PULLMAN, Wash. — The new era of the Pac-12 Conference kicks off Saturday night as the Washington State Cougars (1-3) host the Fresno State Bulldogs (3-1) at 6:30 p.m. at Gesa Field on USA Network.

The Cougars and Bulldogs have become familiar with each other in the past few seasons, meeting twice since 2022. In 2024, WSU made the trip to Fresno and beat the Bulldogs 25-17. The two also met at the 2024 Jimmy Kimmel LA Bowl, with Fresno State pulling off the 29-6 win. WSU owns the all-time series advantage 4-2, dating back to their first meeting in 1987.

The Cougs and Bulldogs also have another big connection, as first-year WSU head coach Kirby Moore spent six years (2017-22) on the Fresno State coaching staff as the offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach under Jeff Tedford and Kalen DeBoer. In addition, Cougar defensive lineman Jirah Leaupupetele’s younger brother, Jonah, is an offensive lineman at Fresno State.

About Washington State

Washington State went 1-3 in the nonconference portion of the schedule, falling to No. 17 Washington 24-10 and Kansas State 34-7 before picking up a dominant 48-7 win over FCS Duquesne two weeks ago.

Last week, the Cougars went up 14-0 over Arizona at home and held a 17-14 lead at halftime but fell apart in the second half and lost 34-24.

In that game, starting quarterback Caden Pinnick went 24 of 41 for 241 yards, one touchdown and one interception while adding 35 yards and one score on the ground.

Running backs Kirby Vorhees and Maxwell Woods combined for just 59 rushing yards as the Cougs totaled 94 yards on the ground and 241 through the air.

The defense has been the strong suit for WSU this season, and it showed last Saturday. Safety Jack Bal picked off Arizona quarterback Noah Fifita and returned it for a touchdown, marking WSU’s second pick-six of the year.

Through four games, Pinnick is 66 of 108 for 644 yards, three touchdowns, and four interceptions. 

In the Pac-12, WSU’s scoring offense ranks seventh, averaging 22.3 points per game, while the Cougars’ passing offense ranks last (161 yards per game) and their rushing offense ranks sixth (152 yards per game).

The Wazzu defense ranks seventh overall, giving up 22.3 points per game, with the seventh-ranked rushing defense (173 yards per game) and the top-ranked passing defense, allowing just over 200 yards per game.

About Fresno State

The Fresno State Bulldogs head to Pullman with a 3-1 record and riding a three-game winning streak. The Bulldogs opened the season with a 39-0 loss to No. 14 USC before beating Sacramento State (49-3), San Jose State (26-10) and Rice (38-24).

Saturday will mark the first time Fresno State has left California for a game.

In the 14-point win over Rice, starting quarterback Jayden Mandal went 22 of 34 for 210 yards and three touchdowns while adding 57 yards on five carries.

Running back Rayshon Luke had a day, going off for 167 yards and a touchdown on 11 carries.

Fresno State’s defense gave up 463 total yards to Rice, including 344 yards on the ground.

This season, Mandal has completed 67 of 104 pass attempts for 822 yards, six touchdowns and one interception. Luke has rushed for 240 yards and one score on 36 touches, while running back Bryson Donelson has 193 yards and four touchdowns on 37 carries.

Fresno State has the fifth-best scoring offense in the Pac-12, averaging 28.3 points per game. The Bulldogs own the fourth-best rushing offense (159 yards per game) and fourth-best passing offense (205 yards per game).

The Bulldogs have the best scoring defense in the conference, holding opponents to 19 points per game. Fresno State also has the fifth-best passing and rushing defense, holding opponents to 231 and 171 yards per game, respectively.

Fresno State vs. Washington State Betting Odds, Preview

Spread: WSU -1.5

Over/Under: 45.5

MoneyLine: WSU -122 | Fresno State +102

ESPN’s matchup predictor gives WSU just a 38.3% chance to beat Fresno State at home, but the oddsmakers don’t agree, making WSU the slight home favorite. 

Kickoff between Washington State and Fresno State is set for 6:30 p.m. PT on Saturday, and the game will air on USA Network.