HOT COUGAR ACTION: Sunday Morning Victory Links

Well, that was fun. Against Idaho State, WSU was expected to win in a blowout. This week, more than a few people predicted a close game. Marshall Lobbestael was having none of it and the rout was quickly on.

If you haven't watched the highlights yet, you can do so here. There are a lot of outstanding plays in there, but my favorite may be the play made by Alex Hoffman-Ellis at the 5:45 mark. Read the play? Check. Beat a double team? Check. Make a tackle for loss? Check. Great play by AHE, and one I'm not sure he makes last season.

If you prefer stats to moving pictures, then the official stats may be of interest. They resemble something out of a video game. 

There is one stat you won't find in the gamebook, but it could be the key to WSU's success this season.

From the inception of CougCenter through last season WSU was 5-32.

Since Kyle and I joined the authorship WSU is 2-0.

I think I can speak on behalf of Kyle when I say, you're welcome.

Cougars romp over Rebels 59-7 - Spokesman.com - Sept. 10, 2011

PULLMAN – It became official with 32 seconds remaining in the first half. This isn’t your older brother’s Washington State football team – you know, the guy who graduated last year.

WSU notebook: Salute to Mizell - Spokesman.com - Sept. 10, 2011
PULLMAN – C.J. Mizell came out of the Martin Stadium tunnel earlier than usual before kickoff Saturday. For the first time, the sophomore from Tallahassee, Fla., was a team captain, picked by the coaches for the honor.

Pac-12 helmet stickers - Pac-12 Blog - ESPN
Marshall Lobbestael, Washington State: The Cougars QB, stepping in for injured starter Jeff Tuel, completed 24 of 32 for 361 yards with five touchdowns in the 59-7 blowout win over UNLV.

Cougars | Cougars two-minute drill | Seattle Times Newspaper

Player of the Game Marshall Lobbestael, the Oak Harbor High product filling in for injured Jeff Tuel, completed 24 of 32 passes — including 18 of 21 in the first half — for 361 yards, with five touchdowns and no interceptions.

Cougars | Washington State defense showing some early-season swagger | Seattle Times Newspaper

PULLMAN — At a school that has turned out quarterbacks like Jack Thompson, Drew Bledsoe, Ryan Leaf and Jason Gesser, the focus usually tends to be on offense.

Scout.com: DOMINATION: Cougs, Lobster fire at will

WSU BROUGHT AN oversized carving board and a couple sets of high carbon steel knives to the tilt with UNLV -- and proceeded to slice, dice and carve up the Running Rebels from the jump. Marshall Lobbestael, and his o-line, had a game for the ages, while the D turned back UNLV time and time again in a rip-roaring 59-7 blowout victory on Saturday afternoon in sun splashed Martin Stadium.

Bud Withers | Cougars are 2-0 and have fans dreaming again | Seattle Times Newspaper

PULLMAN — In midafternoon of a hazy day on the Palouse, it got to 93. No, that's not how many points Washington State ran up against Nevada-Las Vegas in the second football game of the season, it's a weather reference.

Washington State, UNLV, football, Marshal Lobbestael - Spokesman.com - Sept. 11, 2011

PULLMAN – It became official with 32 seconds remaining in the first half. This isn’t your older brother’s Washington State football team – you know, the guy who graduated last year.

UNLV no match for WSU's Lobbestael in 59-7 loss - Saturday, Sept. 10, 2011 | 7:08 p.m. - Las Vegas Sun

Quarterback Caleb Herring said UNLV was just too slow getting out of the gate in Saturday's 59-7 loss at Washington State. The Cougars scored touchdowns on their first five possessions, while the Rebels barely moved the ball in the first half.

WSU Football Postgame 9-10-11 (via WSUCougarAthletics)