UW vs. Oregon State preview

At stake: With a coaching change seemingly all but a done deal, it's worth remembering that the Huskies still have the faintest hopes of keeping their goals of a winning season and a bowl game alive. With seven games left, they'd have to win at least six to finish with a .500 record and be bowl-eligible. Oregon State, because of its win over USC, is in the hunt for the Pac-10 title. More realistically, a win today keeps OSU on track for a third straight bowl game.

What to expect: Oregon State has one of the most exciting running backs in the nation, freshman Jacquizz Rodgers, and will give him the ball often to test a leaky UW rush defense. If OSU can simply win this game on the ground, it will. But the Beavers will also try to take some shots deep against UW's secondary. It's the second start for UW quarterback Ronnie Fouch, and he will try to test an OSU defense that often leaves its cornerbacks in man coverage, making the Beavers susceptible to big plays. But UW also has to get the running game going to keep the OSU offense off the field. As always after a bye week, a few surprises could be in store.

Notes: The Beavers have won four in a row in the series, the most in school history. That includes wins at Husky Stadium in 2004, 2005 and 2006. OSU won last year in Corvallis, 29-23. UW coach Tyrone Willingham is 3-6 against OSU, his fewest wins against any Pac-10 foe other than Washington. ... There's one significant lineup change for UW today. Guard Casey Bulyca is out for the year with a knee injury, replaced by sophomore Ryan Tolar, who was a starter last season. ... The first quarter might prove pivotal for a UW team that is reeling — the Huskies have been outscored 58-14 in first quarters this year, their worst deficit in any quarter. ... UW and Florida have thrown only one interception all year, fewest in the country. ... Conversely, UW has just two interceptions on defense. ... So you think time of possession means something? UW has held the ball an average of 30:20 this season. ... It's Homecoming for UW. ... UW no longer has to worry about OSU K Alexis Serna, who was 18-18 on field goals against Huskies the past four years. He's kicking for Winnipeg of the CFL.

Injuries: UW — G Casey Bulyca (knee), Chris Polk (shoulder), QB Jake Locker (broken thumb), WR Chancellor Young (knee), S Darin Harris (concussion), CB Byron Davenport (knee) are out. S Johri Fogerson (illness), RB David Freeman (ankles) are questionable. WR D'Andre Goodwin (ribs) is probable.

Prediction: All signs point to a big OSU win. But the Huskies have proven tough at times at home this year, losing to BYU and Stanford by a combined eight points. If the Huskies truly have any life left, they'll at least keep this one close. But ultimately, the Beavers have too much. Oregon State 42, UW 24.

Bob Condotta

4 p.m. at Husky Stadium, Seattle

TV: Versus. Radio: KJR (950)

The line: Oregon State by 16