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Perhaps this didn’t receive more fanfare on Saturday because it was such a foregone conclusion, or perhaps it’s because Luke Falk just isn’t the sort of guy to bask in the attention of a personal accomplishment. Or maybe we all were just so wrapped up in PLEASE OH PLEASE DON’T LOSE TO AN FCS TEAM AGAIN that we weren’t prepared to focus on anything else.
I was as guilty as anyone on Saturday. But can we pause for a moment and celebrate the fact that after throwing three touchdowns against Montana State, Luke Falk is now the all-time leader in passing touchdowns at Washington State?
Here’s the newly ordered top 10:
- Luke Falk (92)
- Connor Halliday (90)
- Alex Brink (76)
- Jason Gesser (70)
- Ryan Leaf (59)
- Jack Thompson (53)
- Drew Bledsoe (46)
- Timm Rosenbach (39)
- Jeff Tuel (33)
- Mark Rypien (28)
I’m well aware that placement on this list comes from a combination of ability, opportunity, era and offensive system. But those are some incredible names on that list, and Falk not only sits on top of it — he’s going to put the number so high that it’s not hard to imagine it standing forever. If someone is able to break it, they almost certainly are going to have to be a three-year starter under Mike Leach, and there’s a chance that never happens again.
What makes it even more remarkable is Falk’s path to the starting job, which is well-worn ground for all of us at this point, but no less incredible. Think about it: A guy who came to WSU as a walk-on is going to own every meaningful WSU passing record ahead of Jason Gesser, Ryan Leaf, Jack Thompson and Drew Bledsoe. Amazing.
So let’s all stand up and applaud Falk for this accomplishment. It’s so, so cool. Congratulations, Luke.
Oh and if you’re wondering: Career passing yards and total offense are the records that are up next, probably going down against Boise State.
Cougs in the NFL
The last few weeks, this Monday spot has been designated to updating you on how WSU alumni are doing in the NFL. Theo Lawson covered it really well yesterday for the Spokesman-Review, so I’d just be repeating what he did if I tried to do the same. I’ll just give you a list here, and if you want more detail, head over to his story.
Made a roster
- Shalom Luani, Oakland Raiders
- Deone Bucannon, Arizona Cardinals
- Xavier Cooper, San Francisco 49ers
- Destiny Vaeao, Philadelphia Eagles
- Joe Dahl, Detroit Lions
- Vince Mayle, Baltimore Ravens
- Gabe Marks, New York Jets (practice squad)
- John Fullington, New Orleans Saints (practice squad)
Looking for work
- Kache Palacio, cut by the Seattle Seahawks
- Marquess Wilson, cut by the New York Jets
Links
Don’t put too much credence in Washington State’s win, but at least it’s a step forward | The Spokesman-Review
In skinning the Bobcats Saturday night at Martin Stadium, No. 24 Washington State rang in the new football season with a rare step forward. It’s a small step – more like a half-step, really – but a step nonetheless for a team, and a head coach, that have only been known for losing their footing in openers up to this point. In 2015 and 2016, losing it quite badly, too.
The leftovers: Nuggets and notes from WSU’s 31-0 win over Montana State | The Spokesman-Review
Luke Falk became Washington State’s all-time leader with his 91st career touchdown pass, James Williams caught 13 balls and hit 163 receiving yards – both of those school records for a running back – and Cougar coach Mike Leach saw his skein of losses in season openers end at five.
Players You Should be Psyched to Watch: James Williams - Armchair All-Americans
His decisiveness as a runner is RB porn and I for one love it so long as it’s not against my team.