The Washington State Cougars fought hard to make up a 14 point deficit in the first half to tie the game by halfitime, but they faded mightily in the second half to fall to the No. 3 Oregon Ducks, 38-24.
Had the Cougars (5-5 overall, 4-3 Pac-12) won the game, they would have controlled their won destiny in the Pac-12 North. Instead, they’ve fallen two games behind Oregon (9-1, 6-1) and have essentially been eliminated from contention for the division title.
Still, they’re in a great spot to advance to their sixth consecutive (non-Covid) bowl game: Just one win over either Arizona at home on Friday or at the Washington Huskies in two weeks will do the trick.