Photo Gallery: WSU football fumbles home opener against Utah State

The tailgates were popping. The Coug was packed. Dissmores ran out of Busch Light. College football was finally back on the Palouse. Unfortunately, like many other traditions that we have come to expect regarding WSU football, the Cougars dropped their season opener in head-scratching fashion to Utah State of the Mountain West Conference — WSU has now dropped six of its last 10 season openers.

Despite entering the matchup as a 17-point favorite and returning almost every starter on both sides of the field, Washington State appears to be a team with unresolved issues bleeding over from a long offseason. Three different quarterbacks saw playing time (including a controversial Cammon Cooper series in the red zone) while the conference’s best RB, Max Borghi, only touched the ball 12 times. A defensive line that was lauded during fall camp was unable to secure a single sack and only recorded two QB hurries. If WSU wants to get back on track to bowl eligibility, a lot of improvement is needed. And fast.

Head coach Nick Rolovich will have to wait until next week for another shot to claim his first win at Martin Stadium as the Cougars fall to 0-1 in 2021. CougCenter was at Gesa Field covering the game’s biggest moments and plays. Enjoy!

Grid View

• Jack Ellis/CougCenter
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• Jack Ellis/CougCenter
• Jack Ellis/CougCenter
• Jack Ellis/CougCenter
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• Jack Ellis/CougCenter
• Jack Ellis/CougCenter
• Jack Ellis/CougCenter