# WSU QB Eshelman shines in loss to Oregon State

> Washington State's Owen Eshelman delivers strong start as Cougars fall to Oregon State.
- Title: WSU QB Eshelman shines in loss to Oregon State · Seattletimes
- Summary: Washington State's Owen Eshelman delivers strong start as Cougars fall to Oregon State. Washington State's Owen Eshelman completed 32 of 49 passes for 289…
- Keywords: owen eshelman, washington state, oregon state, seahawks, nfl, cougars, pacific 12, football, washington state football, oregon state football, news, WSU
- Source: Seattletimes — https://seattletimes.com/sports/wsu-cougar-football/owen-eshelman-stands-out-but-wsu-football-falls-to-high-powered-oregon-state
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: owen eshelman, washington state, oregon state, seahawks, nfl, cougars, pacific 12, qb, football, washington state football, oregon state football, news
## WSU coach Kirby Moore reacts
After WSU's 48-30 loss to Oregon State, coach Kirby Moore showed more emotion than usual, saying he was furious with the team's performance.

> We had a much better rhythm
## Owen Eshelman's strong start
Eshelman completed 32 of 49 passes for 289 yards and two touchdowns, earning the second-most rushing yards by a WSU QB in program history.
## WSU's fourth straight loss
The Cougars suffered their fourth consecutive loss, dropping to 1-6 overall and 0-3 in Pac-12 play after the game.
## Moore's decision to bench Pinnick
Moore decided to bench Caden Pinnick and start Eshelman, marking a shift in the team's offensive strategy.
## Punting mistakes
Moore punted on fourth-and-1 from the OSU 48 and fourth-and-3, both of which led to Oregon State touchdowns on the next play.
## Moore's defense confidence
Moore expressed confidence in his defense, saying they could stop opponents inside their 15-yard line but noted they didn't get the stops needed.

> No, i've got a ton of confidence in our defense
## Eshelman's performance
Eshelman carried 15 times for 136 yards and one more score, showing strong potential as a quarterback.
## Pinnick's struggles
Pinnick had turnover problems and struggled to stretch the field, leading to poor offensive performance against FBS competition.
## Fall camp decision
During fall camp, Pinnick was the team's best quarterback despite turnover issues, but Eshelman was not ready for FBS play.
## Moore's learning curve
Moore, a first-time head coach, is learning to identify the right quarterback and when to make changes during the season.
## Next game outlook
The Cougars now look more capable of beating San Diego State, Colorado State, and Texas State on the road but remain a 1-5 team.
## Key takeaway

Washington State's Owen Eshelman completed 32 of 49 passes for 289 yards and two touchdowns in his first start, but the Cougars lost 48-30 to Oregon State.