Christian Caple’s Keys to the WSU Game

What went right

Very little. Perhaps the most promising news to come out of this one was the play of backup quarterback Austin Apodaca, who was forced into action after Connor Halliday left due to injury in the third quarter. Apodaca completed 15 of 29 passes and threw the first two touchdown passes of his career.

What went wrong

Pretty much everything. Stanford’s 560 yards of total offense were the second-most allowed by the Cougars under coach Mike Leach, and the Cardinal accumulated 311 in the first half. Also, the severity of Halliday’s injury is unknown, and CBs Damante Horton and Daquawn Brown also left with apparent injuries.

Turning point

Just before Connor Halliday absorbed a huge hit from Stanford linebacker Trent Murphy, he released a throw intended for Rickey Galvin that was intercepted by Jordan Richards and returned 30 yards for a TD. That made the score 24-3 early in the third quarter, and things got worse from there.

Difference maker

Kevin Hogan had plenty of time to throw all game and took advantage of it, completing 16 of 25 passes for 286 yards, three touchdowns and an interception. Michael Rector (two catches, 93 yards and a touchdown) and Devon Cajuste (four catches, 115 yards, two touchdowns) were his primary beneficiaries.