As the Oregon State Beavers (0-2) prepare for their first road test of the 2025 season, the stakes couldn’t be higher—or the odds more daunting. Heading to Jones AT&T Stadium to face the No. 21 Texas Tech Red Raiders (2-0) on Saturday, OSU finds itself as a 23.5-point underdog in a matchup that pits a scrappy, self-sabotaging squad against one of the nation’s most explosive offenses. Kickoff is set for 12:30 p.m. PT on FOX.
The Beavers are coming off a frustrating 36-27 home loss to Fresno State, a game where their offense finally clicked, but special teams disasters turned a potential win into a gut punch. Head coach Trent Bray, speaking at his weekly press conference, didn’t mince words about the “self-inflicted wounds” that have plagued OSU through two weeks: botched snaps, missed extra points, and a long-snapping fiasco that gifted Fresno prime field position. “We can control it,” Bray emphasized, his frustration evident but tempered by optimism after reviewing the film. “When you watch the offense and defense, it’s encouraging. We’re the team we think we can be if we eliminate those mistakes.”
That optimism stems from the Beavers’ offensive breakout against the Bulldogs. Quarterback Maalik Murphy, the Duke transfer, looked like a “bus driver” in offensive coordinator Ryan Gunderson’s words—efficient, not heroic—completing 31 of 48 passes for 371 yards, four touchdowns, and spreading the ball to 11 different receivers. Wideout Taz Reddicks exploded for a career-high 158 yards on 11 catches, while running back Anthony Hankerson grinded out 136 yards on 25 carries. The unit racked up 528 total yards, showing the potential Gunderson has been preaching since spring. “It’s not as big a step as you might think,” Reddicks said postgame. “Just little tweaks.”
Defensively, OSU held Fresno to just 1-of-8 on third downs and limited red-zone efficiency, but big plays—like a pick-six off Murphy—proved costly. The secondary, still young and adjusting, has allowed 337 yards per game, and they’ll face a stern test against Texas Tech’s aerial assault. Bray praised his unit’s resilience but knows the Red Raiders’ talent and speed “all over” will demand flawless execution.
Meanwhile, Texas Tech is riding high after demolishing Arkansas-Pine Bluff (67-7) and Kent State (62-14), becoming the first FBS team since 2021 Auburn to start with back-to-back 60-point games. Ranked second nationally in scoring (64.5 PPG) and third in total offense (604.5 YPG), the Red Raiders are a juggernaut led by quarterback Behren Morton. The senior has completed 74% of his passes for 459 yards and seven touchdowns without an interception, thriving in a system that emphasizes quick decisions and explosive plays. Wide receiver Reggie Virgil leads with three scores, but Morton’s distribution to talents like Coy Eakin, Terrance Carter Jr., and returning speedster Micah Hudson keeps defenses guessing.
The Red Raiders’ defense has been equally impressive, ranking second in Pro Football Focus grades (92.8 overall, 90.9 in pass rush) while allowing just 21 points total— all garbage time. Edge rusher David Bailey and linebacker Jacob Rodriguez have combined for 18 pressures, and their front seven could exploit OSU’s injury-riddled offensive line. Texas Tech invested heavily in the portal this offseason, reportedly second nationally in spending, and it’s paying dividends as they chase a 3-0 start not seen since 2021.
This is just the second meeting between the programs, with Texas Tech holding a 15-14 edge from 1959 in Lubbock. A home-and-home series begins here, with OSU hosting the return in 2026. Family ties add intrigue: Brothers Kelby Valsin (Texas Tech WR) and Jimmy Valsin III (OSU senior WR, 12 catches, 162 yards, 2 TDs this year) will share the field.
Betting odds reflect the mismatch—Texas Tech -2500 on the moneyline, over/under at 60.5—but OSU’s recent offensive surge suggests they won’t be shut out. The Beavers average 21 points per game (10.5 more than Tech allows) and 420.5 yards (218.5 more than Tech’s defense yields). If Murphy avoids turnovers and Hankerson finds running lanes, OSU could hang around early. But special teams must stabilize—Bray is confident in backup long snapper Jackson Robertson rebounding—and the defense needs to pressure Morton without penalties.
For Oregon State, this is house money. A loss drops them to 0-3 before facing No. 4 Oregon, but a competitive showing could build momentum. The Beavers have the talent to score 20-24 points if they protect the ball and convert in the red zone. But Texas Tech’s depth and home-field energy—expect a near-sellout with tortillas flying—should overwhelm.
Prediction: Texas Tech 45, Oregon State 20
The Red Raiders pull away in the second half, but OSU’s offense keeps it from a rout. If the Beavers clean up specials and force a turnover or two, they cover the spread. Either way, it’s a learning road trip that highlights both teams’ trajectories: Tech as playoff contenders, OSU as a gritty rebuild.
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