A week removed from a heartbreaking and controversial
officiating game against #2 Oregon resulting in a 38-31 loss at Martin Stadium,
WSU mounted an impressive 28-27 comeback victory against the Utah Utes in Salt
Lake City. The Cougars got off to a dreadful start down by 21 points after the
first quarter highlighted by Connor Halliday throwing a pick six to senior
defensive back, Eric Rowe, after his first snap of the game.
The Utes
pounded the Cougars during the first half with a 24-7 lead going into half
time. Utah’s playing calling was highlighted by their instrumental running
game. Junior running back Devontae Booker finished the game with 24 carries,
178 rushing yards, and 1 TD. The running game was the only edge Utah had over
the Cougars. Junior QB Travis Wilson completed 18 of his 38 passes for 165
yards.
Whatever
Mike Leach told his players in locker room clearly motivated the team coming
out of the half. The Cougars outscored the Utes 21-3 in the second half. The recipe
for success entailed a stout defense with an effective running attack to open
the passing lanes. Halliday led the way for the Cougs completing 39 of his 61
passes for 417 yards resulting in 4 TD’s and 2 INT’s. His two favorite targets
were sophomore sensation WR River Cracraft and senior WR Vince Mayle, combining
for a total of 246 yards and 2 TD’s. Junior WR Dom Williams accounted for the
other two passing touchdowns adding 73 yards to the total number of passing
yards. WSU’s ground attack prove to be very effective led by a pair of freshmen
running backs in Gerard Wicks and Jamal Morrow resulting in 104 rushing yards
between the two.
After five
weeks the Cougars will head into Homecoming Week 2-3 overall and 1-1 in PAC-12
play. While fans may be shaking their head wondering why the Cougars
performance against Oregon and Utah were not present during the Rutgers and
Nevada game, all signs indicate the Cougars are back on track. Heading into the
game Utah was 3-0 highlighted by wins against Fresno State at home 59-27 and an
impressive road victory against Michigan 26-10. Undoubtedly, given the events
that occurred last year between the two teams, Utah was seeking revenge against
the Cougars. To recap last year’s game, WSU heading into their game against
Utah last year needed one more win to become bowl eligible. Utah heading into
the game needed two wins to become bowl eligible, Utah finished last year with
five wins. The rest is history. Not only was WSU victorious against a 3-0
impressive Utah team, the Cougars showed tremendous character and exposure
leading them to the victory.
About two
weeks, I wrote an article recapping the game against PSU where I stated the
Cougars improved in a variety of areas, an established running game to open the
passing attack, defensive stops, and a decreased amount of penalties. The
Cougars stuck to this formula during the second half to notch their second win
of the season. WSU has a long road ahead of them to reach a bowl game but
Saturday’s game was a statement. The Cougars could have easily given up after
the first quarter. Down by 21 points with the rain coming down hard, the team
gathered themselves and shocked the Utah faithful. A win like this should give
Cougar fans hope that a bowl game is back in picture if the Cougars can
replicate their second half performance toward the rest of their season. It
starts next Saturday against CAL in an “Air Raid” offense showdown.
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