The Washington State Cougars, with a season record of 5-7, faced off against the undefeated Washington Huskies at Alaska Airlines Field at Husky Stadium. The game ended narrowly with the home team edging out a victory of 24-21.

Nov 25, 2023; Seattle, Washington, USA; Washington Huskies quarterback Michael Penix Jr. (9) passes against the Washington State Cougars during the second quarter at Alaska Airlines Field at Husky Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports

The Cougars demonstrated a robust passing game, accumulating 317 yards through the air and achieving three touchdowns. Their quarterback managed to complete 32 passes out of 49 attempts, resulting in an impressive completion percentage of approximately 65 percent and an overall passer rating of around 132. Despite being sacked five times, the quarterback's longest pass was for 37 yards and his longest touchdown pass was for 25 yards.

On the ground, however, it was a different story as the rushing attack struggled to gain traction against a stout defense. The Cougars rushed for only 64 yards on 27 attempts with their longest run being just 17 yards. They did not manage to score on the ground but secured four first downs via rushes.

Nov 25, 2023; Seattle, Washington, USA; Washington Huskies place kicker Grady Gross (95) celebrates after kicking a game-winning field goal against the Washington State Cougars during the fourth quarter at Alaska Airlines Field at Husky Stadium. Washington defeated Washington State, 24-21. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports

Defensively, Washington State managed to sack their opponents' quarterback twice and recorded five tackles for loss while applying pressure with two quarterback hits. They also intercepted one pass during the game but were unable to return it for any yardage.

Special teams play saw mixed results; while no punts were blocked or returned for touchdowns by either team, Washington State punted five times totaling over two hundred yards and successfully pinned their opponents inside their own twenty-yard line three times. Their kickoffs traveled a total distance of nearly two hundred fifty yards with one reaching into the end zone resulting in touchbacks.

Nov 25, 2023; Seattle, Washington, USA; Washington Huskies place kicker Grady Gross (95) celebrates after making a game-winning field goal against the Washington State Cougars during the fourth quarter at Alaska Airlines Field at Husky Stadium. Washington defeated Washington State, 24-21. Washington State Cougars defensive back Jamorri Colson (29) reacts at right. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports

Penalties played a significant role in this encounter as well; The Cougars were penalized ten times throughout the game which cost them eighty-five penalty yards.

In terms of efficiency within critical areas on field: The Cougars converted seven out of seventeen third-down opportunities which is about forty-one percent success rate and succeeded once on two fourth-down attempts – equating to fifty percent conversion rate there. In red zone efficiency they had perfect records both overall (100 percent) and specifically when they had goal-to-go situations (100 percent).

As fans look ahead after this closely contested battle between these rivals from Washington state - they can tune into future broadcasts featuring The Washington State Cougars as they continue their journey through this football season.

Washington State Cougars - NCAA Football - Recap

Washington State Cougars Narrowly Defeated at Alaska Airlines Field by Washington Huskies in Football Showdown