Washington State Cougars
Head Coach: Mike Leach (5th year, 29-33 record)
Overall Record: 8-4
Conference Record: 7-2 (2nd, Pac-12 North)
Overall S&P+ Ranking: 33rd
Offensive S&P+ Ranking: 15th
Defensive S&P+ Ranking: 63rd
History: This will be the sixth meeting between Minnesota and Washington State, with the Cougars holding a 3-2 advantage in the series. The two programs last met in 1988, when Washington State dropped Minnesota 41-9 in Minneapolis. This will be the Gophers’ first ever trip to the Holiday Bowl, and the third trip for the Cougars.