Washington State fell in its first PAC-12 matchup two weeks ago to Oregon State, and now hosts the Louisiana Tech Bulldogs. The Bulldogs are coming off a heartbreaking loss to Delaware, and will look to avoid falling to .500 as the Cougars look to even up their record.
Here’s everything you need to know about Saturday night’s contest:
Washington State Cougars (4-5, 0-1 Pac-12) vs Louisiana Tech Bulldogs (5-4, 3-3 C-USA)
Date: Saturday, November 15th
Time: 10:00 p.m. ET // 7:00 p.m. PT
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Location: Martin Stadium – Pullman, WA
TV: The CW Network
Radio: TuneIn Radio
Betting Line: Washington State -7.5 on FanDuel
Did Bye Week Help Cougs Fix Mental Lapses?
Washington State’s loss to Oregon State prior to their bye week was as sloppy as a game can get. Their pass protection looked lost, quarterback Zevi Eckhaus took a major step backward, and their missed field goal at the end of the game capped off a messy game that, by all accounts, should have been a victory. A bye week isn’t a magical “cure-all fix”, but it’s shown time and time again to help teams limit their detail-oriented issues.
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Bowl contention is still in play for the Cougs, although it’s far from a guarantee. They need to finish the season strong, and that all starts with putting down a Louisiana Tech team that is inferior on paper. Washington State must come out early and get ahead of the Bulldogs quickly, and managing the small aspects of the game will be essential.
MORE: How Washington State’s 2025 Opponents Fared in Week 11
How Does Washington State’s Passing Scheme Develop?
A conservative passing game that came with the introduction of Eckhaus into the QB1 spot gave the Cougars a much-needed offensive boost. However, the playbook was seemingly opened up in recent weeks, but it has seen the opposite effect. It came to a tipping point against the Beavers, as Eckhaus threw two interceptions and the offense as a whole looked quite out of sync.
With Eckhaus banged up but expected to get the start once again, it will be an interesting storyline as to how Head Coach Jimmy Rogers tailors the offense around his experienced starter. A return to their initial ways could be successful, but continuing to develop around their new scheme might end up being a better option. Only time will tell, but they will have to navigate their ever-inconsistent offense to push for a win.
MORE: Two-QB Rotation Expected as Louisiana Tech Faces Washington State
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LA Tech’s Rushing Game an Issue
The Cougs have been far from the best defense in the country against the ground game, and the Bulldogs boast a solid multi-pronged rushing approach. Running backs Clay Thevenin and Omiri Wiggins have combined for a total of 907 yards on the ground through nine games, and quarterback Blake Baker has tacked on another 260 of his own.
Their scoring has also been proficient, hitting the end zone a total of 18 times. Washington State will have to shut down its rushing attack to prevent getting overpowered on the ground. If they are unable to do so, it could be a long game for a Cougars defense that has been heavily relied on to this point of the season.
More Reading Material From Washington State Cougars On SI
Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change.If you or someone you know has a gambling problem and wants help, call 1-800-GAMBLER.
Newlab New Orleans is deepening its energy-tech ambitions with a new partnership alongside JERA, Japan’s largest power generator, to accelerate next-generation carbon capture solutions for heavy industries across Louisiana and the Gulf Coast, The Center Square writes.
The collaboration brings JERA Ventures into Newlab’s public-private innovation hub, where startups gain access to lab space and high-end machinery to commercialize technologies aimed at cutting emissions and improving industrial efficiency.
The move builds momentum as Newlab prepares to open its fifth global hub next fall at the former Naval Support Activity site, adding New Orleans to a network that includes Riyadh and Detroit. JERA’s footprint in Louisiana is already growing—from a joint venture on CF Industries’ planned $4 billion low-carbon ammonia plant to investments in solar generation and Haynesville shale assets—positioning the company as a significant player in the state’s clean-energy transition.
Federal immigration authorities are keeping a tight lid on key details as “Catahoula Crunch” closes its first week in southeast Louisiana, Verite writes.
The operation—one of Department of Homeland Security’s largest recent urban crackdowns—began with raids at home-improvement stores and aims for 5,000 arrests, according to plans previously reviewed by the Associated Press. While DHS publicly highlighted arrests of immigrants with violent criminal records, AP data shows fewer than one-third of the 38 detainees in the first two days had prior convictions.
Meanwhile, advocacy groups report widespread fear in Hispanic communities, with residents avoiding hospitals, schools, workplaces and even grocery stores amid sightings of federal agents.
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Business impacts are already visible: restaurants and Hispanic-serving corridors like Broad Street appear unusually quiet, with staff shortages forcing menu cuts and temporary closures. School absenteeism has doubled in Jefferson Parish, and protests have spread across New Orleans and surrounding suburbs as local leaders demand transparency around federal tactics.
BATON ROUGE, La. (Louisiana First) — The Louisiana State Police is opening its doors throughout December, hosting open house events aimed at giving potential applicants a closer look at what it takes to become a state trooper.
Troop leaders said the goal is to recruit men and women who are prepared for the demands of the job and committed to serving their communities.
Troop A Public Information Officer Shelby Mayfield said the open houses are designed to make the application process more accessible.
“One of the reasons we generated these open houses was to allow our applicants to come in and get a look inside the troop, meet some state troopers from across the troop area, and ask whatever questions they may have to the recruiters who are present,” Mayfield said.
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Along with information sessions, Mayfield said the events help future applicants better understand the daily responsibilities of law enforcement and the mindset troopers are expected to bring to the job.
“We want to make sure that that trooper knows how important officer safety is,” he said. “But more importantly, we want to make sure they go out there with a pure heart.”
The Louisiana State Police Training Academy is known for its rigorous curriculum that prepares cadets for real-world situations. From crash investigations to communication skills, instructors focus on developing well-rounded troopers who can serve safely and effectively.
Mayfield said applicants must be ready for a variety of interactions, not just emergencies.
“Not everything is going to be a high-intensity, rapidly evolving situation,” he said. “You need to be able to deal with the public to accomplish your job, and that’s why we preach not just getting the job done, but being able to relate to the public so you can meet their needs.”
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The application deadline for Cadet Class 109 is Jan. 6, 2026. Mayfield encourages anyone who feels called to the profession to take the next step.
“If this is something you genuinely have in your heart to do, reach out to somebody when it’s convenient for you,” he said. “Even if you miss a deadline, never give up because it’s never too late.”
Open house events will continue throughout the month at troop locations across Louisiana. More information on Cadet Class 109 and the application process is available on the Louisiana State Police website.
