Washington State Secures Bowl Berth with 32-8 Victory Over Oregon State

A Strong Finish for Washington State Cougars

The Washington State Cougars wrapped up the 2025 regular season with a decisive victory over the Oregon State Beavers, winning 32-8 and securing their place in a bowl game. This win was especially meaningful as it marked the first time in the program's history that a coach led the team to a bowl game in his first full season. The defense played a pivotal role in this success, showcasing its dominance throughout the game.

On the night of the victory, the Cougar defense forced three turnovers, held the Beavers to a meager total of yards, and limited them to just a few yards per carry. Quarterback Tristan Ti’a was sacked multiple times, contributing to the overall defensive effort. Tony Freeman’s performance on special teams was also impressive, as he averaged 28 yards per punt return and set a new program record with 169 total punt return yards. His efforts helped set up four of the team’s offensive drives in Beaver territory.

Early Game Momentum

WSU started the game strong, driving all the way to the OSU nine-yard line on their opening drive. However, they were held for no gain on a 3rd and 1, forcing them to settle for a 26-yard field goal by Jack Stevens. On the Beavers' first drive, Ti’a connected with Trent Walker for an 11-yard gain, but Caleb Francl made a crucial play by ripping the ball from Walker's hands, leading to a turnover recovered by Parker McKenna.

Zevi Eckhaus led the Cougars back into the red zone with key completions to Ademola Faleye and Tony Freeman. Facing a 4th and 2 at the OSU three-yard line, WSU opted to go for it, but the pass attempt by Eckhaus was broken up by Nikko Taylor. Kirby Vorhees kept the drive alive with an eight-yard carry, and Freeman followed with a 12-yard catch for a first down. Stevens then drilled a 44-yard field goal to give the Cougars a 6-0 lead.

Special Teams and Defensive Dominance

After forcing another Beaver punt, Freeman returned it 43 yards to the OSU 26. The Cougars capitalized quickly, with Vorhees punching in a touchdown from two yards out. The defense continued to dominate, forcing another three-and-out and setting up another opportunity for Freeman. However, Freeman was tackled by punter AJ Winsor, who recovered the ball and gave it back to OSU.

Despite this setback, the Cougars’ defense shut down the Beavers once again, forcing another three-and-out. The team’s second-half drive was particularly effective, as they took a four-possession lead at 25-0 after a quick scoring drive. Although the "Philly Special" two-point conversion failed, the offense remained strong.

A Late Comeback from Oregon State

OSU managed to score their only points of the game in the fourth quarter, with Ti’a hitting Walker for a 12-yard touchdown. The Cougars responded quickly, with Angel Johnson rushing 50 yards to the OSU two-yard line and eventually scoring a touchdown. This final push solidified the team's victory and their bowl eligibility.

Looking Ahead

The 2025 season was not expected to be a successful one for the Cougars. With three trips to the East Coast, no conference schedule, and a completely revamped team, many doubted their ability to secure six wins and a bowl berth. However, under the leadership of Coach Rogers, the team has exceeded expectations, marking their ninth bowl game in the last 10 seasons.

The Cougars are now preparing for their next challenge, having overcome significant obstacles throughout the season. While there were moments of frustration, the team's resilience and determination have proven that they can achieve success even under difficult circumstances.