Ten years later in 2017, UNLV lost as a 45-point home favorite to Howard 43–40 on September 2, establishing a new record for the greatest point-spread upset in college football history.
[8] After back-to-back losses to open the 1985 season, the Huskies had rebounded, feeling strong as a result of the four-game win streak that had returned the team to the top of the Pac-10 standings.
[9] To make matters worse for Oregon State, starting quarterback Erik Wilhelm was out for the season, and Pac-10 leading receiver Reggie Bynum was also out due to injury.
"[5] In a television interview, UW head coach Don James said he expected to give his reserve quarterback Chris Chandler a chance for some playing time.
First-year OSU head coach Dave Kragthorpe used the media comments in his pre-game speech to the Beavers in an effort to motivate them to prove critics wrong before they went out on the field.
Oregon State backup quarterback Rich Gonzales responded by stunning the Huskies with a 43-yard touchdown pass to Darvin Malone on the following drive, giving the Beavers the lead.
On third down, OSU linebacker Osia Lewis knocked out Washington running back Vince Weathersby with his tackle, causing a fumble that Oregon State recovered.
Oregon State's Andre Todd rushed Husky punter Thane Cleland and blocked the punt, sending the ball flying into Washington's end zone, nearly causing a safety.