Sun Aug 31 05:20:00 UTC 2025: **FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE**

**Washington State Edges Idaho in Nail-Biter Season Opener**

PULLMAN, Wash. — A last-second field goal by Jack Stevens secured a thrilling 13-10 victory for Washington State over the visiting Idaho Vandals in the season opener for both teams Saturday night. Stevens’ 32-yard kick with just three seconds remaining capped off a dramatic finish after Idaho had tied the game late in the fourth quarter.

Cougar quarterback Jaxon Potter, making his first collegiate start, threw for 209 yards on 24-of-31 passing, including a 6-yard touchdown pass to Joshua Meredith in the first half. Despite a brief benching in the second half, Potter returned to lead the game-winning drive in the final minutes.

“We knew it was going to be a tough game,” said first year Washington State coach Jimmy Rogers, celebrating his first win as a head coach. “Idaho is a tough team, and we had to battle all night.”

The game was a defensive struggle for much of the evening. Washington State took a 10-0 lead into the fourth quarter, thanks to Meredith’s touchdown and a 30-yard field goal by Stevens. However, Idaho rallied, with Art Williams scoring a 3-yard touchdown run to close the gap. After Washington State fumbled deep in their own territory, Idaho kicker Cameron Pope, who had missed an earlier attempt, drilled a 21-yarder to tie the score at 10-10 with just 1:42 left on the clock.

Showing poise under pressure, Potter completed six consecutive passes to move the Cougars into field goal range, setting up Steven’s game-winning kick.

For Idaho, it was a disappointing start to Thomas Ford’s tenure as head coach. Despite a strong defensive effort and the late comeback, the Vandals fell short.

Washington State extends its winning streak against Idaho to 11 games and improves its all-time record against the Vandals to 74-17-3.

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