Gesser-Led Cougars Exhibit Improvement

Physically, Washington State did not look sharp in its final scrimmage of the fall. Mentally, the Cougars were never better.

“That mental toughness was there today,” said quarterback Jason Gesser. “We really did what we wanted to do on a mental level.

Everybody was (physically) tired and what not, but we will get that back before the game.”

The physical wear and tear of two-a-days was evident early. Gesser drove the Cougars 55 yards in 12 plays inside the No. 1 defense’s 5-yard line on the first series. But on a fourth-and-1, running back Adam Hawkins fumbled.

That wasn’t the only offensive miscue.

Gesser, who has done a good job of taking care of the ball throughout the fall, threw an ill-advised pass that Marcus Trufant had no trouble intercepting.

Gesser was 11 of 21 passing for 122 yards. The three quarterbacks, Gesser, Matt Kegel and Tali Ena, combined for 223 yards. The running game compiled 110 yards.

Running back Deon Burnett had 60 yards on nine carries. But the majority of the yards came against second- and third-string defenders. Running back David Minnich did not play because of a rib bruise he suffered in Tuesday’s practice.

Nick Lambert seemed to solidify his spot as the No. 1 kicker. He had several quality kickoffs and hit field goals of 42, 42 and 47 yards.

Injury report

Safety Mory Banks was the only player injured in the scrimmage. Banks was leg-whipped and suffered a bruise on his shin. Freshman Erik Coleman will take over as the starting free safety until Banks gets back… . Safety Billy Newman did not play because of a hamstring injury. He is expected back soon. Staring defensive end Fred Shavies (hip flexor) will also be out for the next few days… . Linebacker Serign Marong (lower back pain) was also out. He may have an MRI and is not expected to play against Stanford… . Wide receiver Jason White (ankle) is expected to be out up to five more weeks… . Defensive lineman Ing Aleaga had successful foot surgery. He will be out six to eight weeks… . Offensive lineman Ryan Raymond was back in action. Raymond, who had been out 10 days with a knee sprain, participated in about 20 plays.