The Beavers (4-5, 1-5 Pac-12) have not won a game since beating Colorado on Oct. 4 and it remains their lone win in conference play. They have only beaten one team that currently has a winning record, 5-4 San Diego State.
The brightest spot on Oregon State this season has been the same as it was for the previous three: senior quarterback Sean Mannion. The four year starter broke the Pac-12 career passing yard record earlier this season, surpassing former USC quarterback Matt Barkley.
This year, Mannion is doing it without the weapons he is used to. Brandin Cooks is now catching passes from Drew Brees and last year's number two receiver, junior wide receiver Richard Mullaney only caught six passes this season before getting injured.
Head coach Mike Riley is widely regarded as one of the best at what he does, but even he is seemingly unable to overcome what is going on in Corvallis this year. However, all could be forgiven with a win this weekend.
Oregon State has had success against the Sun Devils of late, winning four of the last six meetings and winning the last four played in Oregon, giving the Beavers reason to believe.
While Mannion does not have his typical stable of options, he is an experienced quarterback who can pick apart defenses along with the best quarterbacks in the nation and he has been doing it for four years.
Along with Mannion there are senior Terron Ward and junior Storm Woods in the backfield, who are very reliable for the Beavers. The two have combined for just over 1000 yards so far this season with Ward being the featured back and Woods the big play back.
The one variable that could greatly swing the game in Oregon State's favor is the temperature. Currently, the forecast predicts temperatures in the high 20s with the wind chill making it feel like 20 degrees. It would be the coldest game for the Sun Devils in the Todd Graham era, which could add a dimension that ASU is not used to.
The mix is there for Oregon State to be able to pull off the upset over ASU. Inclement weather, a great coach and an experienced quarterback all are good signs for an upset. All that remains to be seen is if the Beavers can put it all together just once this season.
Reach the reporter at mtonis@asu.edu or follow him on Twitter@Tonis_The_Tiger
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