Washington State to Welcome No. 21 Boise State Saturday

Washington State brings a 1-6 record, including 0-3 in conference play, into Saturday’s 3 p.m. kickoff at Gesa Field. USA Network has the broadcast. Oddsmakers initially placed the Cougars 14 points behind Boise State. The Broncos enter at 5-1 overall and 2-0 in conference games after having last week off. Their previous Pullman visit ended in 2017, when Tyler Hilinski entered as a reserve and guided WSU to victory in three overtimes. The matchup also reconnects coach Kirby Moore with the program where he played from 2009-13.

WSU is coming off a 48-30 defeat against Oregon State. Making his first start, redshirt freshman Owen Eshelman went 32-for-49 through the air, producing 289 yards, two scores and a late interception. He added 136 yards over 15 rushing attempts. Washington State’s running backs managed only 26 yards on 13 carries, continuing a season in which that group has averaged 52 yards against FBS teams.

Boise State has won five consecutive games since losing its opener to Oregon, including a 38-31 result against Fresno State on Oct. 10. The Broncos generate 235 rushing yards per game, led by Dylan Riley’s 139-yard average and six ground touchdowns. Sire Gaines has 354 yards and three scores. Quarterback Maddux Madsen has 13 touchdown passes without an interception, completing 110 of 166 attempts for 1,296 yards. Boise State has surrendered the ball only three times, while Madsen has been sacked five times.