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Hey WSU, how’s your bowling game?

Cougars’ postseason results split over past 15 seasons; WSU awaits highest-profile bowl matchup since ’03 as it looks to clean up after back-to-back Holiday letdowns

Rose Bowl: Oklahoma 34, WSU 14

Jan. 1, 2003: Quentin Griffin rushed 30 times for 144 yards and two touchdowns as the Sooners jumped out to a 17-0 first-quarter lead and never looked back, dominating the Cougs in Pasadena, California. Jason Gesser completed 17 of 34 passes for 240 yards and a score in his final college game.

Oklahoma's Quentin Griffin rushes for a 20-yard touchdown against the Washington State Cougars in the fourth quarter of the Rose Bowl. Griffin rushed for a total of 146 yards as the Sooners won, 34-14. (Paul Sakuma / Associated Press)
Oklahoma’s Quentin Griffin rushes for a 20-yard touchdown against the Washington State Cougars in the fourth quarter of the Rose Bowl. Griffin rushed for a total of 146 yards as the Sooners won, 34-14. (Paul Sakuma / Associated Press)

Holiday Bowl: WSU 28, Texas 20

Dec. 30, 2003: The Cougars’ defense played catalyst in a furious third-quarter onslaught, sacking Texas quarterbacks Chance Mock and Vince Young seven times and forcing three lost fumbles as WSU scored three straight touchdowns to overcome a 10-7 halftime deficit in San Diego. Jonathan Smith rushed 21 times for 110 yards and a touchdown for the Cougars.

The WSU defense rallies to the Texas ballcarrier during the first half of the Holiday Bowl in San Diego. The defense controlled the game and allowed WSU to take a 28-20 win. (The Spokesman-Review)
The WSU defense rallies to the Texas ballcarrier during the first half of the Holiday Bowl in San Diego. The defense controlled the game and allowed WSU to take a 28-20 win. (The Spokesman-Review) Buy this photo

New Mexico Bowl: Colorado State 48, WSU 45

Dec. 22, 2013: Connor Halliday lead the Cougars to an early 22-point lead in Albuquerque, N.M., and WSU had the game well in hand until it allowed a late 72-yard touchdown drive, fumbled on the ensuing drive and allowed another touchdown and 2-point conversion to tie. WSU fumbled the kickoff and CSU converted a field goal as time expired to finish the rally.

Colorado State's Jake Schlager recovers a fumble by Washington State's Teondray Caldwell on a kickoff return to give Colorado back the ball with 27 seconds remaining in the second half of the Gildan New Mexico Bowl, at University Stadium in Albuquerque. (Tyler Tjomsland / The Spokesman-Review)
Colorado State’s Jake Schlager recovers a fumble by Washington State’s Teondray Caldwell on a kickoff return to give Colorado back the ball with 27 seconds remaining in the second half of the Gildan New Mexico Bowl, at University Stadium in Albuquerque. (Tyler Tjomsland / The Spokesman-Review) Buy this photo

Sun Bowl: WSU 20, Miami 14

Dec. 26, 2015: Luke Falk completed 29 of 53 passes for 295 yards and two touchdowns as the Cougars fought off the Hurricanes’ comeback in the midst of a blizzard in El Paso, Texas. Marcellus Pippins recovered a fumble on the goal line and WSU’s defense denied another late Miami drive to seal the victory.

Washington State's Marcellus Pippins reacts after Peyton Pelluer (47) intercepted a pass intended for Miami's Rawshawn Scott (11). (Tyler Tjomsland / The Spokesman-Review)
Washington State’s Marcellus Pippins reacts after Peyton Pelluer (47) intercepted a pass intended for Miami’s Rawshawn Scott (11). (Tyler Tjomsland / The Spokesman-Review) Buy this photo

Holiday Bowl: Minnesota 17, WSU 12

Dec. 27, 2016: After leading 6-3 at halftime, the Cougars never got re-started in San Diego, yielding two touchdown drives before scoring late and posting their lowest scoring output of the season.

WSU quarterback Luke Falk catches his breath with Washington State Cougars head coach Mike Leach during the second half of the Holiday Bowl. (Tyler Tjomsland / The Spokesman-Review)
WSU quarterback Luke Falk catches his breath with Washington State Cougars head coach Mike Leach during the second half of the Holiday Bowl. (Tyler Tjomsland / The Spokesman-Review) Buy this photo

Holiday Bowl: Michigan State 42, WSU 17

Dec. 28, 2017: The Cougars felt the absence of injured QB Luke Falk (hand), sinking into a 32-point hole after a first-quarter WSU field goal opened the scoring in San Diego.

Michigan State Spartans running back LJ Scott runs for a touchdown against WSU during the second half of the 2017 Holiday Bowl at SDCCU Stadium. (Tyler Tjomsland / The Spokesman-Review)
Michigan State Spartans running back LJ Scott runs for a touchdown against WSU during the second half of the 2017 Holiday Bowl at SDCCU Stadium. (Tyler Tjomsland / The Spokesman-Review) Buy this photo