Network: ABC
Announcers: Keith Jackson, Lynn Swann
Format: DVD (3 disks)
Quality: 7.0
Notes: Commercials edited out... Includes some halftime.

Washington State denies Houston 24-22 in battle of Cougars on Christmas Day.

Washington State erupts for 24 points in the 2nd quarter, then forces a late turnover to preserve the win. Roman Anderson caps Houston's opening possession with a 27-yard FG, but then Washington State grabs the lead in the 2nd Q when Victor Wood picks up a fumble and carries it 5 yards for the score. Wood follows it up with a 15-yard TD catch from Timm Rosenbach.

Chuck Witherspoon's 1-yard TD run w/ 4:49 left in the 2nd quarter pulls Houston to within 17-9. But Rosenbach scores on a 1-yard sneak before halftime. Houston rallies in the 2nd half as David Dacus replaces Andre Ware. Dacus hits Kevin Mason with a 53-yard TD pass and then Witherspoon with a 2-yard TD early in the 4th quarter.

Houston's comeback ends when Tuineau Alipate's hit forces a fumble by James Dixon at the Wazzu 5-yard line. Rosenbach finishes 19-of-36 for 306 yards, while Steve Broussard runs for 139 yards. Ware goes 8-of-28 for 44 yards and 2 INTs before being pulled.