Ethan O'Connor's late 60-yard pick-6 rallies Washington State to 25-17 victory over Fresno State
Washington State quarterback John Mateer heads through the line against Fresno State linebacker Tuasivi Nomura during the first half of an NCAA college football game in Fresno, Calif., Saturday, Oct. 12, 2024. Credit: AP/Gary Kazanjian
FRESNO, Calif. — Redshirt freshman Ethan O'Connor returned an interception 60 yards for a touchdown in the fourth quarter to rally Washington State to a 25-17 victory over Fresno State on Saturday night.
Washington State (5-1) trailed 17-16 when O'Connor stepped in front of a Mikey Keene pass, racing to the end zone and giving the Cougars a five-point lead after the two-point conversion failed with 6:52 left to play. Dean Janikowski added a 23-yard field goal with 1:46 to go for the final margin.
John Mateer scored on a 1-yard run on the game's opening drive, but his 2-point pass failed and Washington State led 6-0.
Keene answered with a 34-yard touchdown pass to Josiah Freeman to put Fresno State (3-3) on top 7-6.
Kris Hutson finished off a 75-yard drive with a 2-yard touchdown run with 34 seconds left in the first quarter and the Cougars took a 13-7 lead that stood through halftime after a scoreless second period.
Fresno State moved back in front by a point midway through the third quarter on Elijah Gilliam's 6-yard touchdown run. Janikowski kicked a 34-yard field goal at the 5:16 mark and Washington State took a 16-14 lead into the fourth quarter.
Dylan Lynch, who missed field goals from 36 and 52 yards earlier, kicked a 27-yarder with 11:04 left to play and the Bulldogs moved in front by a point.
Fresno State wide receiver Josiah Freeman celebrates the only touchdown score against Washington State during the first half of an NCAA college football game in Fresno, Calif., Saturday, Oct. 12, 2024. Credit: AP/Gary Kazanjian
Mateer completed 17 of 34 passes for 172 yards for the Cougars. He carried 18 times for 46 yards.
Keene finished with 220 yards on 24-for-35 passing with one costly pick for the Bulldogs. Gilliam rushed 20 times for 120 yards.
