Washington State defeated Utah State 34-21 in the Famous Idaho Potato Bowl on Monday, December 22, 2025, with quarterback Zevi Eckhaus throwing for a season-high 334 yards and three touchdowns, including a crucial 39-yard score to wide receiver Landon Wright.
The game took place at Albertsons Stadium in Boise, Idaho, marking the culmination of the college football bowl season. Washington State’s offense dominated from the start, accumulating 628 total yards and controlling the tempo against Utah State’s defense. The Cougars set the tone early with Eckhaus connecting on a 41-yard touchdown pass to freshman Mackenzie Alleyne in the first quarter. This initial score gave Washington State a lead they would never relinquish, showcasing their offensive firepower.
Eckhaus, a key figure in the victory, completed 26 of 44 passes but also threw three interceptions, demonstrating a mix of brilliance and risk. His performance peaked in the fourth quarter with a perfectly thrown 39-yard touchdown to Landon Wright, extending the lead and sealing the win. This play was emblematic of Eckhaus’s ability to deliver under pressure, as he spread the ball to 12 different receivers throughout the game. Despite the turnovers, his 334 yards were a season best, highlighting his growth as a quarterback.
Supporting Eckhaus was running back Maxwell Woods, who rushed nine times for 117 yards, becoming the first Washington State player to surpass 100 rushing yards this season. Woods’s contributions on the ground balanced the offensive attack, preventing Utah State from focusing solely on the pass. Additionally, backup quarterback Julian Dugger added a 34-yard rushing touchdown in the fourth quarter, further cementing the Cougars’ offensive diversity. The team’s ability to execute both through the air and on the ground proved too much for Utah State to handle.
Washington State entered the game under interim head coach Jesse Bobbit, who stepped in after Jimmy Rogers left for Iowa State. This was the third head coaching change in three seasons for the Cougars, adding an element of uncertainty. Bobbit, the defensive coordinator, managed to keep the team focused, leading them to their first bowl victory since 2018. The win was a testament to the players’ resilience amid coaching turmoil, with newly hired head coach Kirby Moore in attendance, set to take over next season.
For Utah State, the loss was compounded by an injury to starting quarterback Bryson Barnes, who was sidelined after a hard hit in the second half. Barnes had passed for 116 yards before exiting, and backup Jacob Conover stepped in, throwing two fourth-quarter touchdowns to Brady Boyd and Javen Jacobs. However, the Aggies’ late surge wasn’t enough to overcome the early deficit, as their defense struggled to contain Washington State’s explosive plays. Utah State finished the season with a 6-7 record, missing out on a winning campaign.
The victory holds significance for Washington State, ending a postseason drought and providing momentum as both teams prepare to join a rebuilt Pac-12 Conference next season, along with host school Boise State. This game showcased the competitive spirit of college football bowl season, with individual performances like Eckhaus’s likely to be remembered. The Cougars’ ability to overcome turnovers and coaching changes suggests a promising future under Moore’s leadership.
In summary, Washington State’s win in the Famous Idaho Potato Bowl was a comprehensive team effort, spearheaded by Eckhaus’s standout passing. The event not only delivered exciting football but also highlighted themes of perseverance and transition in college athletics. As the teams look ahead, this game serves as a pivotal moment in their respective seasons, setting the stage for future developments in the evolving conference landscape.
