Washington State Ends Season on Strong Note, Wins Famous Idaho Potato Bowl vs. Utah State
Washington State capped off its season in memorable fashion with a 34-21 victory over Utah State in the Famous Idaho Potato Bowl, finishing the year 7-6 and earning the Cougars their first bowl win since 2018. It was a performance that showed both the potential of the roster and the direction the program hopes to take under new head coach Kirby Moore.
The Cougars’ offense was productive piling up more than 600 total yards, including over 250 yards both through the air and on the ground. Washington State consistently moved the ball against Utah State’s defense and scored 34 points, though the final output could have been even higher. Three interceptions and a turnover on downs inside the Aggies’ red zone prevented the Cougars from fully capitalizing on several promising drives.
Even so, offensive aggression and efficiency were a welcome sight for a Wazzu unit that had struggled at times, especially during the second halves of games throughout the season.
Quarterback Zevi Eckhaus closed out his Washington State career with his most productive outing in a Cougar uniform. In his final game, Eckhaus completed 26 of 44 passes for 334 yards, throwing three touchdowns while also tossing three interceptions. While the turnovers were costly, his ability to push the ball downfield and keep the offense in attack mode helped set the tone for the game.
One of the biggest surprises came from running back Maxwell Woods. Known primarily this season for his role as a receiving back, Woods broke out on the ground with nine carries for 117 yards, consistently ripping off chunk plays. He also added three receptions for 35 yards, giving Washington State a versatile weapon that Utah State struggled to contain.
Fifth-year senior receiver Josh Meredith also made his presence felt in his final collegiate game, hauling in eight catches for 85 yards and serving as a reliable target for Eckhaus throughout the day.
Defensively, even with several starters not playing due to entering the transfer portal, Washington State was dominant for most of the game. The Cougars limited Utah State to just seven points through the first three quarters, flying to the football and shutting down the Aggies’ offensive rhythm. Linebacker Caleb Francl led the way with eight tackles, while seldom-used defender Gavin Barthiel made the most of his opportunity, recording five tackles and a sack. The defense did surrender 14 points in the fourth quarter, accounting for all but seven of Utah State’s 21 points, but the game was largely in hand by that point.
Interim head coach Jesse Bobbitt once again demonstrated why the Cougars’ defense was elite for much of the season. However, with Bobbitt set to join Iowa State’s staff under Jimmy Rogers, change is inevitable. Kirby Moore now takes over as head coach and faces an important offseason filled with questions about roster retention, staff construction, and transfer portal strategy.
Moore has already begun shaping his staff by hiring Pullman native and former Oregon State head coach Trent Bray as defensive coordinator. Retaining key players and building continuity will be crucial as Washington State looks to carry this momentum forward after posting a winning record.
Ending the season above .500 and securing a long-awaited bowl victory provides a strong foundation for Moore and his staff to work off of. While challenges remain, the Cougars enter the offseason with optimism, confidence, and a belief in the program’s direction.
