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The Spokesman-Review, Spokane, Wash.
WSU heads to Utah State to try and turn around season | Live updates
- Story byThe Spokesman-Review, Spokane, Wash.
- WSU heads to Utah State to try and turn around season | Live updates
Oct. 9—Follow along with this thread for live updates throughout the evening as Washington State takes on Utah State at 6 p.m. on KSKN.
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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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).
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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.
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