Sunday morning victory links

The Cougars didn't play their best game on Saturday, at least offensively, yet they still came away with a 42-0 victory. There were turnovers, mental errors, missed throws and a few other issues. Again, they won 42-0.

Were they facing the best team in the country? No, but WSU had similar performances against similar teams in recent years and none of them resulted in 42-0 victories. Offensively, WSU's performance was similar to what they did against UNLV last season in the 35-27 win.

The biggest difference this season is the defense. WSU dominated the line of scrimmage to almost comical levels. Officially, WSU finished with five sacks and 14 tackles for loss. That's right, 14 tackles for loss and 19 total negative plays. Those tackles added up to 66 yards of negative offense for Idaho. The sacks added up to another 36 lost yards. Combined that accounts for 102 negative yards. That's part of the reason Idaho gained just 3.4 yards per play. Those are the kind of numbers opponents racked up against WSU in 2008 and 2009.

During the summer, we discussed whether fans would prefer WSU's strength to be on offense or defense, 58 percent chose defense. Those people are likely really happy right about now. Well, actually everyone is probably happy, but maybe those people are extra happy.

Football:

Tale of the tape: WSU 42, Idaho 0 - SportsLink - Spokesman.com - Sept. 22, 2013
It's late, but we've climbed from beneath the crush of another tight deadline to pass along our usual tale of the tape. Read on.

WSU defeats Idaho 42-0 - SportsLink - Spokesman.com - Sept. 21, 2013
S-R photojournalist Tyler Tjomsland covered the WSU vs. University of Idaho game in Pullman. Check out this big picture gallery of his photos.

WSU holds on final series, clinches shutout of Idaho - SportsLink - Spokesman.com - Sept. 22, 2013
Washington State’s defensive players could feel the end zone against their backs, lined up against Idaho with the Vandals looking at a 1st-and-goal from WSU’s 2-yard line in the final minute of the fourth quarter.

Cougars dominate Vandals, 42-0 - Spokesman.com - Sept. 21, 2013
Enough mistakes were made by Washington State on Saturday that coach Mike Leach won’t have to search long for a handful of teachable moments.

Recap: Washington St vs. Idaho | College | MyrtleBeachOnline.com
Connor Halliday threw for 346 yards and four touchdowns as the Washington State Cougars rolled to a 42-0 victory over the Idaho Vandals at Martin Stadium.

Cougars prove they’re only close to the Vandals on a road map | Bud Withers | The Seattle Times
As Washington State and Idaho rejoined their battle on the Palouse on Saturday night after a six-year layover, it would have been hard to convince all but the oldsters in the audience that these two rural neighbors were once kindred spirits.

PULLMAN, Wash.: Washington St. shuts out winless Idaho, 42-0 | WSU Cougars | The Bellingham Herald
Connor Halliday threw for 346 yards and four first-half touchdown passes, two to Gabe Marks, and Washington State improved to 3-1 for the first time since 2006 with a dominating 42-0 win over neighboring Idaho Saturday night.