Oregon State vs. Arizona score predictions

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The Arizona Wildcats will host the Oregon State Beavers on Saturday as they celebrate homecoming.

Arizona (4-4, 2-3) has lost two straight while OSU (3-4, 2-2) is coming off a gutsy road win at Cal. Kickoff is set for 1:30 p.m. PT on the Pac-12 Network.

The Wildcats opened as seven-point favorites but here is what we think will happen in this one. Be sure to leave your prediction in the comment section below.

Brian J. Pedersen — Arizona wins 40-33

2019 record: 5-3

Y’all asked for a day game, and it’s gonna be one you’ll probably have to stay until the end to see who wins. So it goes when teams with potent offenses and porous defenses square off.

Oregon State isn’t the walkover it has been in years past, like when Arizona ran for a combined 796 (!!!) yards against the Beavers in 2017 and 2018; this OSU team has won its last two road games and has been competitive in all but one contest this season.

Much like UA, the biggest problem is a defense that can’t make enough big plays to support its offense. Kevin Sumlin decided he needed to make a change to that unit, and it’s only fitting that one of the best defensive players in school history is taking over on Homecoming weekend while the players wear throwbacks from his playing days.

So at least if the Wildcats lose this one, which is entirely possible, they’ll look good doing so.

Gabe Encinas — Arizona wins 42-31

2019 record: 3-3

I think Arizona gets back on track this week against an improved Oregon State team.

I’m not a huge fan of a two-quarterback system, I feel like it doesn’t allow for anyone to get into rhythm from a passing or receiving standpoint, but I get that it makes the opponent prepare for two totally different skill sets.

Arizona just needs to start fast with a run game that grinds down Oregon State.

I think the defense plays with more energy and excitement under Cecil now and I wouldn’t be surprised if they put the clamps on Oregon State. But overall Cecil seems like a welcome, refreshing change for this group that should show on Saturday.

Brandon Combs — Arizona wins 49-28

I feel Arizona comes out with a ton of energy, probably the most the team’s had this season.

I don’t foresee the offense having issues this weekend. The run game should set the tone and J.J. Taylor will most likely go off like he did last year. I am excited to see the two-quarterback system again and to see how it works for the second week.

I’m not entirely sure what to expect from the defense but I do think they will play with a ton of energy and aggression. Cecil will have this group ready and pumped, not to mention I think he’ll call a good game. This will cause the defense to create some turnovers, which will be a welcome sight.

Ronnie Stoffle — Arizona wins 44-27

2019 record: 4-4

This isn’t the same Oregon State team that got embarrassed 35-0 at home by the Wildcats last season. They’re actually quite improved but I feel good about Arizona’s odds in this one. I think returning home cures a lot but I also think Arizona is still more talented than OSU.

This will probably be close early but I fully expect the Wildcats to pull away late. Even if the game is closer than I could imagine, I just can’t see UA dropping this one on Homecoming weekend.

Matthew Rein — Arizona wins 41-17

2019 record: 1-1

Hopping on the bandwagon and picking the Cats to win, and win big. Even though Arizona has played some truly terrible football as of late, and the Beavers look better with each passing week, I’m going with the Cats in a game that won’t be close.

What’s the one thing we know about Khalil Tate? He usually becomes a superstar against below average defenses and teams. Expect Tate to have a monster day on the ground and through the air, with sprinkles of Grant Gunnell lighting up the Beaver’s 117th Beta_Rank defense.

Oregon State’s QB Jake Luton does concern me. He is a talented athlete with a great arm and loads of experience. I think the Arizona defense under Chuck Cecil will contain him and the OSU offense.

Ryan Kelapire — Arizona wins 38-28

2019 record: 6-2

This is a game Arizona has to win for a lot of reasons. It’s Homecoming, the Wildcats will be paying tribute to the Desert Swarm era, UA legend Chuck Cecil is now running the defense and, oh yeah, a bowl game hangs in the balance. (Arizona isn’t winning more than one game against Oregon, Utah and ASU.)

Luckily, I think Arizona plays with passion and beats Oregon State, who has actually been quite decent on the road.

Arizona has absolutely destroyed the Beavers on the ground in their last two matchups, and the Wildcats have to make sure they stick with what works instead of trying to get cute in the passing game. Especially since Oregon State has a pretty good pass rush, ranking third in the Pac-12 in sacks (21).

It is easy to see Luton posting some good numbers, and he rarely ever turns the ball over, so the game will turn in Oregon State’s favor if it is a pass-heavy affair.

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