Next year's Oregon St. at Washington St. game on Oct. 22 will be played in Seattle, at Qwest Field, home of the Seattle Seahawks.

Washington St. announced the move today, and Cougcenter.com has the story, and a lot of analysis.

Washington St. has wanted to better leverage their presence in Western Washington by getting one of their major games, instead of a potentially more lightly attended early season non-conference game, scheduled at Qwest field.

What they really wanted was for Oregon and Oregon St. to relinquish a home game when it is their turn to host, but that isn't going to happen, and would be nothing short of foolish. The move still makes sense for all concerned though, as Qwest as a destination may draw a larger crowd than Martin Stadium would, and the all freeway drive to Seattle ismuch easier, as well as considerably shorter and quicker, than the winding road to Pullman, even given the mosh pit that Seattle traffic and parking always is.

The Cougars and Beavers should have Seattle to themselves that day, as Washington will be playing at Stanford.

With renovation of Husky Stadium scheduled to start late next season, the 2012 Washington game is planned for Qwest Field as well, making the downtown venue a regular destination for Beaver Nation.