NOTEBOOK: Reflections on a downer

THE TURNING POINT came with the score tied 14-14 in the second quarter as OSU faced a second-and-17 at its own 31-yard line. But quarterback Sean Mannion found wide receiver Markus Wheaton for a 21-yard completion and added another 15 yards on a personal foul penalty against sophomore safety Casey Locker. Six plays later, Malcolm Agnew scored on a 3-yard run and the Beavers never trailed again.

CATCH OF THE GAME: WSU sophomore Marquess Wilson had a 48-yard reception in the second quarter that allowed the Cougars' to tie the game two plays later on a 1-yard keeper by Jeff Tuel.

STAT OF THE GAME: Mannion threw for 376 yards and four touchdowns.

MISLEADING STAT OF THE GAME: OSU was penalized 14 times for 120 yards. That usually is an indication of sloppy play, but not in this situation.

LEADING TACKLERS: Sophomore linebacker Sekope Kaufusi had nine stops, while C.J. Mizell and Alex Hoffman-Ellis each added eight.

NEXT GAME: The Cougars play at noon Saturday at Oregon (TV: Root Sports).