun Bowl, Emerald Bowl, Sun Bowl and Las Vegas Bowl, in that order. • The Beavers went to the Los Angeles Bowl in 2021, the Las Vegas Bowl in 2022 and the Sun Bowl in 2023.
Boise State Broncos Notes
A WIN WOULD…
• Be Boise State’s 11th overall win of the season, which is its most since 2019 (12-2). • Extend the Broncos’ winning streak to 10 games, which would be their longest in a single-season since 2010 (10-game winning streak to start the season). • Be Boise State’s 11th straight win at home. • Complete Boise State’s first perfect home record during the regular season since 2019 (6-0; 7-0 including the MW Championship). • Register Boise State’s 122nd win while playing as a ranked team in the AP Top 25 poll.
WHAT’S THE RUSH?
Boise State, which owns the fifth-best rushing offense in the country (252.0 ypg), has run for 200+ yards in eight games this season. It marks the third straight season in which the Broncos have at least seven 200-yard rushing games in a single season. The last time Boise State had more than eight 200-yard rushing games in a season was 2014, when it had nine. New Mexico (7) is the only other Mountain West team this season with five or more games of 200 rushing yards.
ESTABLISHING THE RUN GAME
The current average of 252.0 rushing yards per game is the highest average in the program’s FBS era (since 1996), with the next-closest being 229.8 yards per game, achieved in 2004. The Broncos rank second in the FBS in yards per carry, averaging 6.45. This year, the Broncos have 12 individual 100-yard rushing performances, a single-season program record. The previous record of 11 was set in 2014. Per Stats Perform, Boise State has outrushed its opponent in 10 games, with Tennessee (11) being the only FBS team to do so more.
GROUND GAME
Boise State’s total of 2,772 rushing yards is already the highest regular season number of the program’s FBS era (since 1996). Only three Bronco FBS teams have finished the season with more rushing yards. The 2006 team ran for 2,784, the 2014 squad had 2,994 and the 2023 group rushed for 3,008. The Blue and Orange have 38 rushing touchdowns this season, the team’s most in a regular season since the 2006 Broncos had the same number. The 2004 team finished with 46 regular season rushing touchdowns.
IN TOTALITY
While the Boise State offense has been churning in the run game, it also ranks among the best in total offense as the Broncos are fifth in the nation with 479.5 yards per game. Boise State has four games of 500+ total yards this season, which already equals its total from the last two seasons combined and are its most in a season since 2013 (4). The program’s FBS record for most 500-yard games of total offense during a season is six set in 1996.
OFFENSIVE ONSLAUGHT
Boise State ranks third nationally with 41.2 points per game, the most since 2011, when the Broncos averaged 44.2. At the current rate, Boise State will finish the regular season with 494 points, the team’s highest regular season total since 2011, when the Broncos finished with 519 points. The current total of 453 points surpasses the season total from the last four seasons. In addition to being fifth in the country in total offense, Boise State is third in the country in yards per play (7.03) and fifth in total yards (5,274). The Broncos are one of only 12 FBS teams with 5,000 or more total yards entering Week 14.
UNDER PRESSURE
Boise State’s pass rushers have been incredibly effective in reaching the quarterback this season. According to Pro Football Focus Ultimate, the Broncos have 189 total pressures, which combines sacks, hits and hurries. This is tied for 14th in the FBS. There are 14 Broncos with multiple pressures and 23 Broncos with at least one. Ahmed Hassanein has a team-high 48, ranking sixth in the country. He also has 13 quarterback hits, ranking second in the country.
BRONCOS IN THE BACKFIELD
Boise State continues to wreak havoc in opponents’ backfields, ranking second in the nation with 43 sacks. The 43 total sacks are the most since 2014, when the Broncos had 47 sacks. The 1996 and 2010 squads each had 49 sacks, the program record for the FBS era, which began in 1996. Leading the attack for the Broncos are Jayden Virgin-Morgan (9.0) and Ahmed Hassanein (8.5). They are one of one duos in the FBS with at least 8.5 sacks each, joined by Suntarine Per and Princely Umanmielen (10.5 each) from Ole Miss. The Broncos also have 87 tackles for loss, tied for eighth in the country.
DOWN, NOT OUT
Boise State has not trailed much this season, but it faced a 14-0 deficit after the first 24+ minutes of the game at San Jose State. The Broncos came back, however, and secured their largest deficit overcome since Oct. 7, 2023 vs. San Jose State (trailed 27-7, won 35-27). Last week, Boise State trailed for over 21 minutes against Wyoming, but rallied from a 13-10 deficit in the fourth quarter to win, 17-13. The Broncos have trailed in four of their 10 wins this year and have only spent a combined 87:37 of game time trailing in games (13% of game time).
GET THE BALL OUT
Boise State has recovered eight fumbles this season, including two or more in three different games. The Broncos are first in the Mountain West and 11th in the country with 12 fumbles forced.
Wyoming Cowboys vs Washington State Cougars
Series History
The 2024 Meeting Will be the: 8th Overall
Series Record: Washington State leads, 5-2
Series Began: Sept. 29, 1962
UW Record in Laramie: 0-3
UW Record in Pullman: 2-2
UW Record at Neutral Sites: 0-0
UW Head Coach Jay Sawvel vs: 0-0
Longest UW Win Streak: 1 (Twice)
Longest WSU Win Streak: 2 (Twice)
Largest UW Margin of Victory: 21 (1964 and 1990)
Largest WSU Margin of Victory: 23 (2018)
Most Points Scored by UW: 34 (1990)
Most Points Scored by WSU: 41 (2018)
Wyoming Cowboys Notes
Third-Down Defense:
The Cowboy third-down defense this season has been outstanding. The Pokes hold opponents to 27 percent on the season to rank third in the nation and first in the Mountain West. Against Boise State, the Cowboys held Boise State to 1-of-10 on third down, as the Broncos came in ranking in the top-three in the nation averaging 53 percent on third down. For the season, Wyoming has held opponents to four or less in every game but one this season. If you take out the season opener (ASU 8/15) the Cowboys are holding opponent to 20 percent on third-down.
Getting Defensive:
The Wyoming defensive was on point against one of the nation’s top outfits in Boise State. Wyoming held Boise State to 140 yards below their season average of total offense. Wyoming held Boise State to 1-of-10 on third down and the Broncos were held to 26 points below their season average. It was a season-low in scoring for the Broncos and the fewest points they have scored since scoring 16 on Sept. 9,2023 against Central Florida.
Hoyland from Deep:
Wyoming kicker John Hoyland showed off his leg against Boise State. He was 2-of-3 on field goals including a season-long 54 yarder. He had a 49-yard kick last week at Colorado State. He is now 12-of-16 this season in field goals and is 11-of-12 inside the 50 yard line.
Stevenson Shows Out:
Wide receiver Justin Stevenson had a career game against Boise State. He had a career-high four catches for a career-high 82 yards. He also added his third touchdown of the season. He added a career-long 63-yard reception to set up a field goal for the Pokes in the fourth quarter. He has 15 receptions for 191 yards this season.
Getting to the Quarterback:
A pair of Cowboy veteran recorded a pair of sacks against Boise State. Linebacker Shae Suiaunoa recorded his first of the season on a third-down and DeVonne Harris recorded the second of the season and 14th of his career that would help the Cowboys hold Boise State to a field goal to close the first half.
Shay Closing Out Career Strong:
Linebacker Connor Shay is finishing his career strong with the Cowboys. He has led Wyoming in tackles in back-to-back games. He has 18 in the last two games with a career-high 12 against Colorado State and six against Boise State.
Sargent and Chunk Plays:
Wide Receiver Jaylen Sargent has been the king of the chunk plays through the air for the Cowboys this season. He had a 31-yard reception and a 41-yard reception against Boise State. Over his last three games, Sargent has six catches of 30-yards or more yards.
Harrison Since Return:
Cowboy running back Harrison Waylee has now appeared in three games for the Poke since his return from injury. He has recorded 254 rushing yards on 51 carries for five yards per rush and adds 84.7 yards per game.
Ferrell Closing Out Strong:
Running back Jamri Ferrell is closing his career strong for the Pokes. Over his last three games, Ferrell has recorded 201 yards on 37 carries for 5.4 per rush.
Chunk Plays for the Pokes:
The Cowboys were on point holding onto the ball moving the chains against Boise State. Wyoming had eight chunk plays with four catches of 15 or more yards and four rushes of 10 or more yards in the contest. Those chunk plays combined for 213 yards of the total offense output of 319 yards against the No. 12 Broncos.
Holding onto the Ball:
Wyoming held a 34:04-25:56 in time of possession against Boise State. It was the fourth time in the last five games with over 34 minutes of possession. Wyoming had a season-high 37 minute of possession against New Mexico. For the season Wyoming has the advantage on the season holding onto the ball 30:34 to 29:26.
Playing Discipline Football:
The Cowboys head into the contest at Washington State averaging 5.5 penalties per game to rank third in the Mountain West this season. Wyoming has had five or fewer penalties in five games this season.
A Note on Third Quarter Defense:
The Cowboy defense has been solid in the third quarter during conference play. In fact, Wyoming allowed only 20 points in the quarter in seven conference games. That number is 2.8 point allowed in the quarter this season.
Tough Schedule:
The Cowboys have played a tough schedule this season. In fact, Wyoming has played three opponents that are in the running for a spot in the College Football Playoff in Arizona State, BYU and Boise State. Colorado State and Washington State have also been in the polls or received votes this season. When Wyoming faces Washington State it will mark the eighth team that is Bowl Eligible that the Brown and Gold has played this season.
Harris Settling In:
Defensive end DeVonne Harris missed time this season with an injury. He recorded a season-high six tackles with a tackle for loss and a fumble recovery at Colorado State and added five with a sack and 1.5 tackles for loss against Boise State. He has 4.5 tackles for loss for the season and has 22.5 tackles for loss in his career with the Cowboys, as he is nearing the top-10 in career tackles for loss at UW.
Jayden Williams in the Middle:
Interior defensive lineman Jayden Williams has recorded a solid redshirt freshman season for the Cowboys with 28 tackles for the season. He recorded a career-high seven tackles for the Brown and Gold at Colorado State and earned the start for the Brown and Gold against Boise State. Ferrell with a Big Run: Running back Jamari Ferrell finished the game at Colorado State with six carries for 74 yards. Ferrell recorded a 62-yard rush in the third quarter for the longest of his career.
Sargent Stepping Up:
Wide receiver Jaylen Sargent has also had his best stretch of football the last three games for the Brown and Gold. At Colorado State, Sargent recorded three catches for 45 yards. In his last three games, Sargent has recorded 317 yards after recording 186 at New Mexico adding 86 against BSU.
Westland Racks Up Tackles:
Defensive end Tyce Westland and DeVonne Harris had strong games at Colorado State with 14 tackles combined as the group is shorthanded due to injuries. Westland had eight tackles against the Rams tying a career best. For the season, Westland has 37 tackles and two sacks. The former eight-man player from Nebraska also has five tackles for loss.
Bertagnole and Tackles for Loss:
Defensive tackle Jordan Bertagnole will go down as one of the top Cowboys to play the position in program. He ranks in the top-10 in career tackles for loss for the Cowboys with 25 for his career. He had four tackles and a half tackle for loss at Colorado State.
About Washington State
The Cougars (8-3) were No. 18 in the College Football Playoff rankings two weeks ago before losing 38-35 at New Mexico and 41-38 at Oregon State. Washington State is 5-0 at home this season. John Mateer has completed 64% of his passes for 2,957 yards with 28 touchdowns (tied for fifth in the FBS) and six touchdowns. The dynamic dual-threat sophomore also leads the team with 770 rushing yards and has run for 14 touchdowns, which is a single-season program record for a quarterback. Wide receiver Kyle Williams has 56 receptions for 967 yards to lead the passing game. His 12 touchdown catches are second in the FBS behind San Jose State standout Nick Nash’s 14. Running back Wayshawn Parker, a freshman, has added 690 rushing yards and four touchdowns to the Cougars’ potent attack. Defensively, Washington State is allowing 29.3 points (98th) and 437.1 yards (118th) per game. Linebacker Taariq Al-Uqdah has 68 tackles and defensive back Ethan O’Connor has four interceptions to lead the team.
Washington State Cougars Notes
COUGARS HOST WYOMING FOR SENIOR NIGHT AT GESA FIELD
Washington State closes the regular season hosting Wyoming Saturday at Gesa Field. Kickoff is set for 3:40 p.m. on The CW. 17
ABOUT WASHINGTON STATE
Washington State enters the week with an 8-3 record for the first their most wins since 2018 and are bowl eligible for the eighth time in the last nine full seasons. The Cougars own the nation’s seventh-best scoring offense (38.8) while the defense is No. 25 in the country with 19 takeaways. Quarterback John Mateer leads the country with 42 touchdowns responsible for, fifth in the country in total offense (338.8) and passing touchdowns (28) while wide receiver Kyle Williams is second nationally with 12 receiving touchdowns and cornerback Ethan O’Connor is No. 12 in the country with four interceptions. Head coach Jake Dickert owns a 23-19 career record and is in his third full season.
COUGAR QUICK GAME
TEAM
• WSU is 8-3 for the most wins since 2018, has won 6 straight at Gesa Field, seeking first 9 win season since 2018 • WSU is bowl eligible for the third time under Jake Dickert and for the eighth time in last nine full seasons • WSU owns 3 fourth-quarter comeback wins this season (San Jose State, at Fresno State, at San Diego State) • WSU owns 10 100-yard rushing games this season, most since 2005 (11), owns 2 300-yard games (TTU, USU) • WSU’s 19 defensive takeaways this season are No. 25 nationally, most by WSU since 2022 (21) • WSU has returned 3 INT for touchdowns, the most since 2013 (4) • Jake Dickert and Bill Doba (2003-07) are the only WSU HC with 2 Apple Cup wins in 1st 4 seasons since 1960’s
PLAYER SPOTLIGHT
• QB John Mateer is the only quarterback in the country with 20+ pass TD and 10+ rush TD (28 pass – 14 rush) • Mateer set a WSU record for rush yards by a QB with 197 rush yards in the week 2 win over Texas Tech • WR Kyle Williams is 2nd in country with 12 rec TD, 7 rec TD in last 3 gms, leads team with 56 rec, 967 rec yds • RB Wayshawn Parker’s 149 rush yds vs Utah State was a WSU freshman record, 75-yard TD run, longest since ‘06 • TE Cooper Mathers owns WSU single-season record 6 rec TD in 2024, tied for 4th-most by a TE nationally • OL Fa’alili Fa’amoe, DB Jackson Lataimua, Edge Nusi Malani, OL Esa Pole; Polynesian Player of the Year Watch List • RT Fa’alili Fa’amoe was named to watch lists for The Outland Trophy, Lombardi, Polynesian, Reese’s Senior Bowl
