Sep 5, 2015; Pullman, WA, USA; Portland State Vikings quarterback Alex Kuresa (7) throws a pass against Washington State Cougars linebacker Kache Palacio (40) during the second half at Martin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: James Snook-USA TODAY Sports
Washington State 17
Portland State 24
This tweet says it all..this wasn’t supposed to happen, and Portland State players and coaches got a lift in their step for the week.
Portland St. QB hugs wife in the stands after stunning Wazzu (via @RedditCFB): http://t.co/4ctaoyk6pk pic.twitter.com/5OKkMOHnQz
— SB Nation (@SBNation) September 5, 2015
Sorting through the USA Today gallery, there is photo after photo of sheer elation on the faces of Portland States Head Coach and his players.
Sep 5, 2015; Pullman, WA, USA; Portland State Vikings head coach Bruce Barnum celebrates with defensive tackle Daniel Fusi (92) and safety Tyler Foreman (15) after a game against the Washington State Cougars at Martin Stadium. The Vikings won 24-17. Mandatory Credit: James Snook-USA TODAY Sports
For the first time in 18 games, since 1947, Washington State has not lost to a Big Sky Conference opponent. That streak ended this weekend. True the Cougars only lost by a touchdown, still they were favored by 30.5 points.
The Cougars lost their quarterback, Luke Falk, late in the fourth quarter after landing hard on his shoulder. This couldn’t have helped them at all. Red-shirt freshman Peyton Bendor (nice QB name) took over for Luke.
What also didn’t help was the four fumbles the Cougars suffered. Head Coach Mike Leach attributed their problems to “incomplete communication.” Here’s more from Stefanie Loh of the Seattle Times:
"“It was more like there were times when (the play call) didn’t get communicated all the way around,” Leach said. “(Falk would) call something and then somebody wouldn’t be on the same page, whether they were distracted and not looking or Luke didn’t communicate it to the front or that type of thing.”"
The Cougars are going to have some tough practices next week as they gear up to play Rutgers who beat their opponent, Norfolk State, by 50 points yesterday, 63-13.
Next: Cal vs. Grambling State