WSU: Jacob Thorpe’s keys to the game

What went right

Washington State’s defense held the Buffaloes to just three points, CU’s lowest point total of the year, and an average of 4.5 yards per play. The Cougars sacked CU quarterback Cade Apsay four times and held the Buffaloes to just 323 total yards.

What went wrong

Quarterback Luke Falk sustained his second head injury in two weeks and this time was unable to return. Falk entered the game as the NCAA passing leader and has led the Cougars to four fourth-quarter comebacks, but left the game on a cart after trainers spent 7 minutes attending to him on the field.

Difference maker

Running back Gerard Wicks needed just 13 carries to run for 123 yards, giving him WSU’s first 100-yard rushing game against an FBS opponent since James Montgomery’s 118 yards against Hawaii in 2009. Wicks’ longest run went 24 yards as he consistently picked up yards with runs into the teeth of the defense.

It was over when

The Buffaloes were finally moving the ball early in the fourth quarter, down three scores. But safety Taylor Taliulu intercepted Apsay’s pass, putting the Cougars on top for good.