In their second and final season under head coach Dennis Erickson, the Cougars compiled a 9–3 record (5–3 in Pac-10, tied for third), and outscored their opponents 415 to 303.

[4] Several months after this season, Erickson departed for Miami in early March 1989,[5][6][7] and Mike Price was hired a week later; a former Cougar player and assistant, he was previously the head coach for eight years in the Big Sky Conference at Weber State in Ogden, Utah.

[8][9][10][11] Quarterback Rosenbach opted not to stay as a fifth-year senior in 1989 and announced his intent to turn professional in April.

[12][13] He entered the NFL's supplemental draft, and was selected in July with the second pick by the recently relocated Phoenix Cardinals.

Shawn Landrum blocked an Eric Canton punt which led to Timm Rosenbach's eventual game-winning fourth down touchdown run.