| Year: | 1972 |
| Team: | Washington State Cougars |
| Sport: | football |
| Conference: | Pacific-8 Conference |
| Short Conf: | Pac-8 |
| Coachrank: | T–17 |
| Aprank: | 19 |
| Record: | 7–4 |
| Conf Record: | 4–3 |
| Head Coach: | Jim Sweeney |
| Hc Year: | 5th |
| Off Coach: | Joe Tiller |
| Oc Year: | 1st |
| Def Coach: | Ray Braun |
| Dc Year: | 1st |
| Captain: | Bill Moos |
| Stadium: | Martin Stadium, Joe Albi Stadium |
The 1972 Washington State Cougars football team was an American football team that represented Washington State University in the Pacific-8 Conference (Pac-8) during the 1972 NCAA University Division football season. In their fifth season under head coach Jim Sweeney, the Cougars compiled a in the Pac-8, tied for 3rd), and outscored their opponents 274 to 241.[1] [2]
The team's statistical leaders included Ty Payne with 1,349 passing yards, Ken Grandberry with 833 rushing yards, and Brock Aynsley with 344 receiving yards.[3]
Washington State won their first Apple Cup in four years over favored #17 Washington, dealing Husky quarterback Sonny Sixkiller a in his final collegiate The Cougars finished in the top twenty in both major polls; the Pac-8 did not allow a second bowl team until
See main article: 1972 All-Pacific-8 Conference football team.
Two Washington State players, both offensive linemen, were named to the all-conference team: senior tackle Bill Moos and sophomore guard Steve Ostermann. On the second team (honorable mention) was linebacker Clyde Warehime.[8] [9] [10] Ostermann returned to the first team in 1973 and 1974.[11]
One Cougar was selected in the 1973 NFL draft
| Ty Paine | QB | 9 | 225 | New York Giants |