Oct. 10—LOGAN, Utah — Kirby Moore kept his usual poker face on the sideline, trying to tune everything out, focusing on his playsheet. Things were falling apart around him at Maverik Stadium, where Utah State had just taken the lead on his Washington State team, so the hosts' band played and the fans bellowed and the navy-clad Aggies celebrated this late-game swing.
Here on Friday night, WSU had been in control for so long, but Utah State had just wrested it back. In his first time with full playcalling duties, Moore studied his call sheet, trying to find the right combination of plays to help his Cougars bounce back.
Either Moore couldn't do so, or the Cougs couldn't execute the calls, or it was some brutal mixture of the two that led to WSU's 17-16 loss to Utah State. Either way, it's the third straight setback for WSU, which will have some major questions to answer after a second straight anemic outing on offense in a season replete with them.
For the game, the Cougars lost two turnovers, both of which led to Aggie touchdowns. Quarterback Caden Pinnick was responsible for one, a fumble, while tight end Jack Pedersen lost his own fumble in the fourth quarter. It's the worst loss of the season for WSU, which committed 13 penalties for 133 yards in this loss, a key reason why the Cougars failed to score in the second half and couldn't take down a Utah State team that entered with just one win.
Late in the fourth frame, the Cougs had two chances to drive down the field and take the lead, and they failed to do so both times. They had to punt the ball away on both occasions, even on their second drive, when the Aggies elected to punt the ball away on fourth-and-inches near midfield.
Utah State, which scored one touchdown on a pass in the third frame and another on a short rush in the fourth, held WSU to only 64 total yards in the second half. For the game, Pinnick completed 23 of 36 passes for just 156 yards, underscoring the way his lack of a convincing deep ball has hampered his offense.
Headed into this game, it was uncertain whether Pinnick would start this game, following his two-turnover outing the previous weekend against Fresno State. After that game, Moore said everything would be up for reevaluation with his offense, but he wound up rolling out all the same starters, including the quarterback.
In Friday's game, WSU (1-5, 0-2 Pac-12) did give one play to fellow quarterback Julian Dugger, who carved out a five-yard gain. He then came out of the game, never to return.
Complicating things for WSU was an injury to left tackle Ashton Tripp, who came out of the game in the first quarter and returned with his left foot in a boot, wearing warmup gear. Washington transfer Maximus McCree took his place for the rest of the game.
WSU broke its drought of five straight quarters without a touchdown in the second frame, when running back Leo Pulalasi took a shotgun handoff and darted to his left, taking advantage of key blocks from offensive lineman Jonny Lester and Noah Dunham to burst into the open field, jetting all the way to the end zone, a 54-yard saunter.
On the sideline, Pulalsi took off his helmet and unleashed a primal scream, celebrating his first touchdown in nearly two calendar years. In his four years in Pullman, Pulalasi has found himself near the end of the Cougars' running back rotation.
Utah State drew back within one score in the third quarter, when Brosterhous stepped up in the pocket and laced one to the corner of the end zone for receiver Eli Wood, who leapt to make an acrobatic catch. He fell out of bounds immediately. Replay showed that Wood bobbled the ball on his way out of bounds, and if the play were reviewed by officials, it's possible they would have seen enough to overturn it.
But officials did not review it, and the touchdown stood. With that score, the Aggies trimmed the Cougars' lead to 16-10.
Then in the fourth quarter, after Pedersen fumbled deep in his team's own territory, Utah State took over with great field position. Three plays later, USU running back Javen Jacobs plunged into the end zone, handing the hosts a 17-16 lead.
WSU returns to action next Saturday, traveling to face Oregon State in Corvallis, where the Cougars have not won since 2018.
BOX SCORE
Utah State linebacker Asher Cunningham makes game-changing plays — Difference makers
Asher Cunningham — Read more
Key moments
Utah State runs clock out, comes back to beat WSU
4th, 0:00 — USU 17, WSU 16: A disappointing first season for coach Kirby Moore has somehow gotten worse. Utah State picks up a first down and runs the clock out to beat WSU in Logan, Utah.
The Cougars were shutout in the second half. Both touchdowns it gave up were on short fields after turnovers.
WSU drops to 1-5, and 0-2 in the Pac-12. It may be some time before things get better with Oregon State and Boise State next on WSU's schedule.
So much for that
4th, 1:43 — USU 17, WSU 16: Caden Pinnick is sacked on first down and on third down completes a pass, but its called back for holding. WSU punts to the USU 29 with all three timeouts. Defense needs another stop.
One more try for WSU
4th, 2:40 — USU 17, WSU 16: The defense did its job. Caden Pinnick and the Cougars trot onto the field at their own 25 after a three-and-out. WSU has all three timeouts.
Cougars forced to punt
4th, 5:13 — USU 17, WSU 16: Caden Pinnick's short pass on third-and-5 is swatted down at the line of scrimmage. Max Dean punts 40 yards to the USU 38, where the Cougars defense needs to come up with a quick stop.
Aggies take the lead
4th, 6:22 — USU 17, WSU 16: Utah State takes its first lead of the night on a 2-yard run from Javen Jacobs. The Aggies quickly took advantage of the turnover setting up the score on a 17-yard pass from Grady Brosterhous to Javon Robinson.
Both of Utah State's touchdowns have come quickly after a WSU turnover. Cougars will now have to press for a response.
Another costly fumble
4th, 7:55 — WSU 16, USU 10: For the second time tonight the Cougars have fumbled on their own side of the field. Tight end Jack Pedersen gave up the ball on third down in a group of USU defenders. The Aggies recovered at the WSU 19. The original ruling of down by contact was overturned by replay review.
WSU had a big 19-yard run from Leo Pulalasi wiped out by holding on first down setting the drive back.
The Aggies have a great chance to take the lead.
Penalty bails out WSU
4th, 10:09 — WSU 16, USU 10: Aggies were driving deep into WSU territory when coach Broncos Mendenhall was called for an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty that set up a third-and-20 and ultimately pushed his team out of field goal range.
Cougars gets the ball back at their own 12 after a punt.
Mendenhall was asking for a pass interference against WSU and appeared to say, "come on" to the sideline official who then threw the flag.
Utah State receiver Demick Starling had a big catch for 41 yards to start the threatening drive.
Another chance for the Aggies
4th, 13:19 — WSU 16, USU 10: Cougars get the ball back as the defense continues to stand strong, but WSU's next drive stalls just out of field goal range and Max Dean's punt goes into the end zone for a touchback.
Cougars have largely dominated this game, but Utah State has a chance to drive and take the lead for the first time.
More self-inflicted wounds
3rd, 3:17 — WSU 16, USU 10: Penalties continue to hurt the Cougars offense as an illegal formation wipes out a 37-yard run from Maxwell Wood. On the next play Caden Pinnick missed a wide open Leo Pulalasi on a play that would have gone for a big gain.
WSU is forced to punt after Pinnick is sacked for a loss of 9 on third down. Utah State takes back over at its 22.
Aggies right back in it
3rd, 7:08 — WSU 16, USU 10: Utah State takes advantage of the turnover as Eli Wood makes a sensational catch in the side of the end zone on a 27-yard pass from Grady Brosterhous. Wood adjusted his body and just got a toe in as he bobbled the pass.
Brosterhous has largely struggled completing 7 of 20 attempts for 84 yards, but gave his receiver the chance to make a huge play.
Big drive coming up for the Cougars offense.
Bad time for a turnover
3rd, 8:59 — WSU 16, USU 3: Caden Pinnick fakes a reverse on a designed keeper and the ball pops free in a mass of Utah State defenders. Aggies take over in WSU territory.
Unfortunate timing for the Cougars, who were trying to convert on third and short. WSU's defense will need to stand strong and not let the Aggies build any momentum.
Nothing going to open second half
3rd, 13:26 — WSU 16, USU 3: Cougars go three-and-out to open the second half. Pinnick took a shot on a wheel route when he had tight end Trey Leckner open on a drag route. Then Leo Pulalasi was strung out on a run to the left side for no gain when he could have cut up field for positive yardage. And then Aggies blew up a wide receiver screen for a loss of 4.
Utah State takes over near midfield after a short punt.
Cougars up at halftime
Washington State holds a 16-3 lead over Utah State thanks to some solid defense and a big play from Leo Pulalasi.
The Cougars running back broke off a 54-yard touchdown run late in the second quarter. Jack Stevens also has three field goals for WSU.
WSU has held Utah State quarterback Grady Brosterhous to 4-for-16 passing for 51 yards. Utah State is 2 of 8 on third downs and were stopped on a fourth down conversion attempt.
WSU will receive to start the second half.
Two more punts
2nd, 1:36 — WSU 16, USU 3: Cougars unable to extend their lead after getting the ball back. Aggies have one more shot from their own 25 before halftime.
Pulalasi breaks it open
2nd, 3:32 — WSU 16, USU 3: The Cougars hardly had any traction with their running backs, but Leo Pulalasi just changed that in one play, running through a big hole on a zone run to the left side for a 54-yard touchdown.
The Cougars were stopped on the drive when Caden Pinnick was sacked on third down, but David Kabongo was called for unsportsmanlike conduct and Pulalasi made him pay on the next play.
Pinnick had been asked to do almost everything himself leading up to the big run. Cougars now in control and will get the ball after halftime.
Cougars get fourth down stop
2nd, 5:49 — WSU 9, USU 3: After two straight three-and-outs, WSU gets the ball back at midfield. Utah State goes for it on fourth-and-3 and QB Grady Brosterhous is flushed from the pocket and tries to run for the first, but steps out of bounds just shy of the line to gain.
Stevens good from deep
2nd, 11:10 — WSU 9, USU 3: Kicker Jack Stevens has officially put his early-season struggles behind him as he boots a 50-yard field goal for his third of the night.
Cougars set back by multiple procedural penalties on that drive, now up to 6 penalties for 50 yards in the game. Caden Pinnick did well to extend the drive with a third-down scramble that ended in a personal foul to set WSU up in opposing territory.
Field goal battle continues
2nd, 14:38 — WSU 6, USU 3: Kian Afrookhteh's second attempt is good, this time from 48 yards. Aggies picked up a big gain through the air at the end of the third quarter, but Grady Grosterhous fires three straight incompletions to end the drive.
The Utah State QB is 2-for-8 for 39 yards.
Stevens converts again
1st, 1:02 — WSU 6, USU 0: Cougars offense looks crips on a 54-yard drive that stalls on a holding penalty. Jack Stevens hits a 43-yard field goal to extend WSU's lead.
The Cougars were effective in the quick passing game, converting on two third downs. Quarterback Caden Pinnick looks more comfortable with a few completions under his belt. He has completed 6 of 8 attempts for 53 yards and picks up a couple of nice gains with his legs eluding pressure in the pocket.
WSU's conventional running game isn't gaining much traction. Pinnnick leads with three carries for 17 yards and backup QB Julian Dugger came in to run for a gain of six. WSU's three running backs have four attempts for minus-1 yard.
Utah State misses field goal
1st, 10:22 — WSU 3, USU 0: Aggies come up empty after a solid drive as Kian Afrookhteh pulls a 39-yard attempt from the left hash.
Utah State picked up 32 yards and a pass interference penalty. Rushing back Javen Jacobs handled three carries for 23 yards, but his draw on third-and-7 from the WSU 21 was wrapped up by Keith Brown for no gain.
Cougars settle for field goal, take lead
1st, 13:26 — WSU 3, USU 0: Cougars manage just three yards after the fumble recovery: A Tank Hawkins rush for 2 yards, incomplete pass to an open Braden Ganashamoorthy and 1-yard run by Maxwell Woods.
Jack Stevens converts the 40-yard attempt to get on the board, but WSU should have done more with that opportunity.
Utah State fumbles opening kick
Perfect start for the Cougars, who after winning the toss and deferring to the second half, pounce on a fumble by return man Noah White at the USU 25. Cougars have great field position for head coach Kirby Moore's first drive as playcaller.
Pinnick repping with starters
Washington State seems content with keeping Caden Pinnick as its starting quarterback. Coach Kirby Moore indicated earlier this week that everything would be up for reevaluation when asked about a change at QB.
Pinnick has been taking first-team reps during warmups ahead of tonight's game at Utah State. Pinnick has started every game this season for the Cougars, completing 87 of 142 attempts for 796 yards, three touchdowns and five interceptions.
Pregame
Washington State is hoping its first season in the new-look Pac-12 doesn't turn into one to forget.
The Cougars (1-4, 0-1 Pac-12) have had plenty to work on during a short week following Saturday's dreary 26-6 loss to Fresno State in Pullman.
After the worst offensive output of the season, first-year head coach Kirby Moore is taking over playcalling duties for tonight's game at Utah State (1-4, 0-1), kicking off at 6 p.m. on The CW (KSKN).
The Cougars and Aggies have had similarly disappointing starts to the season. Utah State earned its lone win against Troy on Sept. 26, lost to FCS Idaho State to open the season and dropped its Pac-12 opener to Boise State 37-18 last week.
Utah State is favored by 5 1/2 points. A loss for either team would shade their outlook for the rest of the season.
Tale of the tape
Series history
Washington State holds a 4-2 all-time record over Utah State, taking the last two meetings in Pullman in 2024 and in the Famous Idaho Potato Bowl in 2025. The Aggies rallied to beat the Cougars in 2021, opening a lackluster September that, along with a refusal to comply with state COVID-19 mandates, would lead to coach Nick Rolovich's firing.
Preview
Can WSU take down Utah State on the road? It might depend on the Cougs' choice at QB
LOGAN, Utah — When Friday night arrives at Maverik Stadium, Washington State players will gather in a tunnel, prepared to head out onto the field, ready to take on Utah State. The Cougars will go through all the same routines, the same rhythms, the same stretches and warmups and jumping jacks that they always do. — Read more
Washington State's keys to victory against Utah State — 2-minute drill
Washington State at Utah State — Read more
Why Utah State will beat Washington State
LOGAN, Utah — Earlier this week, Washington State coach Kirby Moore made the right move. — Read more
More on the Cougs
What role has WSU's offensive line played in the Cougars' struggling offense?
PULLMAN — Ashton Tripp is a man of few words, a giant Washington State offensive lineman whose height belies his desire to chat. He's been around the Cougars' program for more than three years now, and in his second year starting at left tackle, he's never been long on words. — Read more
Will WSU make a change at QB? The case for and against all three Cougar signal-callers
PULLMAN — Since last winter, change has swept across Washington State's program like strong Palouse winds, uprooting everyone from the head coach to assistants to players and other staffers. The Cougars hired replacements for everyone, ushering in a new era, now guided by head man Kirby Moore and his group of assistants. — Read more
Coach Kirby Moore to take over playcalling duties for WSU, says 'everyone will get reps' at QB this week
PULLMAN — Washington State coach Kirby Moore will be calling the shots on offense moving forward. — Read more
