Close Win Over Fresno State Bumps Washington State Up One Spot in Week 8 SP+ Rankings

Joe Londergan | Oct 15, 2024

Sep 20, 2024; Pullman, Washington, USA; Washington State Cougars quarterback John Mateer (10) celebrates after a game against the San Jose State Spartans at Gesa Field at Martin Stadium. Washington State Cougars won 54-52 in double overtime. Mandatory Credit: James Snook-Imagn Images / James Snook-Imagn Images

With a record of 5-1, the Washington State Cougars are in a good spot, all things considered. WSU did need some late-game heroics, particularly from defensive back Ethan O'Connor to make a 25-17 win over Fresno State happen this past weekend

Entering the weekend, Washington State found themselves at #58 with a rating of 4.9 in ESPN's SP+ ratings. In the latest rankings heading into Week Eight of the season, the Cougs are up one spot to #57 with a rating of 5.4.

What is SP+? In a single sentence, it's a tempo- and opponent-adjusted measure of college football efficiency.

- Bill Connelly, ESPN

With an offensive score of 35.0, the Cougs find themselves with a top-20 score in that category nationally. They are outside the top-80 on defense and outside the top-100 on special teams.

This week, the Cougars play their homecoming game with the Hawaii Warriors in town for a 12:30 PM PT showdown on The CW. Hawaii have an overall SP+ rating of -11.2, putting them at #105 nationally.

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