59–24 was not the result we were hoping for, but being down just one score heading into the 4th quarter? I would’ve signed up for that every time.
The final score didn’t tell the whole story, but one thing is clear: our defense is starting to look like it could be historically bad. You have to go back pre-pandemic, to 2019, to find a game where we gave up more than the 59 points we’ve allowed in back-to-back weeks—the 67–63 track meet loss to UCLA, when Anthony Gordon threw for nine touchdowns. To find a two-week stretch this bad, you’d need a time machine to 2008—Paul Wulff’s first season—when we lost 66–13 at Oregon State and then 69–0 at home against USC.
Turning over an entire roster in one year is nearly impossible, especially in the transfer portal era for a school with WSU’s budget. We’re seeing that reality play out in front of us.
But enough of the negativity—here are this week’s standouts:
Zevi Eckhaus (26/37 | 277 yards | 2 TDs | 2 INTs)
I don’t expect there to be any more controversy over who should start at QB this season. Potter still has long-term potential, and getting some snaps and experience now will help him in the future—but this is Zevi’s job.
Even under heavy duress, Zevi delivered. He threw absolute dimes down the sidelines that you don’t often see from college QBs, and his mobility inside and outside the pocket transformed the offense. If Devin Ellison had extended his hands and hauled in Zevi’s perfect 3rd-down pass before the ill-fated pick-six on 4th down, the game likely stays within two scores late. Regardless, Zevi played a strong game.
Offensive Coordinator Danny Freund
While the defense has issues at seemingly every position, the offense showed up for three quarters. It’s fair to wonder whether Angel Johnson should be taking any more snaps, but I thought Freund did an excellent job mixing the play-calling, scheming quick throws to keep Zevi upright, and staying aggressive.
Washington’s defense may not be elite, but they had a clear advantage in the trenches. Even so, we only punted twice all game and converted several key 3rd and 4th downs. Good work, Danny—excited to see this unit grow.
The Fans
This may feel like a cop-out answer, but Martin Stadium was electric on Saturday. The atmosphere was everything college football should be—packed tailgates, loud energy, and a true home-field edge.
It’s strange to have our “biggest game” of the season in September, and we may not see another atmosphere like that the rest of the year. But Cougar fans showed up, and it felt like a celebration of what this program is about in our last season without a conference home.
The last couple of years haven’t been easy for WSU fans, but I believe Jimmy Rodgers is the right man for this job. Better days are ahead. Go Cougs!