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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Christian Caple’s Keys to the WSU Game

What went right

The Cougars were efficient on offense in the first half, led by quarterback Connor Halliday’s three touchdown passes to Gabe Marks, Marquess Wilson and Isiah Myers. Halliday helped WSU pile up 262 yards in the first half. Running back Teondray Caldwell had his best game as a Cougar, rushing for 72 yards on 10 carries while also returning a kickoff 56 yards.

What went wrong

WSU might not have played outstanding football in the third quarter, but its fourth-quarter collapse will be what folks remember. The Cougars led by 17 points with 8 minutes remaining in the game, and Colorado outscored them 21-3 the rest of the way. Big plays allowed by WSU’s defense were again the Cougars’ undoing, as the Buffaloes scored on plays of 70 and 84 yards in the final period.

Turning point

Colorado tight end Nick Kasa found himself all by his lonesome behind Washington State’s secondary with a little more than 7 minutes left. Quarterback Jordan Webb found him, too, for a 70-yard touchdown that pulled Colorado within 31-21 and gave the Buffaloes new life. The play followed an interception thrown by Halliday at the 8-yard line.

Difference makers

Webb was sacked six times and took a number of other hits, but his precision and decision-making in the fourth quarter accounted for much of Colorado’s comeback. It was Webb’s decision to check into a quarterback draw on fourth-and-goal with 12 seconds remaining in the game, and he scored easily as WSU had vacated the box.