> ## 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.

# Monday Musings: Washington State Blown Out in Apple Cup, Falls to 2-2
- URL: https://www.emeraldcityspectrum.com/monday-musings-washington-state-blown-out-apple-cup/
- Published: 2025-09-22T21:18:43.000Z
- Updated: 2026-10-08T05:58:06.000Z
- Author: Jacob Stevenson
- Tags: Analysis, Cougars, Zevi Eckhaus

Due to a flurry of mistakes at inopportune times, the Washington State Cougars couldn’t capitalize on a chance to win a second straight Apple Cup as a close game turned into a 59-24 blowout defeat in the second half. Giving up 59 points in back-to-back weeks can’t happen and must improve if the Cougs want to reach a bowl game, but there were still plenty of positives coming out of Saturday’s defeat.

Here are three takeaways from a tough Apple Cup performance for Wazzu:

**The QB has been found**

With Zevi Eckhaus being announced as the starter hours before kickoff and making his first start of the season, the Cougars hung in the game for the first three quarters as major underdogs and the fifth-year senior went 25-36 with 277 yards passing, three total touchdowns, and three turnovers. Even with the high number of turnovers, it was the most comfortable a Washington State signal caller has looked and his ability to run the ball also opened the playbook.

With Eckhaus being the guy moving forward, the Cougars still need to find some sort of a running game and clean up lingering offensive line issues to complement and enhance the passing game. Against the Huskies, Eckhaus faced pressure on 22 out of 40 times he dropped back, according to Pro Football Focus. But even with the constant pressure, his play generally proved to be a positive sign for Coug fans as they take on Colorado State next weekend.

**Run game remains M.I.A.**

Washington State struggled to run the ball again against the Huskies, as their running backs combined for 14 carries for 24 yards. To say the Cougars have struggled to match their desired identity on the ground so far this year would be a massive understatement. Over four games, they’ve had 85 carries for 231 yards, which equates to an ugly average of 2.7 yards a carry. If the Cougs want to be better on the offensive side of the ball, they must run the ball better. It’s not rocket science. This offensive system is supposed to be about a balanced attack and unfortunately, Wazzu has been far too one dimensional thus far, playing a key role in two straight blowout losses.

**Defense falls back to Earth**

Giving up 59 points in consecutive weeks is frankly quite embarrassing. The 59 points allowed against North Texas wasn't necessarily due to poor defensive play. With four first half turnovers, the defense consistently was put in a tough position backed up deep in their own territory. But the Apple Cup was a different story, as the Cougars did not force Washington to punt the entire game. Washington State gave up 473 yards off offense, with 298 coming through the air and 175 on the ground.

If there’s a silver lining, the Cougars won’t see a better offense the rest of the year than the Huskies or a better trio than Demond Williams Jr, Jonah Coleman, and Denzel Boston, with the latter two set to play in the NFL next year. The reality is that Washington State just lacked the team speed on the defensive end to be able to contain those weapons. With the quality of competition taking a step down against Colorado State next week, that athletic discrepancy shouldn’t be as much of an issue, but they have to wrap up more consistently to bring down ball carriers and get off the field far more often if they intend to get back to winning football games.