WSU vs. OSU: Following up after the Cougars beat the Beavers

This season the Cougars have owned the state of Oregon -- at least when it comes to the Pac-12, anyway. A week after battling back to defeat the Ducks in an epic showdown, Luke Falk and company put up massive first half numbers to put the game out of reach for the Beavers. Martin Stadium looked awesome in an sellout event and the Cougars, with half of the season left to go, need just two wins to be bowl eligible.

Junior Shalom Luani was all over the field wreaking havoc by applying big hits and by intercepting two passes from Oregon State QB Seth Collins -- one of which he took to the house in the fourth quarter as the crowd erupted. Luani has forced at least one turnover in two consecutive games.

I know we won the game and the offense and defense definitely outclassed the Beavers, but somehow awful special teams play is haunting the Cougars (and Michigan). WSU failed to recover an onside kick, had a punt blocked, and allowed a kick return for a touchdown. Usually when a team has special team gaffes like that they lose ... luckily Falk tied the WSU school record with 6 touchdowns in the first half making it near impossible for the Beavers and their terrible offense to fight all the way back.

The win was great, the crowd was great, the DeLorean driving onto the field was great. Maybe we can keep some momentum as WSU travels to face a tough Arizona team in Tucson next Saturday.

Football

VIDEO: Mike Leach talks about WSU Cougars’ battle for consistency in 52-31 win over Oregon State | The Seattle Times
Mike Leach talks about the Cougars' big win against Oregon State

Strong first half propels Wazzu over Oregon State for second Pac-12 win - College Football Nation Blog - ESPN
Behind an amazing first half from QB Luke Falk (28-of-33, 323 yards, 6 TDs), Washington State won comfortably over Pac-12 foe Oregon State.

Washington State Cougars thump Oregon State Beavers 52-31: Live chat recap | OregonLive.com
Join us during the game for live updates from Oregon State-Washington State.

Luke Falk throws 6 TD passes in first half to help WSU roll over Oregon State | The Seattle Times
Quarterback Luke Falk ties WSU’s single-game record for touchdown passes by throwing six in the first half as the Cougars went on to a 52-31 victory over Oregon State on Saturday.

Ex-WSU, NFL player George Yarno’s cancer fight inspires son Josh Yarno | The Seattle TimesFor eight months Josh Yarno had watched his dad George Yarno endure surgeries, infusions and chemotherapy. And through it all, George never muttered a peep. It was textbook toughness and Josh took note. As a show of support, he decided to tackle something tough: Spartan Races.

College football: Former Logan High standout Luke Falk ties Washington State record with six TD passes | The Salt Lake Tribune
Pullman, Wash. • Washington State and quarterback Luke Falk could do no wrong in the first half Saturday against Oregon State, and as a result the Cougars won their first Pacific-12 home game in two ...

After his players make mistakes in second half, WSU coach Mike Leach orders up-downs | The Seattle Times
Players weren’t doing their jobs, so it was time to work on ‘skill development’

Cougars Explode To 52-31 Homecoming Win - Washington State University Official Athletic Site
Luke Falk ties single-game passing touchdown record in first half.

Cougars receiver Dom Williams excelling despite personal loss | The OlympianWashington State wide receiver Dom Williams played the last two games while coping with the intense feelings of solitude and sorry that accompany a close, personal loss.

Blanchette: Cougars have turned corner without looking back - Spokesman.com - Oct. 17, 2015
The toothy smiles that occasionally broke through late Saturday afternoon were accompanied by sincere hand-wringing, perhaps the best sign of all that success hasn’t spoiled the Washington State Cougars.

Cross Country

WSU Women Win, Men Take 13th at Pre-Nats Invite - Washington State University Official Athletic Site
The WSU women's XC team celebrates winning their race at the Pre-Nationals Invite in Louisville.