Win Puts WSU In Tie For First Place

Washington State University’s improbable 24-15 football victory over UCLA on Saturday left the Cougars in an even more improbable position: tied for first place in the Pacific-10 Conference.

Sparked by Jay Dumas’ 72-yard punt return for a first-quarter touchdown, WSU won its conferenceopening game and is tied with Washington. The Cougars improved to 2-1 overall.

WSU quarterback Chad Davis completed 16 of 25 passes for 151 yards, while running backs Frank Madu and Derek Sparks combined for 171 yards rushing.

The Bruins, the nation’s 16th-ranked team, were unable to erase a 24-0 halftime deficit. Its Pac-10 championship hopes severely damaged, UCLA is 0-2 in the conference and 2-2 overall.

For more on the game, see page C1.

, DataTimes ILLUSTRATION: Color Photo