Fourth quarter implosion sends WSU to 1-7 in 31-10 loss to No. 21 Boise State

On a seemingly perfect fall day in Pullman, Washington State University's football team suffered a devastating 31-10 loss to No. 21 Boise State Broncos. The Cougars entered the final 15 minutes with a single win, tied against their newly found Pac-12 rival. With the Broncos taking the ball after the toss, they quickly converted for a first down on the first two plays, but wound up stalling on their opening drive.

WSU's defense managed to hold the Broncos off on their second drive when they faced a 3rd and 7 from their own 44. Linebacker DJ Warner nearly sacked Broncos' quarterback Maddux Madsen, but the ball was thrown to Rasean Jones for a 33-yard gain to the WSU 10. Sire Gaines scored the Broncos' first touchdown just a few plays later, putting them ahead 7-0.

The Cougars' second drive of the day saw WSU's Owen Eshelman overcome some third-down adversity, leading to a 10-yard keeper for a first down. However, Eshelman's pass to Branden Ganashamoorthy fell incomplete, and the Broncos continued to dominate, scoring two more touchdowns in quick succession. With just under six minutes left in the half, WSU's Kirby Moore had a big decision to make on 4th and 2, opting to go aggressive and rewarding Eshelman with a 4-yard gain and a first down.

Eshelman followed up with a 2-yard gain to tie the game at 7-7. WSU would score their first points of the game on the ensuing kickoff, which sailed out of bounds, setting Boise State up with the ball at the 35-yard line. The Broncos put together a relentless drive, gaining 11, 9, 13, and 19 yards before settling for a 28-yard field goal to take a 10-7 lead into halftime.

WSU and Boise State traded punts to open the second half, and WSU appeared poised to take control when they faced 3rd and 7, but Eshelman's pass to Daniel Blood fell incomplete.