Johannes Mateer

WSU’s star quarterback showed versatility and composure during a wild game. Mateer looked sharp in the first half, running for a short touchdown and throwing two touchdown passes to tight end Cooper Mathers. After San Jose State turned the game’s momentum around and took a 38-24 lead in the third quarter, Mateer remained calm and led WSU back with a 22-point quarter that included nervy touchdown passes to Kyle Williams and Josh Meredith. Mateer’s 32-yard pass to Kyle Williams set up Dean Janikowski’s 52-yard field goal that sent the game into overtime. Mateer threw an interception in the first overtime but caught a ball on the ground in the second overtime before Dylan Paine made a 7-yard touchdown run. Mateer converted the 2-point attempt with his legs. For the entire game, Mateer completed 26 of 46 passes for 390 yards and four touchdowns with two interceptions. He also ran for 111 yards and one touchdown. The redshirt sophomore from Texas now leads the FBS with 16 total touchdowns.

Emmett Brown

The former WSU reserve (2022-23) fared well in his return to the Palouse. Brown had a stellar third quarter, completing 11 of 14 passes for 133 yards in the period as the Spartans took a 38-24 lead. Trailing by five points with two minutes left in the game, they led an eight-play, 72-yard touchdown drive. On a fourth-and-10 attempt from the WSU 20-yard line, Brown evaded pressure, rolled left and then found Treyshun Hurry for the game-winning touchdown with 28 seconds left in the game. Brown finished the game 35 of 54 passing for 375 yards and four touchdowns with two interceptions.

Kyle Williams

WSU’s senior receiver made some game-winning plays in the fourth quarter. Williams broke free and scored a 14-yard touchdown to cut SJSU’s lead to seven points early in the quarter. On WSU’s final possession of regulation, Williams found some space and caught a 32-yard pass, putting the Cougs in field goal position. Williams totaled 138 yards and a touchdown on eight catches.

Key moment

With 28 seconds left in regulation, WSU seemed buried after SJSU quarterback Emmett Brown led a 72-yard touchdown drive that ended with the Spartans leading 46-43. But WSU quarterback John Mateer threw a 32-yard pass to Kyle Williams, giving WSU hope. Kicker Dean Janikowski converted a 52-yard field goal attempt to send the game into overtime. The teams traded interceptions in the first overtime, but WSU scored in the second overtime and its defense redeemed itself by denying San Jose State a 2-point attempt.