The Washington State Cougars improved their record to 4-0 on Friday night with a dramatic 54-52 victory over San Jose State in the second overtime at Gesa Field – despite some crucial mistakes by coach Jake Dickert.

Dickert admitted this in his post-game conversation with CW sideline reporter Camryn Irwin.

“They had to make up for their coach’s mistakes. I got completely outplayed tonight,” Dickert said. “These guys picked me up; they kept believing in me. We said in the fourth quarter we were going to find a way. … Just an unbelievable finish to get the win.”

A mistake that could have easily cost Washington State the game occurred shortly after the Cougars intercepted a pass from San Jose State quarterback Emmett Brown on the second play of overtime. Washington State only had to run the ball and allow kicker Dean Janikowski to make a potential game-winning field goal.

Instead, Dickert called a pass play on second and eight. The pass was intercepted by San Jose State, breathing new life into the Spartans and forcing another overtime.

Washington State scored another touchdown and converted the two-point conversion to set up double overtime. The Cougars conceded another touchdown from San Jose State on the ensuing possession, but forced a stop on the two-point conversion to secure the win.

The Cougars’ 2024 record now includes wins over Portland State, Texas Tech, Washington and San Jose State. It’s the first time since the 1906 and 2007 seasons that Washington State has started back-to-back seasons with a 4-0 record — although the Cougars lost their next six games last year after winning their first four.