SAN DIEGO, Calif. — For the first time since it became an issue, Washington State quarterback Luke Falk himself was asked whether or not he will be returning next season or entering the upcoming NFL draft.
His answer? Inconclusive.
“I’m not focused on that at all,” Falk said. “All my effort has been toward the team.”
When pressed on whether or not there remains a chance he will go pro, he replied, “next question.”
There was some intrigue surrounding whether or not Falk would declare included in the buildup to Tuesday’s Holiday Bowl game against Minnesota. WSU coach Mike Leach seemed to declare with certainty that Falk would play his senior season, saying, “It won’t be his last game.”
However, Falk’s sister Analee tweeted shortly after that Falk has not made up his mind, and other sources close to Falk have indicated that he remains undecided.
The 6-foot-4, 215-pound junior threw for 4,468 yards this season along with 38 passing touchdowns. NFL.com analysts Lance Zierlein and Bucky Brooks believe Falk will succeed in the NFL, noting that Leach has given him freedom to change plays at the line of scrimmage. Zierlein compares Falk to former Seahawks quarterback Matt Hasselbeck.
However, Falk did not do much to impress NFL scouts on Tuesday. While he completed 30-of-51 pass attempts for 264 yards and a touchdown, he was sacked three times while holding onto the ball too long, and misfired on a number of throws.
WSU distracted in loss?
During a tense, emotional postgame press conference — they always are when a team loses its final game — Washington State coach acknowledged that the outside noise might have gotten through and led his players astray.
Perhaps the knowledge that Minnesota was missing 10 players, had fewer practices and far fewer fans in attendance caused the Cougars to let their guard down. In short, maybe WSU did not take Minnesota as seriously as it should have.
“I wondered that. I hope not,” Leach said. “If that’s the case, it’s a total dereliction on our part as coaches that we have to address. I mean, I’m searching for that, if there’s some element of that there. The most important thing you do as a coach is you create a sense in your player that they respect all opponents.”
The Cougars seemed well prepared for Tuesday’s Holiday Bowl, forcing a three-and-out on Minnesota’s first drive and rolling up 76 yards on a scoring drive the first time they touched the ball.
But WSU made uncharacteristic mistakes, especially on offense, and never seemed to find a rhythm during the 17-12 loss. The potent passing offense, ranked No. 2 nationally, averaged just 5.2 yards per passing attempt and the Cougars managed just 1.7 yards per rush.
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