PULLMAN, Wash. (AP) Jason Gesser threw for 246 yards and three touchdowns as Washington State beat Idaho 36-7 Thursday night in the
season opener for both teams.
Washington State, the visitor in Martin Stadium under a stadium-sharing agreement, rolled to a 20-0 halftime lead and avoided a third consecutive loss
to Vandals.
Gesser, who completed 15 of 26 passes before leaving early in the fourth quarter, connected with Nakoa McElrath on scoring passes of 5 and 35 yards in the third quarter. McElrath caught 10 passes for 141 yards, both career highs.
Dave Minnich rushed for 127 yards on 23 carries, including a slashing 30-yard scoring run.
Trandon Harvey caught an 18-yard scoring pass from Gesser with three minutes left in the first half to put the Cougars up 20-0.
The Cougars' defense frustrated Idaho quarterback John Welsh, who completed 12 of 26 passes for 66 yards.
Idaho scored late in the third quarter on Welch's 4-yard pass to Chris Lacy.
WSU's Drew Dunning hit field goals of 26, 27 and 32 yards.