Plenty on the line for Cougars against Colorado

  • By Tim Booth Associated Press
  • Friday, November 20, 2015 9:51pm
  • SportsSports

If not for the proper context, the opportunity that is still out there for No. 24 Washington State might seem meaningless.

If the Cougars can win their final three games — beginning with Saturday night’s home finale against Colorado — they would finish with 10 wins for the first time since 2003. And with a little help, Washington State could end up as co-champ of the Pac-12 North Division.

Those wouldn’t be accomplishments to scoff at. Consider the Cougars opened the season with one of the more embarrassing losses in school history, falling to FCS Portland State at home. Instantly questions started coming about whether it was time to move on from Mike Leach.

Now compare that beginning to what’s become the Cougars’ reality. They’re young. They’re proven in tough circumstances, especially on the road. And they have a chance at just the sixth 10-win season in school history.

“I feel like we’re getting that respect level,” Washington State safety Taylor Taliulu said. “Obviously our play does all the talking.”

The Cougars (7-3, 4-2 Pac-12) could finish tied with Stanford and Oregon with a little help, although tiebreakers won’t allow them a chance to play in the Pac-12 championship game. But being able to lay claim to a share of the division title in a season where the Cougars were picked to finish fifth would be an accomplishment.

Before Washington State thinks about adding a triumph to its promotional materials, it must make sure there is no hangover from last Saturday’s upset of UCLA that landed the Cougars back in the AP Top 25 for the first time in nine years.

That shouldn’t be an issue with quarterback Luke Falk continuing his assault on the Pac-12 record book. Falk still has a chance to set conference single-season records for touchdown passes, yards passing and completion percentage. Falk is in the conversation for a number of conference and national awards. And he’s only a sophomore.

“We’re happy he gets that recognition because all awards are team awards,” Leach said. “Luke’s not even in that conversation without the contributions of offensive linemen, running backs, and receivers, and then also some stops on defense and turnovers, and things like that.”

While Washington State knows what it’s getting at quarterback, Colorado (4-7, 1-6) will be leaning on Cade Apsay in his first college start. Apsay stepped in last week against USC after Sefo Liufau suffered a Lisfranc injury in his left foot and was lost for the remainder of the season.

“The main thing is he can make every throw and throw it into a tight window, he can throw it deep, and he has a good feel for that in the pocket and has good balance on what he does,” Colorado coach Mike MacIntyre said.

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Sports

X
Vote for The Herald’s Prep Athlete of the Week for March 8-17

The Athlete of the Week nominees for March 8-17. Voting closes at… Continue reading

X
Silvertips’ playoff picture coming together as season hits final week

Everett is officially the Western Conference’s No. 3 seed and is likely heading into a matchup with Kelowna or Vancouver.

X
Prep roundup for Monday, March 18

Prep roundup for Monday, March 18: (Note for coaches/scorekeepers: To report results… Continue reading

Los Angeles Rams offensive guard Tremayne Anchrum (72) against the Denver Broncos during the second half of an NFL preseason football game, Saturday, Aug. 28, 2021, in Denver. (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey)
Seahawks add to position of need, sign guard Tremayne Anchrum Jr.

The 25-year-old has played in 31 games, starting once, since being drafted by the Los Angeles Rams in 2020.

Everett Community College head coach Chet Hovde watches as the women's team practices on Tuesday, March 7, 2017 in Everett, Wa. (Andy Bronson / The Herald)
EvCC coach Chet Hovde, who ‘lived for’ basketball, dies at 77

Coach Hovde graduated from Everett High School in 1965. He spent 33 years as the women’s basketball coach at the community college.

Jackson’s Ian Friedrichsen celebrates his goal with his teammates during the game against Bothell on Thursday, May 11, 2023 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Prep boys soccer: 5 things to watch for the 2024 season in Snohomish County

A look at the top local storylines for this high school boys soccer season

Jackson’s Rachel Sysum is hugged by Leneyah Mitchell after hitting a home run during the game against Bothell on Friday, May 19, 2023 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Prep softball: 5 things to watch for the 2024 season in Snohomish County

A look at the top local storylines to keep an eye on this high school softball season.

X
Prep roundup for Friday, March 15

Prep roundup for Friday, March 15: (Note for coaches/scorekeepers: To report results… Continue reading

Glacier Peak’s Samantha Christensen runs to home plate to celebrate her home run with her teammates during the game against Snohomish on Friday, March 15, 2024 in Snohomish, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
GALLERY: Glacier Peak softball tops rival Snohomish

The Grizzlies prevail 9-5 in a clash of area powers.

X
Prep roundup for Thursday, March 14

Prep roundup for Thursday, March 14: (Note for coaches/scorekeepers: To report results… Continue reading

The Washington Wolfpack logo is revealed during the Everett AFL team unveiling at Tony V's Garage in Everett, Washington onThursday, Oct. 26, 2023. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
Everett’s new arena football team to have 4 televised games

The NFL Network will broadcast 30 AFL games this season, including two Wolfpack home games.

Washington coach Mike Hopkins yells to the team during the second half of the team's NCAA college basketball game against California, Saturday, Feb. 17, 2024, in Seattle. California won 82-80. (AP Photo/Stephen Brashear)
Looking back at Mike Hopkins’ turbulent tenure as UW men’s basketball coach

The departing Huskies coach had highs early, but the good times didn’t last long.

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.