Overview
- The Cougars beat Duquesne 48-7 on Saturday, with Caden Pinnick throwing two touchdown passes, rushing for another score and passing for 196 yards while being intercepted once.
- WSU's running game dominated as Maxwell Woods ran for 116 yards and Kirby Vorhees added 109 yards including a 58-yard touchdown that helped the Cougars total 512 yards to Duquesne's 180.
- The win followed an 0-2 start that left WSU last in FBS scoring and total offense and struggling on third down, having converted just 2-of-21 attempts through the first two games.
- Coaches responded to early breakdowns by holding extra film meetings, simplifying play concepts and adjusting offensive-line personnel after Pro Football Focus flagged severe pass‑protection failures in the Kansas State game.
- The result restores momentum ahead of next week's home game with Arizona, returns expected for corners Khamari Terrell and Jalil Tucker, and comes despite senior wideout Tony Freeman being lost for the season with a torn ACL.