WSU-EWU: players of the game

Game ball goes to: It’s not always going to be upset victories in Pac-12 stadiums, but so far Eastern Washington quarterback Gage Gubrud is having a heck of a career. Gubrud’s first start was incredible as he came into the house of high-octane passing and showed the Cougars how it’s done. He completed 34 of 40 pass attempts for 474 yards and five touchdowns, and ran for 77 and the game-clinching score.

Offensive player of the game: Gubrud was exceptional, but he was throwing to the best player on the field on Saturday. Cooper Kupp caught 12 passes for 206 yards and a touchdown – he has caught 10 touchdown balls in four games against Pac-12 schools – ran for 29 yards and completed a 22-yard pass. His 75-yard touchdown catch answered the Cougars right when the WSU offense started to hum, and he continually made big plays in the first half when the EWU offense was trying to get on track.

Defensive player of the game: Defensive end Samson Ebukam was a needle in the side of the WSU passing game, sacking Cougars quarterback Luke Falk and keeping constant pressure in the backfield, disrupting plays before WSU’s athletic wide receivers could get open. His sacks cost the Cougars 15 total yards, and he finished the game with six total tackles.