Jacob Thorpe

In an unpleasant, grinder of a game, Washington State proved to be the team best equipped to execute its goals when things were not easy. On the heels of a similar toughness-measuring contest at Stanford, the Cougars beat up then outlasted UCLA, 27-21, on Saturday in Martin Stadium.

First field goal WSU was given great field position on its second drive, and quickly got to the UCLA 19-yard line. But the Cougars failed to connect on three consecutive passes, forcing Mike Leach to see if WSU could make its first field goal of the season. Erik Powell connected on a 36-yarder in the rain, giving WSU a lead it would never relinquish.

The offensive player of the game, defensive player of the game and game ball recipient from Saturday’s Washington State-UCLA game in Pullman, according to writer Jacob Thorpe.

Former WSU football player Mike Utley was jointly honored by the school, National Football Foundation and College Hall of Fame with an NFF Hall of Fame On-Campus Salute during the first timeout of the second quarter of Saturday’s game against UCLA.

For all the game plans, film studies and other preparation that goes into each football game, the Washington State Cougars would have you believe that a weather report is not included.

PULLMAN – Over the last four weeks, Washington State has gone from a team dragging down perceptions of the Pac-12 to one of the most dangerous teams in the conference. Although Eastern Washington and Boise State are good teams, ones who have proven over and over they could compete in a Power Five conference, there is little doubt WSU is playing much better right now than it was when it lost its first two games. So how did the Cougars get so quickly from maybe not making the postseason to maybe playing in the Rose Bowl? Here are some insightful numbers:

For the third consecutive week, Washington State (3-2, 2-0 Pac-12) will take on a program with prestige, a recent history of success, many highly ranked recruits, and not much else going for it.

Gabe Marks started at wide receiver the first game of his freshman season, back in 2012 at BYU when both he and Mike Leach were brand new to Washington State.

Offensive line coach Clay McGuire talks about why Cody O'Connell keeps winning the team's "Bone Award."

Washington State University president Kirk Schulz told Spokane TV station SWX that Cougar linebacker Logan Tago is suspended from football activities per university policy while under charges for felony robbery and gross misdemeanor assault.

Washington State University president Kirk Schulz told Spokane TV station SWX that Cougar linebacker Logan Tago is suspended from football activities per university policy while under charges for felony robbery and gross misdemeanor assault.

PULLMAN - UCLA coach Jim Mora is not telling whether starting quarterback Josh Rosen will be healthy enough to play against Washington State on Saturday. During Tuesday’s Pac-12 coaches teleconference Mora said simply, “if he’s ready to play, he will play.”

Linebacker Logan Tago will be suspended until his court case for felony robbery and gross misdemeanor assault is settled.

Defensive coordinator Alex Grinch says that a few players making the most of new opportunities have greatly helped the WSU defense.