Palouse Rivalry Renewed as the Idaho Vandals and Washington State Cougars clashed in a nail-biting season opener that saw the Cougars narrowly escape with a 13-10 victory. The “Battle of the Palouse,” held at Gesa Field at Martin Stadium on August 30, 2025, showcased intense competition and the debut of both teams’ new head coaches, Thomas Ford Jr. for Idaho and Jimmy Rogers for Washington State. Despite being the underdogs, the Vandals nearly pulled off a significant upset, setting the stage for an exciting season for both programs, according to reports from University of Idaho Athletics and Washington State Athletic Communications.
A Defensive Showdown
The game, broadcast on The CW, quickly turned into a defensive battle, with neither team able to find the end zone in the first quarter. The Vandals, despite being ranked 12th in the preseason FCS polls, demonstrated remarkable resilience against their FBS opponent. According to FOX Sports coverage, Idaho’s strong ground game allowed them to dominate Washington State in rushing yards, amassing 188 yards compared to the Cougars’ meager 3 yards by the end of the contest.
First Half Struggles
The first points of the game came in the second quarter when Washington State quarterback Jaxon Potter, making his first career start, connected with Josh Meredith for a six-yard touchdown pass. This gave the Cougars a 7-0 lead heading into halftime. Potter’s performance, as noted by CBSSports.com, was a mix of promise and areas needing improvement, reflecting the growing pains expected with a new starting quarterback.
Vandals’ Valiant Comeback
Trailing by a touchdown, the Vandals, led by quarterback Joshua Wood, refused to back down. Wood, who rushed for a career-high 101 yards, ignited Idaho’s offense in the second half.
Fourth-Quarter Surge
The fourth quarter saw the Vandals finally break through. Art Williams scored a three-yard touchdown run, narrowing the Cougars’ lead. With less than three minutes remaining, a game-changing strip-sack by Matyus McLain and a recovery by Donovan Parham set up Cameron Pope for a 21-yard field goal. Pope’s successful kick tied the game at 10-10, sending shockwaves through Gesa Field, according to play-by-play details from Washington State Athletic Communications.
Cougars’ Last-Minute Heroics
With the game hanging in the balance, the Cougars responded with a crucial drive in the final moments.
Clutch Performance Under Pressure
Jaxon Potter, despite a brief benching earlier in the second half, returned to lead a nine-play, 59-yard drive. The drive culminated in a 32-yard field goal by Jack Stevens with just three seconds left on the clock. Stevens’ clutch kick secured a hard-fought 13-10 victory for Washington State, preventing what would have been a devastating upset, per reports from University of Idaho Athletics.
Coaching Debuts and Rivalry Implications
The game marked the debut for both head coaches, adding another layer of intensity to the already fierce rivalry. For Coach Rogers, the narrow victory provides a positive start to his tenure, although the Cougars’ performance highlighted areas that need to be addressed moving forward. Coach Ford Jr., despite the loss, saw his Vandals team showcase significant potential, especially in their ground game and defensive tenacity, as reported by FOX Sports analysts.
“Battle of the Palouse” Significance
The “Battle of the Palouse” is more than just a game; it’s a symbol of regional pride and a testament to the enduring rivalry between these two universities. The near-upset by the Vandals underscores the unpredictable nature of college football and sets an exciting tone for the remainder of the season for both programs. The game’s impact, as analyzed by CBSSports.com, suggests that both teams will be formidable competitors in their respective conferences.
In conclusion, the Washington State Cougars’ narrow victory over the Idaho Vandals in the “Battle of the Palouse” was a hard-fought contest that highlighted both teams’ strengths and weaknesses. The Vandals’ strong ground game and defensive resilience nearly secured a major upset, while the Cougars’ late-game heroics preserved their winning streak in the rivalry. This game not only marked the beginning of a new era for both programs under their new head coaches but also reaffirmed the intensity and importance of this historic rivalry.
