Aug 31, 2003

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By TIM KORTE
AP Sports Writer

SEATTLE - Jonathan Smith ran 15 times for 160 yards and two touchdowns, and Washington State gave Bill Doba a victory in his coaching debut as the Cougars beat rival Idaho 25-0 Saturday night.

Doba joked earlier in the week that he was undefeated and unscored upon as a head coach, and that's still the case after Washington State warmed up for next week's visit to No. 20 Notre Dame.

The longtime defensive assistant was promoted after Mike Price left after 14 seasons to take over at Alabama. Doba looked at ease all night, walking the sideline with several laminated cards stuffed into his pockets.

Smith had a great performance, and backup Chris Bruhn added 118 yards on nine carries. The Cougars rushed for 331 yards, their best rushing output since gaining 318 yards in a 54-14 victory over Montana State in 1993.

Drew Dunning kicked field goals of 46, 42, 29 and 35 yards and Matt Kegel, replacing Washington State career passing leader Jason Gesser, completed 12 of 21 passes for 108 yards with one interception.

It was the 86th meeting between the schools, separated by eight miles on the rolling wheat fields of The Palouse. This time, they moved their rivalry 300 miles and still drew a crowd of 50,113.

Washington State leads the series 66-17-3 and won its third straight over the Vandals (0-1).

Last year, the Cougars beat Nevada 31-7 at 67,000-seat Seahawks Stadium and attracted 63,588 fans.

Smith's second TD, on a 2-yard run late in the third quarter, put the Cougars ahead 16-0. It was set up when Virgil Williams intercepted a pass thrown by Idaho's Michael Harrington, the younger brother of NFL quarterback Joey Harrington.

Smith broke a 49-yard run early in the second quarter, leading to his 6-yard TD run and a 7-0 lead. It was 10-0 at halftime after Dunning connected on his 46-yarder with 1:51 left before the break.

Smith finished the first half with 121 yards rushing on nine carries.

Idaho's Brian Pope missed two first-half field goals, both blocked by 6-foot-8 Washington State tight end Cody Boyd. He swatted Pope's 39-yard try early in the second quarter and got a hand on a 42-yard attempt at the end of the half.