BYU (5-2) at Washington State (4-3)
- Kickoff: Saturday, 1:30 p.m. MDT
- Venue: Gesa Field at Martin Stadium (32,952 capacity)
- TV: FS1
- Livestream: FoxSports.com
- Radio: KSL 1160 AM
- Series: BYU leads the all-time series 3-1 and won the last meeting 30-6 in 2012. This is the first meeting in Pullman, Washington, between the two schools.
- Weather: Cloudy with temperatures in the low 50s at kickoff.
THE TRENDS
For BYU: BYU has fallen out of the Top 25 and is reeling after two straight losses. The team heads into Pullman for its second straight road game against a Power Five program.
For Washington State: Washington State has won three straight after a 1-3 start to the season. During the three-game winning streak, all against Pac-12 Conference opponents, Washington State has averaged 28.6 points per game.
WHAT TO WATCH FOR
The spotlight this week has been off the field, after Washington State fired head coach Nick Rolovich and four of his assistants on Monday for failing to comply with a state COVID-19 vaccine mandate.
Defensive coordinator Jack Dickert was elevated to acting head coach. He said he will continue in his role as DC and the team’s run ‘n’ shoot offensive philosophy will stay the same, beginning with the game against BYU.
“I’m a firm believer that adversity is life’s greatest teacher and that’s what I preach to our guys, and I think this is going to be another challenge for our guys to continue to learn and grow,” Dickert told ESPN.
KEY PLAYER
Jayden de Laura, QB, Washington State: BYU’s defense has been struggling in recent weeks to slow down its competition. Facing de Laura will provide another challenge, as the sophomore quarterback has been playing some of his best ball in recent weeks. During the team’s three-game win streak, de Laura has completed 74 of 117 passes (63.2%) for 901 yards, nine touchdowns and three interceptions.
QUOTABLE
“Baylor decided they were going to go big and shove the run down our throat. We didn’t respond the right way. If Washington State decides to do that, then fine. We need to toughen up.” — BYU coach Kalani Sitake.
“Words cannot express our profound sadness and disappointment in the termination of our coach, Nick Rolovich. Playing for him was a great honor that all of us will cherish forever. He put trust in me and allowed me to grow as a man both on and off the field. … What we need now, more than ever, is the loud and passionate support the Cougar faithful can bring to Martin Stadium. So let’s pack the house on Saturday, and show this entire nation the special bond that we all have as WSU Cougars.” — Washington State quarterback Jayden de Laura, on Rolovich’s dismissal.
NEXT UP
BYU returns home to host Virginia and former BYU coach Bronco Mendenhall on Oct. 30. Washington State travels to face Arizona State on Oct. 30.
BYU SCHEDULE
Sept. 4 — BYU 24, Arizona 16
Sept. 11 — BYU 26, Utah 17
Sept. 18 — BYU 27, Arizona State 17
Sept. 25 — BYU 35, USF 27
Oct. 1 — BYU 34, Utah State 20
Oct. 9 — Boise State 26, BYU 17
Oct. 16 — Baylor 38, BYU 24
Oct. 23 — at Washington State (1:30 p.m., FS1)
Oct. 30 — vs. Virginia (8:15 p.m., ESPN2)
Nov. 6 — vs. Idaho State (1 p.m., BYUtv)
Nov. 13 — BYE
Nov. 20 — at Georgia Southern (2 p.m., TV TBD)
Nov. 27 — at USC
All times MT