Oregon State defense and Jack Colletto's rushing overcome Washington State
Oregon State is well on its way to bowl eligibility, and the defense is leading the way.
The Beavers limited Washington State to 10 points Saturday, coming away with a 24-10 victory at Reser Stadium in Corvallis.
With the win, Oregon State is 5-2 overall and 2-2 in the Pac-12, just one win shy of qualifying for a bowl game for the second season in a row.
The Beavers’ rushing defense was strong, allowing 23 yards on 20 carries.
The Cougars threw for 345 yards, but Oregon State tightened up defensively when it had to, holding Washington State to just two scoring drives.
Ryan Cooper Jr. had an interception for the Beavers.
The Beavers’ defense has been stellar at Reser Stadium this season, allowing 14.6 points per game against Boise State, USC and Washington State.
Oregon State Beavers football: 5 takeaways from first half of the 2022 season
Oregon State struggled offensively — they were outgained 368-344.
Beavers quarterback Ben Gulbranson was 12 of 24 for 141 yards, one touchdown and one interception.
Gulbranson’s touchdown pass was completed with a great catch by West Salem graduate Anthony Gould, who went up and grabbed it in the end zone for a 17-yard score.
Oregon State’s offense was bailed out by Jack Colletto, who has become automatic in goal-line offensive situations. Colletto brought in two touchdowns, with runs of 1 and 2 yards.
This was another badly needed win for the Beavers, who have won two in a row since their consecutive losses to USC and Utah.
Oregon State next hosts Colorado at 5 p.m. Saturday with a chance to become bowl eligible before its bye week.
The Beavers finish the season after the bye against Washington, California, Arizona State and Oregon.
Pete Martini covers high school and college sports. You may reach him at pmartini@statesmanjournal.com.
This article originally appeared on Salem Statesman Journal: Oregon State defense, Jack Colletto's rushing overcome Washington State
