In their eighth season under head coach Jim Sweeney, the Cougars compiled a 3–8 record (0–7 in Pac-8, last) and were outscored 295 to 262.

[3] With two wins to open the season,[4][5][6] followed by seven consecutive losses,[7] the Cougars took out their frustrations on over-matched neighbor Idaho in the Battle of the Palouse on November 15, scoring eight touchdowns in the first half on the way to an 84–27 rout.

[8][9][10] The next week at Husky Stadium in Seattle, WSU led rival Washington 27–13 with three minutes left in Don James' first Apple Cup, but gave up two long touchdowns to lose by a point.

[11][12][13][14] Sweeney resigned a week later,[15][16][17] and was promptly hired at Fresno State.

[22][23][24] (1975 aerial photo)[25] at Husky Stadium • Seattle, Washington