Washington State Cougars wide receiver Tavares Martin Jr. (8) hauls in a touchdown pass over Oregon State Beavers cornerback Jay Irvine (6) runs the ball during the first half of a PAC-12 football game on Saturday, September 19, 2017, at Martin Stadium in Pullman, Wash. (Tyler Tjomsland / The Spokesman-Review)
Washington State Cougars wide receiver Jamire Calvin (6) pauses for a moment before the start of the first half of a Pac-12 football game on Saturday, September 16, 2017, at Martin Stadium in Pullman. (Tyler Tjomsland / The Spokesman-Review)
Washington State Cougars head coach Mike Leach takes to the field before the start of the first half of a Pac-12 football game against OSU on Saturday, September 16, 2017, at Martin Stadium in Pullman. (Tyler Tjomsland / The Spokesman-Review)
WSU helmets are seen with a Freeman High School bone sticker before the start of the first half of a Pac-12 football game on Saturday, September 16, 2017, at Martin Stadium in Pullman. (Tyler Tjomsland / The Spokesman-Review)
Washington State Cougars quarterback Luke Falk (4) warms up before the start of the first half of a Pac-12 football game on Saturday, September 16, 2017, at Martin Stadium in Pullman. (Tyler Tjomsland / The Spokesman-Review)
WSU fans watch their team warm up before the start of the first half of a Pac-12 football game on Saturday, September 16, 2017, at Martin Stadium in Pullman. (Tyler Tjomsland / The Spokesman-Review)
Washington State Cougars quarterback Luke Falk (4) warms up before the start of the first half of a Pac-12 football game on Saturday, September 16, 2017, at Martin Stadium in Pullman. (Tyler Tjomsland / The Spokesman-Review)
Washington State Cougars quarterback Luke Falk's (4) helmet is seen sporting a Freeman High School bone sticker as he warms up before the start of the first half of a Pac-12 football game on Saturday, September 16, 2017, at Martin Stadium in Pullman. (Tyler Tjomsland / The Spokesman-Review)
WSU takes to the field during the first half of a Pac-12 football game on Saturday, September 16, 2017, at Martin Stadium in Pullman. (Tyler Tjomsland / The Spokesman-Review)
Washington State running back Jamal Morrow (25) runs the ball against OSU during the first half of a Pac-12 football game on Saturday, Sept. 16, 2017, at Martin Stadium in Pullman. (Tyler Tjomsland / The Spokesman-Review)
Washington State coach Mike Leach reacts to a call during the first half of a Pac-12 game against Oregon State on Sept. 17 in Pullman. (Tyler Tjomsland / The Spokesman-Review)
Washington State Cougars wide receiver Tavares Martin Jr. (8) hauls in a pass from Luke Falk for a touchdown against Oregon State Beavers cornerback Kyle White (27) during the first half of a Pac-12 football game on Saturday, September 16, 2017, at Martin Stadium in Pullman. (Tyler Tjomsland / The Spokesman-Review)
Washington State Cougars wide receiver Tavares Martin Jr. (8) hauls in a pass from Luke Falk for a touchdown against Oregon State Beavers cornerback Kyle White (27) during the first half of a Pac-12 football game on Saturday, September 16, 2017, at Martin Stadium in Pullman. (Tyler Tjomsland / The Spokesman-Review)
Oregon State Beavers running back Artavis Pierce (21) runs the ball against during the first half of a Pac-12 football game on Saturday, September 16, 2017, at Martin Stadium in Pullman. (Tyler Tjomsland / The Spokesman-Review)
Washington State Cougars safety Jalen Thompson (34) breaks up a pass intended for Oregon State Beavers wide receiver Seth Collins (22) during the first half of a Pac-12 football game on Saturday, September 16, 2017, at Martin Stadium in Pullman. (Tyler Tjomsland / The Spokesman-Review)
Washington State Cougars running back Jamal Morrow (25) is brought down in the end zone for a safety by OSU during the first half of a Pac-12 football game on Saturday, September 16, 2017, at Martin Stadium in Pullman. (Tyler Tjomsland / The Spokesman-Review)
Washington State Cougars running back Jamal Morrow (25) is brought down in the end zone for a safety by OSU during the first half of a Pac-12 football game on Saturday, September 16, 2017, at Martin Stadium in Pullman. (Tyler Tjomsland / The Spokesman-Review)
WSU fans cheer for their team during the first half of a Pac-12 football game on Saturday, September 16, 2017, at Martin Stadium in Pullman. (Tyler Tjomsland / The Spokesman-Review)
WSU fans cheer for their team during the first half of a Pac-12 football game on Saturday, September 16, 2017, at Martin Stadium in Pullman. (Tyler Tjomsland / The Spokesman-Review)
Oregon State Beavers wide receiver Trevon Bradford (8) runs the ball against WSU during the first half of a Pac-12 football game on Saturday, September 16, 2017, at Martin Stadium in Pullman. (Tyler Tjomsland / The Spokesman-Review)
Washington State Cougars quarterback Luke Falk (4) watches as the defense battles it out with OSU during the first half of a Pac-12 football game on Saturday, September 16, 2017, at Martin Stadium in Pullman. (Tyler Tjomsland / The Spokesman-Review)
Washington State Cougars wide receiver Jamire Calvin (6) runs the ball against OSU during the first half of a Pac-12 football game on Saturday, September 16, 2017, at Martin Stadium in Pullman. (Tyler Tjomsland / The Spokesman-Review)
Washington State Cougars wide receiver Kyle Sweet (17) mobs teammate Washington State Cougars wide receiver Isaiah Johnson-Mack (9) after Mack scored a touchdown during the first half of a Pac-12 football game on Saturday, September 16, 2017, at Martin Stadium in Pullman. (Tyler Tjomsland / The Spokesman-Review)
Washington State Cougars wide receiver Isaiah Johnson-Mack (9) celebrates after scoring a touchdown during the first half of a Pac-12 football game on Saturday, September 16, 2017, at Martin Stadium in Pullman. (Tyler Tjomsland / The Spokesman-Review)
WSU and OSU battle it out during the first half of a Pac-12 football game on Saturday, September 16, 2017, at Martin Stadium in Pullman. (Tyler Tjomsland / The Spokesman-Review)
Washington State Cougars linebackers Nate DeRider (54) and Isaac Dotson (31) and cornerback Darrien Molton (3) bring down Oregon State Beavers running back Trevorris Johnson (24) during the first half of a Pac-12 football game on Saturday, September 16, 2017, at Martin Stadium in Pullman. (Tyler Tjomsland / The Spokesman-Review)
Washington State Cougars head coach Mike Leach reacts to a call during the first half of a PAC-12 football game on Saturday, September 19, 2017, at Martin Stadium in Pullman, Wash. Tyler Tjomsland/THE SPOKESMAN-REVIEW (Tyler Tjomsland / The Spokesman-Review)
Washington State Cougars linebacker Nate DeRider (54) brings down Oregon State Beavers running back Ryan Nall (34) during the first half of a Pac-12 football game on Saturday, September 16, 2017, at Martin Stadium in Pullman. (Tyler Tjomsland / The Spokesman-Review)
Washington State Cougars defensive back Dylan Axelson (32) brings down Oregon State Beavers wide receiver Seth Collins (22) during the first half of a Pac-12 football game on Saturday, September 16, 2017, at Martin Stadium in Pullman. (Tyler Tjomsland / The Spokesman-Review)
Oregon State Beavers running back Ryan Nall (34) runs the ball in for a touchdown during the first half of a Pac-12 football game on Saturday, September 16, 2017, at Martin Stadium in Pullman. (Tyler Tjomsland / The Spokesman-Review)
Washington State Cougars wide receiver Tavares Martin Jr. (8) runs the ball during the first half of a Pac-12 football game on Saturday, September 16, 2017, at Martin Stadium in Pullman. (Tyler Tjomsland / The Spokesman-Review)
Washington State Cougars running back Gerard Wicks (23) runs the ball against OSU during the first half of a Pac-12 football game on Saturday, September 16, 2017, at Martin Stadium in Pullman. (Tyler Tjomsland / The Spokesman-Review)
Washington State Cougars wide receiver Tavares Martin Jr. (8) vies for the end zone as he runs the ball during the first half of a Pac-12 football game on Saturday, September 16, 2017, at Martin Stadium in Pullman. (Tyler Tjomsland / The Spokesman-Review)
Washington State Cougars wide receiver Tavares Martin Jr. (8) celebrates after scoring a touchdown against the Oregon State Beavers during the first half of a Pac-12 football game on Saturday, September 16, 2017, at Martin Stadium in Pullman. (Tyler Tjomsland / The Spokesman-Review)
WSU fans cheer for their team during the second half of a Pac-12 football game on Saturday, September 16, 2017, at Martin Stadium in Pullman, Wash. WSU won the game 52-23. (Tyler Tjomsland / The Spokesman-Review)
Washington State Cougars linebacker Nate DeRider (54) sacks Oregon State Beavers quarterback Jake Luton (6) during the second half of a Pac-12 football game on Saturday, September 16, 2017, at Martin Stadium in Pullman, Wash. WSU won the game 52-23. (Tyler Tjomsland / The Spokesman-Review)
Washington State Cougars linebacker Nate DeRider (54) reacts after he sacked Oregon State Beavers quarterback Jake Luton (6) during the second half of a Pac-12 football game on Saturday, September 16, 2017, at Martin Stadium in Pullman, Wash. WSU won the game 52-23. (Tyler Tjomsland / The Spokesman-Review)
WSU fans cheer for their team during the second half of a Pac-12 football game on Saturday, September 16, 2017, at Martin Stadium in Pullman, Wash. WSU won the game 52-23. (Tyler Tjomsland / The Spokesman-Review)
WSU fans cheer for their team during the second half of a Pac-12 football game on Saturday, September 16, 2017, at Martin Stadium in Pullman, Wash. WSU won the game 52-23. (Tyler Tjomsland / The Spokesman-Review)
Oregon State Beavers running back Ryan Nall (34) runs the ball against WSU during the second half of a Pac-12 football game on Saturday, September 16, 2017, at Martin Stadium in Pullman, Wash. WSU won the game 52-23. (Tyler Tjomsland / The Spokesman-Review)
Oregon State Beavers running back Ryan Nall (34) runs the ball for a touchdown against WSU during the second half of a Pac-12 football game on Saturday, September 16, 2017, at Martin Stadium in Pullman, Wash. WSU won the game 52-23. (Tyler Tjomsland / The Spokesman-Review)
Washington State Cougars defensive back Robert Taylor (2) runs the ball during the second half of a Pac-12 football game on Saturday, September 16, 2017, at Martin Stadium in Pullman, Wash. WSU won the game 52-23. (Tyler Tjomsland / The Spokesman-Review)
Washington State Cougars running back James Williams (32) runs the ball during the second half of a Pac-12 football game on Saturday, September 16, 2017, at Martin Stadium in Pullman, Wash. WSU won the game 52-23. (Tyler Tjomsland / The Spokesman-Review)
Washington State Cougars running back James Williams (32) runs the ball during the second half of a Pac-12 football game on Saturday, September 16, 2017, at Martin Stadium in Pullman, Wash. WSU won the game 52-23. (Tyler Tjomsland / The Spokesman-Review)
Washington State Cougars wide receiver Isaiah Johnson-Mack (9) leaps through OSU's defense during the second half of a Pac-12 football game on Saturday, September 16, 2017, at Martin Stadium in Pullman, Wash. WSU won the game 52-23. (Tyler Tjomsland / The Spokesman-Review)
Washington State Cougars quarterback Luke Falk (4) looks for an open teammate against OSU during the second half of a Pac-12 football game on Saturday, September 16, 2017, at Martin Stadium in Pullman, Wash. WSU won the game 52-23. (Tyler Tjomsland / The Spokesman-Review)
Washington State Cougars quarterback Luke Falk (4) is sacked by OSU during the second half of a Pac-12 football game on Saturday, September 16, 2017, at Martin Stadium in Pullman, Wash. WSU won the game 52-23. (Tyler Tjomsland / The Spokesman-Review)
Washington State Cougars wide receiver Tavares Martin Jr. (8) runs the ball against OSU during the second half of a Pac-12 football game on Saturday, September 16, 2017, at Martin Stadium in Pullman, Wash. WSU won the game 52-23. (Tyler Tjomsland / The Spokesman-Review)
Washington State Cougars wide receiver Tavares Martin Jr. (8) runs the ball for a touchdown against OSU during the second half of a Pac-12 football game on Saturday, September 16, 2017, at Martin Stadium in Pullman, Wash. WSU won the game 52-23. (Tyler Tjomsland / The Spokesman-Review)
Washington State Cougars wide receiver Tavares Martin Jr. (8) runs the ball for a touchdown against OSU during the second half of a Pac-12 football game on Saturday, September 16, 2017, at Martin Stadium in Pullman, Wash. WSU won the game 52-23. (Tyler Tjomsland / The Spokesman-Review)
Washington State Cougars wide receiver Tavares Martin Jr. (8) reacts after he ran the ball for a touchdown against OSU during the second half of a Pac-12 football game on Saturday, September 16, 2017, at Martin Stadium in Pullman, Wash. WSU won the game 52-23. (Tyler Tjomsland / The Spokesman-Review)
Washington State Cougars wide receiver Dezmon Patmon (12) runs for extra yardage after getting wrapped up by Oregon State Beavers linebacker Bright Ugwoegbu (1) during the second half of a Pac-12 football game on Saturday, September 16, 2017, at Martin Stadium in Pullman, Wash. WSU won the game 52-23. (Tyler Tjomsland / The Spokesman-Review)
Washington State Cougars cornerback Marcellus Pippins (21) forces a fumble from Oregon State Beavers quarterback Jake Luton (6) which Washington State Cougars linebacker Frankie Luvu (51) picked up and ran for a touchdown during the second half of a Pac-12 football game on Saturday, September 16, 2017, at Martin Stadium in Pullman, Wash. WSU won the game 52-23. (Tyler Tjomsland / The Spokesman-Review)
Washington State Cougars cornerback Marcellus Pippins (21) reacts as he runs to the end zone after he forced a fumble from Oregon State Beavers quarterback Jake Luton (6) which linebacker Frankie Luvu (51) picked up and ran for a touchdown during the second half of a Pac-12 football game on Saturday, September 16, 2017, at Martin Stadium in Pullman, Wash. WSU won the game 52-23. (Tyler Tjomsland / The Spokesman-Review)
Washington State Cougars cornerback Marcellus Pippins (21) reacts as he runs to the end zone after he forced a fumble from Oregon State Beavers quarterback Jake Luton (6) which linebacker Frankie Luvu (51) picked up and ran for a touchdown during the second half of a Pac-12 football game on Saturday, September 16, 2017, at Martin Stadium in Pullman, Wash. WSU won the game 52-23. (Tyler Tjomsland / The Spokesman-Review)
Oregon State Beavers quarterback Jake Luton (6) throws during the second half of a Pac-12 football game on Saturday, September 16, 2017, at Martin Stadium in Pullman, Wash. WSU won the game 52-23. (Tyler Tjomsland / The Spokesman-Review)
Oregon State Beavers quarterback Jake Luton (6) is brought down on a play that would injure him during the second half of a Pac-12 football game on Saturday, September 16, 2017, at Martin Stadium in Pullman, Wash. WSU won the game 52-23. (Tyler Tjomsland / The Spokesman-Review)
Oregon State Beavers quarterback Jake Luton (6) leaves the game as WSU quarterback Luke Falk (4) looks on during the second half of a Pac-12 football game on Saturday, September 16, 2017, at Martin Stadium in Pullman, Wash. WSU won the game 52-23. (Tyler Tjomsland / The Spokesman-Review)
Oregon State Beavers wide receiver Seth Collins (22) hauls in a touchdown pass against Washington State Cougars defensive back Kirkland Parker (10) during the second half of a Pac-12 football game on Saturday, September 16, 2017, at Martin Stadium in Pullman, Wash. WSU won the game 52-23. (Tyler Tjomsland / The Spokesman-Review)
Washington State Cougars wide receiver Dezmon Patmon (12) runs the ball during the second half of a Pac-12 football game on Saturday, September 16, 2017, at Martin Stadium in Pullman, Wash. WSU won the game 52-23. (Tyler Tjomsland / The Spokesman-Review)
Washington State Cougars wide receiver Davontavean Martin (1) runs the ball against OSU during the second half of a Pac-12 football game on Saturday, September 16, 2017, at Martin Stadium in Pullman, Wash. WSU won the game 52-23. (Tyler Tjomsland / The Spokesman-Review)
Washington State Cougars backup quarterback Tyler Hilinski (3) looks for an open teammate during the final minutes of the second half of a Pac-12 football game on Saturday, September 16, 2017, at Martin Stadium in Pullman, Wash. WSU won the game 52-23. (Tyler Tjomsland / The Spokesman-Review)
Washington State Cougars defensive lineman Nick Begg cheers after his team beat OSU during a Pac-12 football game on Saturday, September 16, 2017, at Martin Stadium in Pullman, Wash. WSU won the game 52-23. (Tyler Tjomsland / The Spokesman-Review)
The Washington State Cougars play an NCAA football game against the Oregon State Beavers in Pullman on Saturday, Sept. 16.
The first pass covered a cool 14 yards, but then there was a bubble screen that went nowhere, a sack – by a team that had sacked nobody all season – and finally a medium-deep ball swatted away at the last minute. This was Washington State’s start on Saturday afternoon, worse even than the Cougars’ start last Saturday. Which tells you a lot about how much gravitas to attach to “starts.”
Time and time again, Luke Falk has made the Oregon State Beavers pay simply because once a year they’ve decided it was a swell idea to share the same field on the same day as the prolific Washington State quarterback.