The Utah State Aggies traveled to Pullman, Washington, to face off against the Washington State Cougars in a crucial season finale. Washington State, aiming to cap off the season with 10 straight wins, took on a Utah State team desperate for just their second win of the year.
The game began with a bang as Washington State struck first with an 8-yard touchdown pass from quarterback John Mateer to wide receiver Mathers. However, Utah State quickly responded with a 44-yard touchdown strike from quarterback Petras to Hestera, evening the score at 7-7.
In the second quarter, Washington State took control, as Mateer threw two more touchdown passes and ran one in himself, giving the Cougars a commanding 28-7 lead heading into halftime. The Cougars’ offense continued to dominate after the break, with Mateer adding another 2-yard rushing touchdown in the second half.
Despite a valiant effort from the Aggies, their comeback attempts fell short. Washington State’s offense, led by Mateer’s 5 total touchdowns (3 passing and 2 rushing), was simply too much for Utah State to handle. The Cougars also secured an onside kick late in the game to seal the victory.
Mathers had a standout performance, hauling in 3 touchdowns on the day, showcasing his incredible playmaking ability.
**Final Score:** Washington State 42, Utah State 21
With the win, Washington State finishes the season with a strong 10-2 record, and they now hope to crack the top 25 and secure a spot in a bowl game. Meanwhile, Utah State ends the season with a tough loss, but they can take some positives from their resilience in the face of a high-powered offense.