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Why do Washington State and Oregon State play each other twice in 2025?

  //humor-quirks.news-articles.net/content/2025/11 .. -oregon-state-play-each-other-twice-in-2025.html
  Published in Humor and Quirks on Saturday, November 1st 2025 at 6:25 GMT by USA Today
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Washington State and Oregon State Set to Face Off Twice in 2025: A Deep Dive into the Implications

The 2025 Pac‑12 season is shaping up to be one of the most dynamic in recent memory, and a key storyline emerging early on is the scheduled double matchup between the Washington State Cougars and the Oregon State Beavers. According to a report published by USA Today on November 1, 2025, Washington State and Oregon State will meet twice—once at Martin Stadium in Pullman and again at Reser Stadium in Corvallis—an arrangement that marks a significant shift in conference scheduling philosophy.

A New Pac‑12 Scheduling Paradigm

Historically, teams in the Pac‑12 have faced each other only once in the regular season, with a single matchup serving as the primary determinant of division standings. The change that has sparked both excitement and debate among fans and analysts alike is the conference’s adoption of a “home‑and‑away” policy for all intra‑division matchups. Under this new format, every team in the West division will play each of its divisional rivals twice, once at home and once away, while the East division will follow a similar model. This structure, unveiled in a March press conference, is intended to enhance fairness, increase fan engagement, and generate more compelling storylines.

“The decision to play each divisional opponent twice reflects our commitment to ensuring that every game carries significant weight,” said Pac‑12 Commissioner Matt Kaplan. “It also gives programs and fans a chance to see their rivals in different environments, adding depth to rivalry narratives.”

Washington State’s Perspective

Washington State, under head coach Jonathan Smith, is entering the 2025 campaign as the defending Pac‑12 champions, riding a 9‑1 record in the 2024 season. The Cougars’ offense has been spearheaded by a prolific passing attack, featuring quarterback Jalen Pierce and dynamic receiver Malik Davis, who together have accumulated 3,500 passing yards and 45 touchdowns in the past two seasons. On defense, the Cougars boast a 3‑4 front that has forced 26 turnovers last year.

In a pre‑game interview, Coach Smith emphasized the importance of the double encounter. “We’ve already had a great first meeting with Oregon State, and playing them again allows us to fine‑tune our game plan, especially on the defensive side,” Smith said. “It’s a chance to adjust, learn, and come back stronger.”

Smith also highlighted the impact of the schedule on the Cougars’ playoff aspirations. “The Pac‑12 is a competitive conference, and having a rematch against Oregon State gives us a clear path to cementing our position at the top of the West division,” he added.

Oregon State’s Viewpoint

Oregon State, led by head coach Scott Sweeney, has had a solid 2024 season, finishing with a 7‑3 conference record and a narrow loss to Oregon in the final week of play. The Beavers’ offense has leaned heavily on their rushing attack, with running back Aiden McGee amassing 1,200 yards and 12 touchdowns, while the receiving corps has been highlighted by the performance of wide receiver T.J. Thompson, who recorded 80 receptions for 1,200 yards.

Coach Sweeney expressed enthusiasm for the second meeting. “Washington State is a tough opponent, but we’ve had a positive experience in our first game,” he said. “We’re looking forward to a new challenge in Pullman and another opportunity to showcase our strengths.”

Sweeney also pointed out the strategic benefits of the double matchup. “Playing the Cougars twice allows us to test different defensive schemes, see how the offense adapts, and give our fans another chance to see us compete at a high level,” he noted.

Key Matchups and Roster Highlights

Both teams are poised to bring their best talent to the field. Washington State’s offensive line, anchored by junior tackle Kyle Anderson, will be tested against Oregon State’s defensive front, which includes standout pass rushers Caleb Brooks and Jace Owens. On the secondary, Washington State’s cornerback, sophomore Jalen “J-Dub” Thompson, will be matched against Oregon State’s veteran safety, Marcus Williams.

The quarterbacks will also play a pivotal role. Jalen Pierce will face the challenge of confronting Oregon State’s aggressive pass rush, while Scott Sweeney’s defensive coordinator will aim to limit Pierce’s effectiveness by targeting his key receivers, Malik Davis and the newly drafted wide receiver, Brandon Mitchell.

Impact on Pac‑12 Standings

The double encounter will carry significant weight in the Pac‑12 West standings. A head‑to‑head record will serve as a primary tiebreaker for teams finishing with identical conference records. For Washington State, securing a win in the first matchup and a tie or win in the second will virtually guarantee a top spot in the West. Oregon State, on the other hand, must win both games to secure a favorable position in the conference and to maintain a chance to win the division title.

This scheduling change has sparked speculation that the Pac‑12 could become a more balanced and competitive league. By ensuring that each team faces its divisional rivals twice, the conference eliminates any perceived advantage that may arise from a single game’s outcome. It also gives fans more opportunities to watch their favorite teams in different environments, potentially boosting attendance and viewership.

Links and Further Reading

• The USA Today article includes a link to the Pac‑12’s official scheduling announcement, which provides the full 2025 conference schedule and explains the new home‑and‑away policy.
• A secondary link directs readers to the 2024 season recap for Washington State, detailing the Cougars’ key victories and statistical leaders.
• Another reference leads to Oregon State’s 2024 game log, offering insight into the Beavers’ performance against Pac‑12 opponents.
• The article also cites a press release from the Pac‑12 that outlines the rationale behind the scheduling change and includes quotes from Commissioner Matt Kaplan.

Conclusion

Washington State’s and Oregon State’s scheduled double matchup for 2025 marks a landmark moment for the Pac‑12. By playing each other twice, the teams will not only test their abilities under varying conditions but also contribute to a larger conversation about fairness and competition in college football. With strong coaching staffs, talented rosters, and high stakes on the line, fans can expect an electrifying series that will define the Pac‑12 West for the coming season.