FORT COLLINS, Colo. (Sept. 27, 2025) – Redshirt-senior Zevi Eckhaus threw for 189 yards and two touchdowns, and Washington State rode a strong defensive effort to defeat the Colorado State Rams, 20-3, Saturday, at Canvas Stadium.
 
With the win, the Cougars improved to 3-2 while the Rams dropped to 2-2.
 
WSU's offensive employed a balanced attack, accumulating 347 total yards, 189 passing and 158 rushing. Redshirt-senior Josh Meredith had four receptions for 60 yards, leading a contingent of nine Cougars with a least one reception. Redshirt-sophomore Leo Pulalasi led the Cougars in rushing with 50 yards on the ground.
 
After allowing an opening-drive field goal, WSU's defense clamped down and repeatedly stymied Colorado State throughout the rest of the game. The Rams remaining series ended with punt, fumble, punt, turnover on downs, missed field goal to end the first half, consecutive turnover on downs and a blocked field goal. The defense also racked up four sacks and nine tackles-for-losses.
 
After the early 3-0 deficit, the Cougars responded with a five-play, 82-yard drive capped by a 35-yard touchdown pass from Eckhaus to Jeremiah Noga to take a 7-3 lead with 8:43 remaining in the first quarter.
 
Jake Stevens kicked two field goals to extend the Cougars' lead to 13-3. After stopping the Rams on downs, Eckhaus threw his second touchdown pass, connecting with Ademola Faleye from two yards out with 1:01 remaining in the second quarter to take a 20-3 lead into halftime.
 
Colorado State's offense had three second-half possessions that con's defense turned the Rams away with two turnovers on downs and a block field goal to end the Rams' final threat.
 
Redshirt-freshman Anthony Palano led the Cougars with 13 tackles while redshirt-senior Parker McKenna added 10. Junior Soni Finau had back-to-back sacks in the fourth quarter, two of WSU's four sacks on the game.
 
The Cougars will have a bye week before returning to action, Saturday, Oct. 11, at Mississippi. Kickoff is at 9:45 a.m. Pacific Time.