clock menu more-arrow no yes mobile

Filed under:

WSU vs. Arizona score: Gabe Marks had a first half for the ages

He's really good, you guys.

By Jeff Nusser
Casey Sapio-USA TODAY Sports

It's halftime, and WSU leads Arizona 31-21. Gabe Marks is a huge reason why.

The wide receiver has been Luke Falk's go-to guy as the Cougs have gotten out to a fast start against the Wildcats. He has 6 receptions for 73 yards and three touchdowns. The three TDs ties a WSU record for a single game.

Marks' first TD came on the opening possession of the game, the 10th play of a 78-yard drive that ended with this screen pass that featured excellent blocking and tough running from Marks:

The second came on another screen -- this time, though, WSU mixed it up by running the offensive line out there on a third down where Arizona tried to drop a bunch of defenders to the middle of the field. Just a tremendous play call with tremendous execution:

The third? A picture-perfect route, throw and toe-tap catch:


Of course, if a receiver is having a big day, then Falk likely is, too. Is 30-for-38 for 335 yards, 4 touchdowns and zero interceptions good? I think it is. But I'm no expert.

The defense also has played reasonably well, although penalties and 3rd down conversions were a bugaboo in the second quarter. And, of course, there was the requisite punt return TD by Arizona. Sigh.

Can the Cougs hold on to their 10-point lead for 30 more minutes? Arizona gets the ball to start the second half.

Full stats here:

wsu-arizona first half

More From CougCenter