Utah State football rallied in all three phases of the game to overcome a first-half deficit and defeat Washington State 17-16 on Friday night at Maverik Stadium in Logan, Utah. According to a report published October 9, the 13-point second-half comeback was the program's largest since overcoming a 17-point deficit against Colorado State in 2023.
The Aggie defense played a pivotal role in the win, forcing five Washington State punts in the second half and holding the Cougars scoreless. Junior linebacker Asher Cunningham recorded a team-high 17 tackles, including two tackles-for-loss, half a sack, two forced fumbles, and one fumble recovery. The defense also set season highs with eight tackles-for-loss and three sacks. Other defensive contributors included senior defensive tackle Tyree Morris, who had eight tackles and a sack, and sophomore safety David Kabongo, who also recorded eight tackles.
Offensively, graduate quarterback Grady Brosterhous threw a 27-yard touchdown pass to graduate receiver Eli Wood to initiate the comeback. Following a second fumble forced by Cunningham and recovered by linebacker Bronson Olevao Jr., Brosterhous connected with Wood for the score. Later, graduate running back Javen Jacobs scored a two-yard touchdown to provide the winning 17-16 margin with less than seven minutes remaining. Jacobs finished with 62 rushing yards on 15 carries, while Brosterhous completed 11 of 26 passes for 150 yards and one touchdown.
The first half featured a scoring battle where Washington State's Jack Stevens converted three field goals from 40, 43, and 50 yards. After an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty, Leo Pulalasi scored a 54-yard touchdown run for the Cougars, giving Washington State a 16-3 lead that held through the first half. Utah State's Kian Afrookhteh contributed a 48-yard field goal during the opening half.
Utah State moves to a 2-4 record (1-1 in Pac-12 play) and enters a bye week. The Aggies are scheduled to return to action on the road against Texas State on Saturday, Oct. 24, at 5:30 p.m. (MT).
