# 3 Washington State Players to Upset Boise State

> Washington State needs three key players to beat No. 21 Boise State in their rivalry game.
- Title: 3 Washington State Players to Upset Boise State | Shortify
- Summary: Washington State needs three key players to beat No. 21 Boise State in their rivalry game. Washington State Cougars must rely on Owen Eshelman, Khamari…
- Keywords: washington state, boise state, cougars, pacific 12 conference, khamari terrell, owen eshelman, linus zunk, maddux madsen, sports, Washington, State, Players
- Source: Washington State Cougars On SI — https://si.com/college/washington-state/football/3-washington-state-players-who-must-step-up-to-upset-no-21-boise-state
- Published: 2026-10-21T20:42:31+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: washington state, boise state, cougars, pacific 12 conference, khamari terrell, owen eshelman, linus zunk, maddux madsen, sports
## Boise State arrives
Washington State Cougars face 21st-ranked Boise State in Saturday's Pac-12 rivalry game.
## Owen Eshelman debuts
Redshirt freshman quarterback Owen Eshelman leads WSU offense with 425 yards and four touchdown drives.
## Boise State defense
Broncos rank sixth nationally in third-down defense at 27.4 percent conversion rate.
## Khamari Terrell
Cornerback Khamari Terrell must stop Boise State's rushing attack led by Dylan Riley and Sire Gaines.
## Terrell's challenge
WSU missed a season-high 18 tackles in last game, testing Terrell's ability to hold edge against rushing.
## Linus Zunk
Defensive end Linus Zunk targets Boise State quarterback Maddux Madsen to force turnovers.
## Madsen's passing
Maddux Madsen passes for 1,296 yards and 13 touchdowns with no interceptions in six games.
## WSU's pressure
Cougars need defensive line to apply pressure on Madsen and force quick turnovers.
## Game outcome
Washington State must overcome Boise State's strong defense to win Saturday's rivalry game.
## Key takeaway

Washington State Cougars must rely on Owen Eshelman, Khamari Terrell, and Linus Zunk to overcome Boise State's strong defense in their Pac-12 matchup.