Jake Dickert's Washington State Cougars made his return to his home state of Wisconsin one to remember.
The Cougars' offense struggled to find a rhythm for a second straight week, but ultimately that didn't matter as the Washington State went into Madison, Wisc., and left with a 17-14 upset of the No. 19-ranked Badgers.
It was Washington State's first win over an AP top-25 opponent since 2018.
The Cougars defense was the story of the game, forcing three turnovers while holding star running back Braelon Allen to only 98 rushing yards on 21 carries.
Yes, Pullman is going to have fun enjoying this win as it Cougars move to 2-0 in Dickert's first full season as head coach.
This despite Washington State holding the ball for only 7 of 30 minutes in the first half, putting all the pressure on the Cougars defense to deliver time and again.
And it did.
Washington State trailed only 14-7 at halftime, and the offense locked in more in the second half after a 73-yard kickoff return by Renard Bell put the Cougars right in field goal range, as Dean Janikowski converted a 26-yarder to narrow the gap.
The Cougars then pulled ahead -- for good -- later in the third quarter on a 31-yard touchdown pass from Cameron Ward to Nakia Watson.
It's truly a different era of Washington State football when it can beat a ranked opponent on the road while being outgained 401-253.
Christian Mejia had an interception for the Cougars while Sam Lockett III and Konner Gomness recovered fumbles.
Scoring summary
First quarter
None
Second quarter
9:10, WSU: Nakia Watson 2-yard run (Dean Janikowski PAT)
6:05, Wisconsin: Graham Mertz 17-yard pass to Clay Cundiff (Vito Calvaruso PAT)
0:20, Wisconsin: Graham Mertz 10-yard pass to Clay Cundiff (Vito Calvaruso PAT)
Third quarter
11:20, WSU: Dean Janikowski 26-yard field goal
5:12, WSU: Cam Ward 31-yard pass to Nakia Watson (Dean Janikowski PAT)
Fourth quarter
None
Turning point of the game
The kickoff return for 73 yards to start the second half from Renard Bell provided the momentum spark Washington State needed. The offense wasn’t fully clean, but it was clean enough for the win. Bell’s big return set this team up for success in the second half.
WSU offensive player of the game: RB Nakia Watson
What a revenge game. Watson, the former Badger, had 64 total yards with both Washington State touchdowns. Watson also stepped up on that last drive to end any hope for the Badgers. What a day for Watson, returning to the stadium he used to play in.
WSU defensive player of the game: Team
I’m not going to choose just one player because wow, this defense as a whole really came to play some football. Even though this Cougar team only forced one sack on the afternoon, it delivered three turnovers and heavy pressure for Wisconsin QB Graham Mertz in the pocket. The team ball goes to every single member of the defense who played a snap.
Cougars’ play of the game
With minutes left in the game and what seemed to be Wisconsin knocking on the door of a potential go-ahead touchdown, the Cougar defense forced the fumble to be recovered by safety Sam Lockett III. That ended the last Badger drive of the evening and was the game-sealer for the Cougars to hold on for the win.
Reasons why WSU won ...
Defense. Defense. Defense. If you can sense a pattern, the defense CLEARLY is the sole reason for this huge road win, stopping what was known as one of the best backs in football, Braelon Allen, and forcing Mertz to throw.
The defensive scheme that the Cougars drew up worked all game, making it tough for the Badgers to run their offense.
What it means for the Cougs ...
WHAT A WIN. Hopefully, the Cougars enter the top 25 themselves after this huge road win, but it’s not a guarantee. The Cougars also have the biggest win for the Pac-12 up to date this fall, especially on the road as well. What a win for this team and its coach.
What’s next for WSU ...
The Cougars will definitely enjoy and celebrate this huge road win, but the focus must remain as they will be the hunted, not the hunters, and face Colorado State at home next Saturday.
Stats
Passing
Cam Ward: 17 of 28, 200 yards, 1 TD, 2 INT
Rushing
Nakia Watson: 11 carries for 34 yards, 1 TD
Jaylen Jenkins: 5 carries for 26 yards
Cam Ward: 5 carries for -6 yards
Receiving
Renard Bell: 2 catches for 49 yards
Billy Riviere III: 2 catches for 40 yards
Donovan Ollie: 5 catches for 34 yards
Lincoln Victor: 3 catches for 33 yards
Nakia Watson: 1 catch for 31 yards, 1 TD
De’Zhaun Stribling: 3 catches for 16 yards
Jaylen Jenkins: 1 catch for -3 yards
