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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:
You want to play WR at WSU? You've got to block! Screen pass TD! #GoCougs pic.twitter.com/9668yYojNb
— WSU Cougar Football (@wsucougfb) October 24, 2015
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:
ON YOUR MARKS! Gabe Marks to the HOUSE for six for @wsucougfb! Watch #WSUvsAZ live: https://t.co/ZLABafSnBV https://t.co/wLedzuqL1A
— Pac-12 Networks (@Pac12Networks) October 24, 2015
The third? A picture-perfect route, throw and toe-tap catch:
Tip toe to touchdown #3 for Gabe Marks! Watch #WSUvsAZ live: https://t.co/ZLABag9Ytt pic.twitter.com/P1Y5fHVGlj
— Pac-12 Networks (@Pac12Networks) October 24, 2015
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.