On a cold rainy day on the Palouse with 28,477 attendance, Washington State (WSU) ran over FBS neighbor University of Idaho (UI) for a 56-6 win. Uncharacteristically in the Mike Leach era, the Cougs ran for 228 yds led by Freshman James Williams (RB), who cruised for 126 yds and 1 TD. While WSU started slow 7-3 in first quarter, things picked up in the second with Marcellus Pippins’ 72 yd TD return on a blocked field goal from UI Erik Powell’s kick. WSU’s Luke Falk (QB) then got the passing offense going with an 8-yrd TD strike to his favorite target, Gabe Marks.
WSU came back in the second half with a 14-play, 90 yds drive, and was capped off with Gerard Wicks’ 2-yrd run. The Cougs then turned up the offensive party in the 4th quarter with 4 touchdowns to seal the WSU win. While fun for Coug fans to watch, most were excited to see backup QB Tyler Hilinski play. Hilinski looked good moving the Cougs down the field. However, his first long ball TD strike ended with an Idaho interception. In the next series, Hilinski quickly led the Cougs on a 4-play, 55 yd drive, which was capped off with a Lee (RB) TD run to close out the game.
WSU (1-2) has a bye week before the University of Oregon (2-1) comes to town. The Cougars will need that time to prepare for the Ducks, who lost a close game to Nebraska earlier in the day. In the meantime, Cougar fans and players will have time to enjoy a nice highlight reel featuring big time plays from Saturday’s game.
Game Notes: Luke Falk (QB) was 21/36, threw for 226 yds and 3 TD’s. James Williams (RB) ran for 126 yds, 9 yds per carry, and 1 TD. Kyle Sweet, (WR) had 4 receptions for 77 yds and 1 TD. Gabe Marks had 7 receptions on 59 yds and 1 TD. Marcellus Pippins 72 yd TD return on a block field goal. Tyler Hilinski (QB) was 6/8, threw for 55 yds, and had 1 interception.
