Washington State Caps Tumultuous Season with Statement Win in Famous Idaho Potato Bowl
Nearly a year removed from a deflating loss in the Holiday Bowl, Washington State found itself in a familiar position-navigating a postseason game amid roster uncertainty and coaching transition. But this time, the Cougars flipped the script. With senior leadership setting the tone and a balanced, energized performance on both sides of the ball, Wazzu closed out its 2025 campaign with a convincing 34-21 win over Utah State on the iconic blue turf in Boise.
This wasn’t just a bowl win-it was a statement. A team that had every excuse to fold instead delivered its first postseason victory since the 2018 Alamo Bowl. And they did it with over 600 yards of total offense and a defense that swarmed, suffocated, and sent a message.
From Disarray to Dominance
Let’s rewind for a second. Last year’s bowl appearance ended in a 17-point loss to Syracuse, a game where Washington State looked outmatched and outmanned.
The Cougars were fresh off losing their head coach and had to cobble together a roster just to take the field. Fast forward to Monday afternoon in Boise, and it was clear-this group came to play with purpose.
The Cougars played fast, physical, and with a chip on their shoulder. They looked like a team determined to end the season on their terms. And they did.
Maxwell Woods: The Spark Plug
Running back Maxwell Woods didn’t need a ton of touches to make a major impact-just eight carries, but 114 yards later, he had the Aggies defense scrambling. Add in 35 receiving yards on three catches, and Woods was a consistent spark for the Cougars’ offense. His 48-yard dash down the sideline on the first play of the second half set the tone for the final two quarters.
He didn’t find the end zone, but make no mistake-Woods was instrumental in putting Wazzu in scoring position time and again. For a program facing another offseason of potential roster movement, Woods’ performance might just make him a top priority for the new coaching staff to retain.
Defensive Statement from Start to Finish
While the offense piled up yards, the defense made sure Utah State never found a rhythm. Late in the third quarter, the Aggies still hadn’t cracked the 100-yard mark. That’s not just impressive-it’s dominant.
The defensive line brought relentless pressure, the linebackers were everywhere, and the secondary played with poise and precision. Two interceptions and tight coverage throughout the afternoon helped seal the deal.
Caleb Francl, Sullivan Schlimgen, and Gavin Barthiel led the way in tackles, while Matthew Durrance added an interception and locked things down in coverage. It was a total team effort, and it showed.
Zevi Eckhaus Goes Out in Style
In his final appearance for Washington State, quarterback Zevi Eckhaus delivered a performance that Cougar fans won’t soon forget. The senior threw for 334 yards and three touchdowns, showcasing the deep ball that’s become his trademark.
Even when the pocket broke down, Eckhaus stayed composed. His mobility wasn’t flashy, but it was effective-just enough to extend plays and keep drives alive. After stepping up in last year’s bowl game, he once again rose to the occasion, finishing his WSU career with back-to-back strong postseason showings and the admiration of the Palouse.
A Season of What-Ifs and Resilience
Washington State finishes the year 7-6, and while that may not leap off the page, context is everything. This was a team that dealt with unprecedented roster turnover, a coaching change, and three cross-country road trips. And yet, they were competitive nearly every week.
Losses to Ole Miss, Virginia, and James Madison all came in games where WSU held leads. Flip one or two of those, and this team could’ve been staring at a 9-3 record. But even without those wins, the Cougars proved they could hang with top-tier competition-including two College Football Playoff teams and an ACC finalist.
That’s not just encouraging-it’s something to build on.
Looking Ahead
With the 2025 season officially in the books, all eyes now turn to new head coach Kirby Moore. His first task?
Assembling a staff and navigating the transfer portal to determine which key contributors will return. One thing is clear: there’s a foundation here.
A gritty, resilient team that showed what it’s capable of when it plays together.
One final note from the sidelines-offensive coordinator Danny Freund won’t be joining former head coach Jimmy Rogers at Iowa State. The Cyclones announced their new OC on Monday, leaving Freund currently without a role for next season.
But for now, Washington State can celebrate a hard-earned bowl win, a winning season, and a group of players who refused to let adversity define them. The future in Pullman? It’s uncertain, sure-but if this bowl game was any indication, it’s also full of promise.