PULLMAN, Wash. – Washington State built a quick two-touchdown lead Saturday, but Arizona’s offense took control as the Cougars fell 34–24 at home.
The Cougars opened with the energy they needed. Caden Pinnick capped a 71-yard opening drive with an 11-yard touchdown run, and the defense delivered a major early swing when Jackquintin Bal returned an interception 25 yards for a touchdown. Less than 13 minutes into the game, WSU led 14–0.
Arizona responded before the end of the first quarter and eventually tied the game in the second. WSU still carried a 17–14 halftime advantage after Jack Stevens made a 33-yard field goal, but the Cougars could not keep Arizona out of the end zone after the break.
Arizona scored the only points of the third quarter, then added a field goal and touchdown early in the fourth to take a 31–17 lead. Washington State showed some fight when Pinnick hit Branden Ganashamoorthy for a 46-yard touchdown with 7:15 remaining, cutting the deficit to seven.
But the Cougars did not get another chance to tie it. Arizona controlled the clock on its next possession and finished the game with a 51-yard field goal.
The loss drops Washington State to 1–3. The Cougars will try to regroup and turn their season around next week when they face Fresno State.
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