By JOHN K. WILEY
Associated Press Writer

PULLMAN, Wash. (AP) - Jason Gesser threw for 246 yards and three touchdowns as Washington State beat Idaho 36-7 Thursday night in the season opener for both teams.

Washington State, the visitor in Martin Stadium under a stadium-sharing agreement, rolled to a 20-0 halftime lead and avoided a third consecutive loss to Vandals.

Gesser, who completed 15 of 26 passes before leaving early in the fourth quarter, connected with Nakoa McElrath on scoring passes of 5 and 35 yards in the third quarter. McElrath caught 10 passes for 141 yards, both career highs.

Dave Minnich rushed for 127 yards on 23 carries, including a slashing 30-yard scoring run.

Trandon Harvey caught an 18-yard scoring pass from Gesser with three minutes left in the first half to put the Cougars up 20-0.

The Cougars' defense frustrated Idaho quarterback John Welsh, who completed 12 of 26 passes for 66 yards.

Idaho scored late in the third quarter on Welch's 4-yard pass to Chris Lacy.

WSU's Drew Dunning hit field goals of 26, 27 and 32 yards.

Mike Bush, the leading scorer on the Cougars' basketball team, caught four passes for 97 yards in his first college football start.