Good morning, Coug fans! I feel like a little kid on Christmas Eve, and even though I’m not expecting presents under a tree, I have found myself chanting “football is coming, football is coming” more times than I want to admit over the past week. I am half sure my roommate thinks I’m losing it. Maybe I am!

While there are many rivalries our Washington State Cougars participate in, this is one that never really occurred to me, despite how regionally obvious it is. Tomorrow (I know, I can’t believe it either) we face off against our neighbors, the University of Idaho Vandals.

Here are some fun facts I learned about all our success against them, in hopes to really inspire a wonderful game tomorrow.

The first fun fact that sparked joy for me: under Paul Wulff, we never played Idaho! 2008-2011 was a devastating time for our program, but it never included losing tragically to Idaho! We’ll always have that to look back on.

Washington State leads the series 72-16-3, the three ties taking place in 1908, 1927, and 1950. The rivalry game began in November of 1894, where Washington State was victorious!

For 30 years between 1938 and 1968, there was a tradition called the “Losers Walk” where the losing school would walk the eight miles to the winners school, and get a ride back. Now, this one didn’t make sense to me up front, because why would the winners want to drive the losers all the way back? And then it hit me: more time to gloat! I have found a silent film record of one of the Losers Walk for Idaho — enjoy!

And, as for any good rivalry, there is an element of suspected arson! Between November of 1969 and April 1970, both schools’ stadiums (each made of wood at the time) went up in flames. At the time, WSU’s field (burned in 1970) was called Rogers Field. We now know a different Rogers Field, where the football team practices!

The night of the fire — allegedly — a gunshot was heard around 10:30 p.m., and the fire began shortly after. The fire took place on the first night of spring break, which made it all the more suspicious. I was unable to find any information on who might have done this, but I am not ruling out Idaho. Just kidding! After two years of having no home base, Martin Stadium was born in 1972!

As for the Idaho fire, formerly Neale Stadium was initially condemned in 1969 for unsafe conditions, and then went up in flames! There is also very little information about this fire, but for that I blame Wikipedia.

Out of the fire, and into the frying pan for Idaho: the next game between the two schools after the arson issues was affectionately named “The Displaced Bowl” — seeing as neither team had stadiums of their own. Washington State won this game 44-16, if my research is correct! Below is footage of the game, and while no one has to watch all of it, it’s kind of special to see the uniforms and film style!

Well, Coug fans, I hope you enjoyed this fun walk down memory lane to best prepare you for tomorrow! And don’t worry, you won’t need to pack your good walking shoes ... Hopefully ...

Links

'It's definitely going to be emotional': Washington State seventh-year receiver Renard Bell anticipating first game back after missing 2021 season | Washington State University | khq.com
As he walked through the doors of Washington State’s football facility on the first morning of fall camp, Renard Bell felt an overwhelming rush of “happiness and joy,” which brought

'We know each other inside and out': WSU's Jake Dickert, Idaho's Jason Eck crossed paths on road to becoming head coaches | University of Idaho | khq.com
In 2013, a struggling 2-3 Augustana team drove over from Sioux Falls, SD to Mankato, MN and put a scare into 5-0 Minnesota State, ranked number one in NCAA Division

Come together: Washington State head coach Jake Dickert leads 'New Wazzu' into opener against Idaho | Washington State University | khq.com
About 10 months ago, Jake Dickert was entrusted with the task of unifying a fractured team. Now, members of Washington State’s football program consider unity and trust to be among

2022 football preview: New frontman Cameron Ward brings an up-tempo rhythm in Jake Dickert's first full season at Washington State | Washington State University | khq.com
And so begins the Jake Dickert era at Washington State. For real, this time. The Cougs played well under Dickert for the final six games of the 2021 season, after

2022 football preview: Washington State counting on transfers Cameron Ward, Daiyan Henley to deliver big numbers | Washington State University | khq.com
WSU retained a strong nucleus of veteran players from last year’s squad, but the Cougars made several significant additions via the transfer portal this offseason as they reshaped their program

2022 football preview: Game-by-game predictions for the Washington State Cougars | Washington State University | khq.com
Washington State’s nonconference football slate features two favorable matchups against lower-level opponents and one major test on the road against a notable Power Five foe. The Cougars open Pac-12 play

Cougs roll Cal Baptist in home opener - Washington State University Athletics
PULLMAN, Wash. -- Laura Jansen had 13 kills (13-0-23) and Washington State volleyball (3-1) finished with 12 blocks as a team as the Cougars swept California Baptist

Last-Minute Goal Clinches WSU Win at Seattle - Washington State University Athletics
SEATTLE – The Washington State women's soccer team (2-1-1) defeated Seattle University, 2-1, at Championship Field Thursday night. With just 45 seconds to play in

Cross Country splits season opener against Idaho rivals - Washington State University Athletics
COLFAX, Wash. – The Washington State men's and women's cross country teams saw multiple runners finish in the top-five at the Washington State Invitational Thursday,

WSU volleyball cruises past Cal Baptist in home opener | Sports | dnews.com
The Washington State volleyball team had no problems in its home opener Thursday.