The Washington State Cougars came into the Holiday Bowl on Friday desperately needing help from playmakers. Starting quarterback John Mateer transferred to Oklahoma, starting running back Wayshawn Parker went to Utah, head coach Jake Dickert went to Wake Forest… these are just a few examples.

Luckily, the Cougars got some help in the first half from backup quarterback Zevi Eckhaus and veteran receiver Kyle Williams. Williams intercepted a pass on a short cross route, then accelerated past the Syracuse defense for the 66-yard score, his 14th of the 2024 season.

Unfortunately for WSU, this outstanding game ended in defeat. Syracuse defeated the Cougs 52-35 on Friday night to claim the victory. However, Williams broke the Holiday Bowl record for receiving yards with 172 on ten catches in his final game in a Washington State uniform.

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