How the Cougs fared in Week 16 of the NFL season

An ankle injury has limited Deone Bucannon’s time on the field this season, but that appears to be the only thing holding him back. Bucannon turned in yet another standout performance this week, including his first sacks of the season.

Here is how all of the Cougs fared this week.

Deone Bucannon - Arizona Cardinals - Linebacker/Safety

Bucannon continued his stellar season, finishing with eight tackles, a sack, a pass deflection and a forced fumble against the New York Giants.

Xavier Cooper - New York Jets - Defensive Line

Cooper had a strong game this week, recording a pair of tackles to go along with one quarterback hit and a batted down pass.

Joe Dahl - Detroit Lions - Offensive Line

Joe Dahl started at left guard for the Lions and earned some praise for his matchup with Geno Atkins of the Cincinnati Bengals.

Shalom Luani - Oakland Raiders - Safety

Luani will get to play on Monday Night Football and he’ll do so against a former teammate.

Destiny Vaeao - Philadelphia Eagles - Defensive End

Vaeao’s Eagles will take on Luani’s Raiders on Monday night.

Vince Mayle - Baltimore Ravens - Tight End

Mayle played 16 snaps, all on special teams, this week.

Kache Palacio - Seattle Seahawks - Linebacker

Palacio was released by the Seahawks during the week. The Seahawks did re-sign Palacio to the practice squad.

*****

Football:

Michigan State offense will be led by inconsistent first-year QB Brian Lewerke in Holiday Bowl | The Spokesman-Review
How unthinkable is this? Luke Falk – the all-time passing leader in Pac-12 history – could be the “other quarterback” in the Holiday Bowl against Michigan State.

MSU hits San Diego looking to turn up heat
Spartans arrive and practice for Holiday Bowl with eyes of putting pressure on Cougars QB

Leach's offense, Dantonio's defense to collide at Holiday Bowl (Dec 28, 2017) | FOX Sports
A stark contrast in styles defines the matchup in the Holiday Bowl, pitting No. 21 Washington State against No. 18 Michigan State Thursday at SDCCU Stadium.

Washington vs. Michigan State 2017 Holiday Bowl Preview – GET MORE SPORTS
The 2017 San Diego County Credit Union Holiday Bowl will host 21st-ranked Washington State Cougars and the 19th-ranked Michigan State Spartans.