Cougars Battle No. 21 James Madison in 24–20 Road Setback

Saturday, November 22

Harrisonburg, VA

10 AM PT

Washington State University

5-6 , 0-0

James Madison

10-1 , 7-0

1st

2nd

3rd

4th

Washington St.

James Madison

Photo by: Greg Davis/WSU Photo

November 22, 2025 | Football

Box Score Jimmy Rogers Postgame Zevi Eckhaus Postgame Caleb Francl Postgame WSU-JMU Final Book Washington State Postgame Notes - at James Madison

By: Washington State Athletic Communications

HARRISONBURG, Va. — Washington State built a 17–10 halftime lead on the road Saturday afternoon, but No. 21 James Madison used a pair of explosive second-half plays to edge the Cougars 24–20 at Bridgeforth Stadium.

WSU (5–6) delivered one of its most balanced offensive performances of the season, totaling 301 yards and controlling possession for nearly 35 minutes. Senior quarterback Zevi Eckhaus accounted for two touchdowns, connecting with junior wide receiver Tony Freeman for a 48-yard score midway through the second quarter before adding a 4-yard rushing touchdown just before halftime.

Freeman led the Cougars with six receptions for 81 yards, while sophomore running back Kirby Vorhees anchored the ground attack with 61 yards on 19 carries. Freshman kicker Jack Stevens remained perfect on the day, converting field goals from 29 and 36 yards.

Washington State's defense forced a key early turnover when senior linebacker Caleb Francl intercepted a pass on JMU's opening possession. Francl matched senior safety Matthew Durrance with a team-high eight tackles, while Parker McKenna and Isaac Terrell combined for a sack as the Cougars limited the Dukes to just 14 first downs.

JMU (10–1) tied the game late in the third quarter on a 68-yard touchdown pass, then moved ahead early in the fourth with a 58-yard scoring run. Stevens briefly put WSU back in front 20–17 with a field goal at the 9:24 mark, but the Dukes responded on the ensuing drive and held on over the final minutes.

Washington State finished 3-for-3 in the red zone and out-snapped the Dukes 68–50, but James Madison capitalized on three long scoring plays to overcome the Cougars' strong effort.

WSU returns to Pullman next week for its regular-season finale against Oregon State at 3:30 p.m. on The CW. The Cougars are seeking their sixth win and bowl eligibility.