WSU Cougars fall to No. 18 Virginia 22-20 after late safety

CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. (AP) — Virginia’s Kam Robinson and Hunter Osborne stuffed Kirby Vorhees in the end zone for a game-winning safety with 2:41 to play, sending the No. 18 Cavaliers to a wild 22-20 victory over the WSU Cougars on Saturday night.

No. 18 Virginia Cavaliers 22, WSU Cougars 20: Box score

Virginia trailed 20-10 going into the fourth quarter. Harrison Waylee had a 2-yard touchdown run with 9:45 left, and Will Bettridge made a tying 34-yard field goal with 2:55 to go.

Jahmal Edrine had five catches for 102 yards, helping the Cavaliers (6-1) to their fifth consecutive win. Cam Ross had a 19-yard touchdown run in the first quarter.

Washington State quarterback Zevi Eckhaus was 18 for 27 for 183 yards and a touchdown. He also had a 1-yard TD run, but he threw two interceptions.

HOOS TAKE THE LEAD!!!

📺 @TheCW_Sports x @UVAFootball pic.twitter.com/uzn1fL6HxG

— ACC Football (@ACCFootball) October 19, 2025

The Cougars (3-4) scored first on Joshua Meredith’s 32-yard touchdown reception in the first quarter. Meredith finished with seven catches for 108 yards.

Jack Stevens’ 37-yard field goal late in the first half lifted Washington State to a 17-7 lead at the break.

Coming off its open date, Virginia’s offense struggled to get in gear. The Cavaliers were outgained 318-175 through three quarters.

Waylee’s TD run capped a nine-play, 97-yard drive as Virginia’s offense started to find its way.

The takeaway

For the second straight week, Washington State traveled across the country with its sights set on knocking off a ranked foe. A week after coming up short at then-No. 4 Mississippi, the Cougars had another frustrating result.

Virginia looked sluggish before rallying in the fourth.

Up next

Washington State: After three straight road games, the Cougars return home to host Toledo next Saturday.

Virginia: Travels to Chapel Hill for an ACC matchup with Bill Belichick and North Carolina next Saturday.

Last week: WSU Cougars put scare into No. 4 Ole Miss, fall short 24-21

Related

What the WSU Cougars learned from self-scouting during bye weekWSU Cougars fall 72-71 after Duquesne comes back in 2nd halfCollege Football Playoff will double to 24 teams beginning in 2027AP Top 25: Georgia takes over as the new No. 1WSU Cougars fall at home to Davidson 76-61 to open seasonArizona Cardinals’ Gardner Minshew to start at QB vs Seahawks