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Three bold predictions for WSU vs. UCLA

Let’s get crazy.

By Kevin Dudley
NCAA Football: Washington State at Houston Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

Playing the UCLA Bruins always brings back some sweet memories. I was thinking this week about some classic WSU-UCLA games that I watched, and I thought of the goal line stand in 1997, the win to clinch the Rose Bowl berth in 2002, and Falk-to-Marks in 2015. That last one is still one of my favorite wins in the Mike Leach era because of how satisfying it was against that UCLA team

I was a two-year-old in 1988 when the Cougs upset no. 1 UCLA, so I don’t recall watching that.

I don’t foresee today’s game as being a classic—at least it shouldn’t be—but what is memorable and incredible is that the Cougs are nearly three touchdown favorites. That’s a testament to the job Mike Leach has done in Pullman and how down in the dumps the Bruins are.

As you prepare for tonight’s sold out game, let’s review what we’ve covered when it comes to WSU vs. UCLA:

OK, now that you’re all caught up, let the fun begin.

Three Bold Predictions

  1. The ESPN broadcast crew will mention Gardner Minshew II at least 15 times throughout the game, will interview him in the booth at some point, and will don Minshew mustaches.
  2. WSU will record five takeaways. Five! Two fumble recoveries and three interceptions.
  3. Anthony Gordon will throw for at least 550 yards and five touchdowns as UCLA’s defense quits.

Yes, that’s three bold predictions in one. All three must be met for me to count it as a W. Everybody will go nuts with Minshew in town, and I’m sure ESPN would like a piece of him.

Nos. 2 and 3 both hope for a terrible, tired UCLA defense.

Pace yourselves, Coug fans. It’s going to be a late night!

Football

Known for his tempo, UCLA’s Chip Kelly in hurry-up mode to win first game of season against No. 19 WSU | The Spokesman-Review
Just 3-12 in his first 15 games at UCLA, Kelly hasn’t met expectations in Westwood and his offense is still scrounging for a breakthrough after scoring 42 points against Cincinnati, San Diego State and Oklahoma – just 14 in each game.

Two-minute drill: Keys to victory for No. 19 Washington State against UCLA | The Spokesman-Review
The keys to a potential victory for Washington State against UCLA Saturday at Martin Stadium.

Pregame Guesses: UCLA Football Heads to The Palouse to Take on Washington State - Bruins Nation
Wazzou’s offense is humming under Head Coach Mike Leach in his 8th year in Pullman. Quarterback Anthony Gordon is a big part of that. Can UCLA’s defense slow him and the Cougars down?

Anthony Gordon: From Terra Nova to tearing it up at Washington State - SFChronicle.com
A record-setting quarterback in high school, Anthony Gordon had to wait for his chance at a Division I school. He has made the most of it, having thrown for more than 1,300 yards and 12 touchdowns in three games for the No. 19 Cougars.

There’s an edgy side to the reserved WSU QB Anthony Gordon
WSU quarterback Anthony Gordon came out of shell last Friday and gave us a look at his edgier side

Gardner Minshew

WSU’s Mike Leach compared Gardner Minshew, Drew Brees to NFL scouts
Gardner Minshew has impressed for the Jacksonville Jaguars, and nobody is happier (or less surprised) than his college coach, Mike Leach.

Mike Leach points out how poorly NFL scouts did with Gardner Minshew | Larry Brown Sports
Gardner Minshew playing well as a rookie in the NFL is very much a feather in the cap of Mike Leach, who questioned NFL scouts.

Volleyball

Cougars Sweep Through Houston Baptist - Washington State University Athletics
WSU downs Huskies to begin the UTRGV Tournament.

Volleyball Victorious Against Vaqueros - Washington State University Athletics
WSU bounces tournament host UTRGV in four sets.

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