It took 721 days and 16 consecutive losses to Pac-10 opponents, but the Washington State football team finally picked up its second conference victory under Head Coach Paul Wulff.
The Cougars (2-9, 1-7) dominated from the opening kickoff on its way to a 31-14 victory against the Oregon State Beavers (4-5, 3-3) in Corvallis, Ore.
“It was a pretty thorough win,” Wulff said according to The Spokesman-Review. “I think we dominated in so many ways, in every aspect.” For the Cougars, the win ends a losing streak against FBS opponents who reached 18 games and gave Wulff and his team their first road victory.
“It’s so nice to finally be successful, with your family and your teammates,” receiver Jared Karstetter said. “It’s just a real emotional win for us. I’m real proud of everyone on the team; everyone pulled together.” After a scoreless first quarter, the Cougar offense started clicking with consecutive 1-yard touchdown runs by Logwone Mitz and James Montgomery. Quarterback Jeff Tuel took a shot to the head on an 8-yard run that set up Montgomery’s score. He missed the rest of the first half but returned after the break.
The Cougar defense that is ranked last in the Pac-10 in nearly every statistical category held Oregon State scoreless in the first half. Every time the Beavers marched into WSU territory, a Cougar defender stepped up and pushed them back.
Defensive end Casey Hamlett and defensive tackle Brandon Rankin had back-to-back sacks on one possession, Aire Justin intercepted Ryan Katz on another and a group effort stuffed Jaquizz Rodgers on 4th-and-one. Linebacker C.J. Mizell said the performance was the best of the year by the defense.
“No question,” Mizell said. “The defensive lined up and did their job. We got pressure on that quarterback all night.” Rodgers was held scoreless for just the second time this season, and the Beavers finally scored their first touchdown after WSU pushed the score to 21-0 on a 33-yard touchdown catch by receiver Marquess Wilson.
“We focused all week on being aggressive (against Rodgers) and attacking him and not giving him that space to wriggle around in,” Hamlett said. “I think we were pretty successful.” Statistically the worst rushing team in the Pac-10 both offensively and defensively, the Cougars outgained the Beavers 221-97.
“We felt we had to be physical up front, on both sides of the ball,” center Zack Williams said. “That’s what we did. It felt good.” Running back Chantz Staden iced the game with a 5-yard touchdown run late in the fourth quarter.
“I had high hopes for myself and this team this year,” Staden said. “At a certain point, it was just very frustrating, very discouraging. It was just tough, hard to walk around school, hard to go to practice.
“Words can’t describe it. I was just so happy. It was one of the best feelings I’ve had in a while.” The Cougars have the next two weeks off before preparing for the season finale on Dec. 4 against Washington.