Jacob Thorpe

Nose tackle Robert Barber did not start during No. 20 Washington State’s 38-24 loss at No. 12 Colorado on Saturday, but he played extensively in his first action back since missing three games while supsended from school.

Jacob Thorpe’s players of the game from Colorado’s 38-24 win over Washington State in Boulder, Colorado on Saturday, Nov. 19, 2016.

During Saturday’s game at Colorado, wide receiver River Cracraft was not on the field for the first time since sustaining a career-ending ACL tear against California last week.

Key moments from Colorado’s 38-24 win over Washington State in Boulder, Colorado on Saturday, Nov. 19, 2016.

When No. 20 Washington State takes the field on Saturday against No. 12 Colorado in a game with enormous national implications, take a moment to consider how surreal that is.

Washington State’s keys for a victory over Colorado in Boulder, Colorado on Saturday, Nov. 19, 2016.

PULLMAN – Washington State football coach Mike Leach has been named a semifinalist for the George Munger Coach of the Year award, the Maxwell Football Club announced on Friday. Leach is one of 16 finalists, joining Pac-12 peers Chris Petersen of Washington, Kyle Whittingham of Utah and Mike MacIntyre of Colorado. Leach, who was named Pac-12 co-Coach of the Year in 2015, has guided the Cougars to an 8-2 record and an unbeaten mark in seven conference games.

Any prominent player or coach in a winning football program can expect a near-constant stream of communication from fans, well wishers, family members and the like.

The Washington State Cougars are on a tear – all they do is win. The Cougars have not lost a game since mid-September, and they have not come close since October. They also have not played anybody good in a long, long time.

Washington State coach Ernie Kent was so pleased with his team’s trip to Italy this summer, he could not wait to take another journey away from the continental United States.

For the second straight season, Luke Falk is a finalist for the Burlsworth Trophy and a semifinalist for the Walter Camp Trophy.

Washington State’s coaches rejoiced when they heard that Robert Barber would be returning to the football field, thanks to a Whitman County Superior Court’s stay of his suspension. Then, they figured out how to fit him back in the lineup for Saturday’s game at Colorado.

Washington State guard Cody O’Connell was named a semifinalist for the Outland Trophy, which is given annually to the best interior lineman on offense or defense. The redshirt junior from Wenatchee is one of just five semifinalists, all of whom play on offense.

The WSU defense changed while Robert Barber was out. Here's how he'll fit in at Colorado.

WSU football coach Mike Leach talks about Robert Barber's reinstatement to the team.

Robert Barber will be allowed to play football again, thanks to a ruling from Judge David Frazier, presiding over the Whitman County Superior Court, who granted a motion to grant an immediate stay of Washington State’s suspension of Barber.

Here is a difference between Colorado coach Mike MacIntyre and the casual college football fan: They look at the Washington State offense and see very different things.