Game Day Primer / Sat, Oct 24
AWAY TEAM
5–1
HOME TEAM
1–6
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01 / Why this game matters
No. 21 Boise State has won five straight behind an offense averaging 234.5 rushing yards per game. Washington State’s Homecoming offers a chance to interrupt that run, but the Cougars have lost four straight and just allowed 48 points to Oregon State.
02 / Know these people
Dylan Riley / Boise State running back
Boise State · Running Back (RB)
His 835 rushing yards on 127 carries explain much of Boise State’s running production. Washington State must keep his early gains from making every subsequent down easier.
Branden Ganashamoorthy / Washington State wide receiver
Washington State · Wide Receiver (WR)
He has 343 receiving yards and three touchdown catches. Boise State allows 261.3 passing yards per game, so his catches offer a possible route around its stronger run defense.
03 / Watch for this
Watch Boise State running back on first down. A gain that leaves only a few yards for the next first down gives Boise more options on the following play.
04 / Sound smart
Boise State has not lost since its opener at Oregon. The five wins since then include both a 32-7 result and last week’s 38-31 finish.
The central storyline
No. 21 Boise State has won five straight behind an offense averaging 234.5 rushing yards per game. Washington State’s Homecoming offers a chance to interrupt that run, but the Cougars have lost four straight and just allowed 48 points to Oregon State.
A read on both sides
Boise State
Team vibe
Boise State is 5-1 after losing 34-27 to Oregon in its opener. It averages 450.5 yards and 35 points per game, while allowing 22.3 points. The 38-31 Fresno State win was closer than several earlier victories, so a strong rushing game has not removed the need to finish competitive games.
Washington State
Team vibe
Washington State is 1-6 and 0-3 in the Pac-12. It averages 307.6 yards and allows 383.9, with the offense producing only 20.1 points per game. A 17-16 loss to Utah State showed it could keep a game close, but the following 48-30 Oregon State defeat exposed a different defensive problem.
Current storylines
Teach Me What to Notice
On screen
Look for: Watch Washington State receiver when he catches a pass near the first-down marker.
If you see it: If the catch is beyond that line, Washington State can keep the possession going without another short-yardage play.
Here's what it means: The Cougars are finding progress through the air against Boise’s less restrictive defensive area.
On screen
Look for: Watch Boise State running back on carries close to the end zone.
If you see it: If he is stopped before the goal line, Washington State has made Boise use another play to finish the possession.
Here's what it means: Those stops can separate allowing yardage from allowing a touchdown.
The central storyline
No. 21 Boise State has won five straight behind an offense averaging 234.5 rushing yards per game. Washington State’s Homecoming offers a chance to interrupt that run, but the Cougars have lost four straight and just allowed 48 points to Oregon State.
A read on both sides
Boise State
Team vibe
Boise State is 5-1 after losing 34-27 to Oregon in its opener. It averages 450.5 yards and 35 points per game, while allowing 22.3 points. The 38-31 Fresno State win was closer than several earlier victories, so a strong rushing game has not removed the need to finish competitive games.
Washington State
Team vibe
Washington State is 1-6 and 0-3 in the Pac-12. It averages 307.6 yards and allows 383.9, with the offense producing only 20.1 points per game. A 17-16 loss to Utah State showed it could keep a game close, but the following 48-30 Oregon State defeat exposed a different defensive problem.
Current storylines
Teach Me What to Notice
On screen
Look for: Watch Washington State receiver when he catches a pass near the first-down marker.
If you see it: If the catch is beyond that line, Washington State can keep the possession going without another short-yardage play.
Here's what it means: The Cougars are finding progress through the air against Boise’s less restrictive defensive area.
On screen
Look for: Watch Boise State running back on carries close to the end zone.
If you see it: If he is stopped before the goal line, Washington State has made Boise use another play to finish the possession.
Here's what it means: Those stops can separate allowing yardage from allowing a touchdown.
Players & Coaches
Players & Coaches
Boise State · Running Back (RB)
His 835 rushing yards on 127 carries explain much of Boise State’s running production. Washington State must keep his early gains from making every subsequent down easier.
Players & Coaches
Washington State · Wide Receiver (WR)
He has 343 receiving yards and three touchdown catches. Boise State allows 261.3 passing yards per game, so his catches offer a possible route around its stronger run defense.
The Stakes
Boise State can extend its recovery from the opening loss; Washington State can end a four-game slide with a ranked result on Homecoming.
Why it matters
Boise’s task is to make its rushing strength travel while avoiding another finish as tight as the Fresno State game.
Why it matters
For Washington State, a competitive defensive performance would address the failure that outweighed its 30 points last week.
History & Context
History & Context
Washington State’s official schedule identifies this as Homecoming at Gesa Field in Pullman. The occasion brings a ranked conference visitor to a team seeking its first Pac-12 win.
Conversation Starters
Conversation Starters
“Washington State scored 30 last week and still lost by 18. I’m watching what it does to before judging the offense.”