> ## Content Index > Fetch the complete content index at: https://www.emeraldcityspectrum.com/llms.txt > Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further. # Bad Tasting Apple: Washington State Falls to Washington 24-10, Loses Kirby Moore's Debut - URL: https://www.emeraldcityspectrum.com/bad-tasting-apple-washington-state-cougars-fall-kirby-moore-debut-washington-huskies/ - Published: 2026-09-07T07:35:14.000Z - Updated: 2026-10-08T05:35:29.000Z - Author: Jacob Stevenson - Tags: Analysis, Cougars Football, Kirby Moore, Caden Pinnick, Daniel Blood, Keith Brown The Washington State Cougars stayed within striking distance for much of Sunday afternoon’s season opening Apple Cup before their defense eventually ran out of gas in the fourth quarter, as coach Kirby Moore’s squad left Husky Stadium with a 24-10 loss to No. 17 Washington. While the final score does not tell the full story, Washington State's defense repeatedly kept the Cougars close, including making a crucial goal line stop at the end of the first half, and gave the offense several opportunities to capitalize and potentially steal a road upset. However, missed opportunities, three turnovers, and obvious issues along the offensive line ultimately proved too much to overcome in Moore’s debut on the sidelines. The Cougars finished with just 242 total yards and struggled to sustain drives, failing to convert a single third down. Washington State also missed two field goals, leaving points on the board against a Washington defense that could prove to be the toughest unit the Cougars face all season. What stood out from the 14-point defeat in the latest Apple Cup? ### **Defense Gives Washington State a Fighting Chance** If there was one major positive to take away from Sunday’s loss, it was the performance of the Washington State defense. The Cougars held Washington to just 10 points through the first three quarters, repeatedly coming up with stops when the Huskies threatened to extend their lead. The biggest defensive play came just before halftime after Huskies coach Jedd Fisch decided to go for it with three seconds left until intermission. Facing fourth-and-goal from the one-yard line, Washington handed the ball to running back Jayden Limar. Washington State linebacker Keith Brown met Limar at the goal line, and the Cougars' defense stuffed the run just short of the end zone to send the home team to the locker room without any points to show for the drive. The stop sent Washington State into halftime trailing just 10-0 and gave the Cougars some momentum heading into the second half. Brown, who missed the 2025 season while recovering from an injury, made an immediate impact in his return. He finished with six tackles and was Washington State’s leading tackler, coming through with several big stops to lead the effort for coordinator Trent Bray. The Cougars also received strong pressure from defensive ends Matyus McLain and Linus Zunk, who helped establish the pass rush early. Although Washington State did not record a sack, the Cougars consistently pressured quarterback Demond Williams Jr. and did a solid job containing Washington's running backs, Limar and Quaid Carr, for most of the afternoon. ### **Pinnick Shows Flashes in First Start** The Apple Cup also marked the first career start for Washington State quarterback Caden Pinnick, who had a first half to forget in his return to Husky Stadium. The UC Davis transfer endured a difficult first half before showing improvement after halftime. Pinnick completed 16 of 25 passes for 142 yards and threw two interceptions, with one of those coming off a tipped pass in the first half. He also led the Cougars in rushing with 61 yards and scored Washington State's first touchdown of the season on an 11-yard run. Pinnick's touchdown came at the end of a nine-play, 62-yard drive, as he faked a toss to the running back before taking off with a nice seam created in front of him to power his way into the end zone, cutting Washington's lead to 10-7 with just over 10 minutes remaining. For a moment, the Cougars had all the momentum. But Washington responded immediately. Demond Williams connected with Rashid Williams for a 44-yard completion, setting the Huskies up in the red zone. The two connected again on the next play for a touchdown, allowing Washington to regain control and extend its lead to 17-7. ### **Missed Opportunities Cost Cougars Throughout** Washington State had several opportunities to make the Apple Cup even closer but could not seize those chances. Kicker Jack Stevens missed field goals of 52 and 32 yards before eventually connecting on a 42-yarder in the fourth quarter. That kick pulled the Cougars within 17-10 with 4:30 remaining, and even one of those earlier misses splitting the uprights could have had a major impact on how the closing minutes played out. Even so, the defense needed to come up with one more stop to give the Cougs’ offense a chance to tie the game or take the lead. But that stop never came. Williams converted a crucial 3rd and 9 with a scramble, extending Washington's drive before Limar eventually scored on an 11-yard touchdown run to put the Huskies ahead 24-10 with less than three minutes to go. Washington State's final opportunity ended when a pass was intercepted by Alex McLaughlin with 1:48 remaining, sending Huskies fans into a frenzy with the win all but sealed. ### **A Frustrating Start, But Plenty to Build On** The loss will sting for Washington State, particularly because the Cougars' defense gave the team multiple opportunities to pull off the upset. Still, there were encouraging signs in Kirby Moore's first game as head coach. The defense looked fast and disciplined for much of the afternoon. Brown made an immediate impact in his return, while McLain and Zunk showed why they are expected to be important pieces of Trent Bray's new defensive system. Offensively, however, there is plenty to clean up. Washington State went scoreless on its first eight drives and managed just 73 total yards in the first half. The Cougars eventually found some rhythm once Pinnick started to get going with a blend of bootlegs and designed QB runs, but the slow start and inability to convert on third down made overcoming Washington's defense nearly impossible. The Cougs’ offensive line will need to protect Pinnick better, while Washington State will also need to find more success running the ball between the tackles, as Kirby Vorhees and company couldn’t muster much yardage all afternoon against a stingy Huskies’ front seven. After losing top receiver Tony Freeman to a knee injury in the first half, Daniel Blood provided a bright spot in the passing game with five catches for 57 yards, while fellow transfer Darrius Clemons added three catches for 40 yards. The Cougars will now have to turn the page quickly. Washington State travels to Kansas State next Saturday for another difficult road matchup against a Power Four opponent. After opening the season against No. 17 Washington, the Cougars will have another opportunity to see where this new-look roster stands in a tough environment. The Apple Cup ended in disappointment, but the first game of the Moore era showed that Washington State's defense can keep the Cougars competitive against a ranked opponent in a difficult environment. There is plenty to shore up, but there are also reasons for Cougar fans to believe this team can improve as the season continues.