CORVALLIS, Ore. — Jayden de Laura passed for two touchdowns and ran for a score in his college debut, leading Washington State to a 38-28 victory Saturday night over Oregon State in the Pac-12 opener for both schools.
De Laura, a 6-foot, 195-pound freshman from Honolulu, completed 18 of 33 passes for 227 yards and also rushed for 43 yards.
Deon McIntosh had 147 yards rushing and a touchdown as the Cougars amassed 456 total yards.
Nick Rolovich got a win in his first game as coach at Washington State, which was without running back Max Borghi. The junior — who has 28 career touchdowns, including 16 last season — reportedly hurt his back in practice.
But McIntosh played well in his Borghi's absence, and de Laura showed poise in his first game.
"The good thing about Jayden is, he was comfortable when he got off the plane," Rolovich said. "And this moment wasn't too big for him. He loves football, he loves winning, he loves playing and he wants to get better."
The Beavers rallied late behind quarterback Tristan Gebbia and cut the lead to 31-28 with 2:39 remaining on Jermar Jefferson's 15-yard run, and Gebbia's 2-point conversion pass to Trevon Bradford.
But Washington State recovered the on-side kick and scored on the next play — a 44-yard touchdown run by Travell Harris.