SAN DIEGO — A Season of Losses

In a game marred by significant losses and a lack of key players, Washington State University (WSU) struggled to maintain competitiveness against Syracuse in the Holiday Bowl, ultimately falling 52-35.

The Return of Kyle Williams

The chaotic scene unfolded as Kyle Williams, who had been sidelined, emerged from the crimson injury tent, providing a temporary spark for a Cougars squad that had seen nearly 30 players depart through the transfer portal this season, including star quarterback John Mateer, who transferred to Oklahoma earlier this month. Although Williams' return ignited a flicker of hope, it was short-lived—one pivotal moment crystallized WSU's struggles.

A Turning Point in the Game

Early in the fourth quarter, quarterback Zevi Eckhaus attempted to connect with Williams, but the pass fell embarrassingly short, intercepted by Syracuse safety Jalil Martin. This marked Eckhaus’s second interception of the game, highlighting his struggles in what was just his first start at the FBS level. The Cougars were never fully out of contention, yet the interception snuffed out any momentum they had built up.

Challenges Ahead for WSU

WSU's bowl game loss marked their fourth consecutive defeat in bowl play, and the offseason looms large with uncertainty regarding coaching staff and player retention. The Cougars faced this challenge with a decimated roster, missing their top three defensive tackles and several other key contributors, including running back Wayshawn Parker and linebacker Buddah Al-Uqdah.

Interim Leadership and Defensive Struggles

Without head coach Jake Dickert, who accepted a position at Wake Forest just a week prior to the game, interim head coach Pete Kaligis battled to rally an undermanned squad against No. 21 Syracuse. The absence of defensive leadership proved costly as Orange quarterback Kyle McCord dominated, finishing with an eye-popping 453 yards and five touchdowns on 24-for-34 passing.

The Season in Review

For WSU, this was not the team that had once soared to an 8-1 start in the regular season and reached as high as No. 18 in the College Football Playoff rankings. Instead, the Cougars fought valiantly but ultimately could not overcome the personnel losses that had ravaged their lineup.

Eckhaus Shows Promise

Eckhaus, despite the struggles, looked promising at times, completing 31 of 43 passes for 363 yards, including a touchdown run and a long throw to Williams for another score. In the first quarter, a blocked punt by reserve receiver Leon Neal, recovered by San Diego native Josh Meredith for a touchdown, gave WSU a fleeting lead of 21-14.

Syracuse's Dominance

However, Syracuse quickly regained control with an explosive 21-0 run in the second quarter, extending their lead to 35-21 through a combination of disciplined offense and mistakes from the WSU defense. A notable highlight for the Orange came when McCord broke the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) season passing yards record with a precise 50-yard throw to Darrell Gill Jr., ultimately achieving an impressive 4,779 yards for the season.

Looking Forward

As the dust settled on this lackluster outing for WSU, questions surrounding the future of the program intensified. Who will be the next head coach? Which players will remain, and how will the changing landscape affect recruiting? With three decommitments already striking the incoming signing class, the Cougars' offseason promises to be one of uncertainty and pivotal decisions.

A Call for Renewal

While WSU's loss in the Holiday Bowl was disheartening, it has become a clarion call for recovery and renewal as they look toward the challenges that lie ahead.