Week 4 Reckoning: How Washington State's 2025 Challengers Stood Up to the Test

As the collegiate football season charges forward, fans of Washington State can't help but cast a gaze toward the future. The 2025 schedule, while still a distant hum on the horizon, features a lineup of opponents whose current performances offer intriguing hints at the battles to come. Week 4 delivered a mixed bag of results, with some future Cougar rivals demonstrating formidable strength, while others revealed areas for improvement.

Let's dive into how WSU's 2025 adversaries fared on the gridiron this past weekend.

First up, the Boise State Broncos continued their dominant march, securing a convincing 38-17 victory over a feisty Mountain West rival. Their offense, led by a dynamic quarterback and a punishing run game, looked incredibly efficient, moving the chains with ease and capitalizing on nearly every red zone opportunity.

The defense, a hallmark of Boise State teams, stifled their opponent's passing game, registering three sacks and two crucial interceptions. This performance signals that the Broncos will remain a top-tier contender, bringing a high-octane challenge to Pullman in 2025.

Meanwhile, the Fresno State Bulldogs faced a tougher test, falling narrowly to a ranked Pac-12 opponent in a thrilling 24-21 contest.

Despite the loss, the Bulldogs showcased remarkable resilience, battling back from a two-score deficit in the second half. Their star wide receiver put on a clinic, hauling in over 100 yards and a touchdown, proving to be a nightmare for opposing secondaries. While the defense bent, it didn't break entirely, making critical stops when it mattered most.

This close call suggests Fresno State will be a well-coached and competitive team, capable of delivering a punch in 2025.

The San Diego State Aztecs asserted their physicality in a commanding 27-10 triumph against a non-conference foe. Known for their bruising defense and ground-oriented attack, the Aztecs stuck to their identity.

Their defensive front suffocated the opposition's rushing attempts, holding them to under 70 yards on the ground, and their linebackers were everywhere, making tackles for loss seem routine. Offensively, a reliable running back powered their efforts, chewing up yards and clock. San Diego State's performance reaffirms their status as a hard-nosed program, promising a grind-it-out game when they meet the Cougars.

However, not all future foes enjoyed success.

The Wyoming Cowboys struggled significantly, enduring a lopsided 45-14 defeat. Their usually stout defense seemed to lack its characteristic bite, giving up several big plays, and their offense couldn't find a rhythm, turning over the ball three times. While it was undoubtedly a tough week for the Cowboys, they are known for their grit and ability to rebound.

This kind of setback often fuels a team's resolve, and they will certainly be looking to right the ship in the coming weeks and years. A wounded Cowboy is a dangerous one, and WSU will need to be wary.

Observing these Week 4 results provides a fascinating early look into the caliber of opponents Washington State will face in 2025.

While much can change between now and then, the foundational strengths and weaknesses displayed on the field offer valuable insights for coaches and fans alike. The Cougs will have their work cut out for them, but the prospect of clashing with such diverse and competitive teams only adds to the excitement for the seasons to come.