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Oregon State Faces Uphill Battle Against Sam Houston in Saturday Night Matchup
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The Oregon State beavers (2-7) will host the Sam Houston Bearkats (0-8) this Saturday, November 8, 2025, at 10 p.m. ET at Reser Stadium in Corvallis, Oregon. The game will be broadcast on The CW for viewers seeking a live viewing option.
Beavers Struggle on Both Sides of the ball
Oregon State enters the contest ranked 99th in total offense, averaging just 348.1 yards per game, and 99th in total defense, allowing 396.9 yards per game. Thier passing attack is particularly challenged,sitting at 86th in the FBS with 215.9 yards per game, while their defense struggles to contain opposing quarterbacks, giving up 266 passing yards per game (13th-worst). Despite struggles on offense, the Beavers’ defense excels at limiting opponents on third down, ranking 17th in the FBS with a 32.2% conversion rate allowed, though they themselves struggle to convert, ranking 105th at 36.1%. A significant issue for Oregon State has been turnovers, holding the 17th-worst turnover margin in college football at -7, forcing only seven turnovers (119th in the FBS) while committing 14 (105th in the FBS).
Key Players for the Beavers
Leading the charge for Oregon State is running back Anthony Hankerson, who has amassed 803 rushing yards and 7 touchdowns on 89.2 yards per game with an average of 4.5 yards per carry.Quarterback Malik Murphy has thrown for 1,749 yards (58.6% completion rate) with 9 touchdowns and 8 interceptions, adding 58 rushing yards and 1 touchdown. Wide receivers Trent Walker (52 receptions, 631 yards) and David Wells Jr. (28 receptions, 293 yards, 3 touchdowns) are key targets in the passing game. Defensively, Skyler Thomas leads the team with 46 tackles, while linebackers aiden Sullivan and Shamar Meikle contribute with 37 and 19 tackles respectively, along with a combined 3 sacks.
Bearkats Facing Significant Challenges
Sam Houston is enduring a arduous season, compiling just 321.8 total yards per game (19th-worst in the FBS) and surrendering a league-worst 480 total yards per game. Their passing game is also struggling, averaging only 183.3 yards per game (23rd-worst) while allowing 266 passing yards per game (13th-worst). The Bearkats are putting up just 16.6 points per game (eighth-worst) and allowing a staggering 40.9 points per game (worst in the FBS).
While the Bearkats manage 90th in rushing yards per game (138.5), their run defense is among the nation’s worst, allowing 214 rushing yards per contest (fourth-worst). Sam Houston’s offense is particularly ineffective on third down, converting just 22% of their attempts (worst in the FBS), while their defense allows a 48.5% conversion rate (fourth-worst). Despite these challenges, the Bearkats have a slightly positive turnover margin of +1, forcing 11 turnovers (63rd in the FBS) and committing 10 (48th in the FBS).
Sam Houston’s Key Contributors
Quarterback Hunter Watson leads the Bearkats’ offense with 1,108 passing yards (57.1% completion rate), 5 touchdowns, and 4 interceptions, adding 276 rushing yards and 2 touchdowns. Running backs Elijah Green (271 rushing yards, 2 touchdowns) and London Brown (287 rushing yards, 2 touchdowns) provide a ground attack, while Alton McCaskill adds versatility.Defensively, Emon Allen leads the team with 25 tackles and 3 interceptions, while linebacker Antavious Fish has 43 tackles.
This Saturday’s matchup presents a significant challenge for both teams, with Oregon State looking to break out of its offensive slump and Sam Houston seeking their first win of the season.Fans
