21 Boise State Broncos (5-1) travel to face the Washington State Cougars (1-6) in a CFB Week 8 regular season game scheduled for Saturday, October 24, 2026 at 6:00 PM ET at Gesa Field at Martin Stadium in Pullman, WA. The game airs on the FUSA Network.
Washington State enters this contest on a four-game losing streak, falling to 1-6 overall and 0-3 in conference play. The Cougars are ranked eighth in their division and have gone 190-141 on the season, averaging just 20.1 points per game. Their offense has also struggled on third downs, converting 29.8% and the team has a turnover margin of -7, a combination that has made consistent drives difficult through the first seven weeks.
Boise State arrives in Pullman riding a five-game winning streak and ranked second in its division at 5-1. The Broncos are one of the most complete teams in college football this season, averaging 35.0 points and 450.5 yards per game while holding opponents to just 134 total points. Their rushing attack has been particularly dominant, producing 234.5 yards per game on the ground. Defensively, Boise State has not thrown a single pass breakup this season among teams with at least 150 pass attempts, ranking first in the NCAAFB in that category. The Broncos also lead all of college football with 9 fourth-quarter sacks in the 2026 regular season, a sign of their ability to close out games.
Below are the details on how to watch.
How to watch Boise State Broncos vs. Washington State Cougars
- When: Saturday, October 24, 2026 at 6:00 PM ET
- Where: Gesa Field at Martin Stadium, Pullman, WA
- TV: FUSA Network
Players to watch
Boise State brings one of the most consistent offenses to this game, and Madsen is at the center of it. In 6 games, he has thrown for 1,296 yards and 13 touchdowns while completing 66.2 percent of his passes. That kind of ball security stands out against a Washington State team that has just 3 interceptions all season and is minus-7 in shooting margin.
What makes Madsen especially important on Oct. 24 is how his efficiency fits into Boise State’s broader profile. The Broncos are averaging 35 points per game, converting 50.6 percent of their third downs and allowing just 5 sacks all season. If he keeps Boise State on the schedule and avoids negative plays, the Broncos should have a solid chance to control the game in Pullman.
For Washington State, the road to staying in this game runs through Pinnick’s ability to create offense under pressure. He leads the Cougars with 952 passing yards and has added 194 rushing yards, which is significant for a team that averages 307.5 yards per game and has struggled to hold drives at a 29.7 percent third-down rate.
Pinnick also has to deal with a Boise State defense that has been more disruptive than Washington State’s offense has been consistent. The Broncos have 14 sacks, 5 interceptions and are giving up 22.3 points per game in 6 games. IF Pinnick can extend plays and turn broken pockets into productive hits, Washington State can keep this from being a one-sided afternoon.
When Washington State needs balance, Eshelman is the player who can provide some. He leads the Cougars with 289 rushing yards and 2 rushing touchdowns, and his role becomes more important against a Boise State team that wants to dictate the pace with its ground game. Washington State is averaging 130 yards per game this season, so any push from Eshelman would help keep the offense out of obvious passing situations.
There is also a gameplay angle here. Boise State ranks 9th nationally in rushing yards per game at 234.5, which can shorten games and squeeze possessions. If Eshelman helps Washington State respond with efficient runs early, the Cougars could make this game more competitive deep into the second half.
This matchup also puts a premium on players who can turn court position quickly. Washington State has 2 punt returns this season, including a long 65-yard return, and Dugger’s versatility makes him a logical player to monitor whenever the Cougars are looking for a spark. If he turns a short touchdown into a field position move, Washington State’s offense could get the short field it sorely needs.
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