Difference makers: Defense, running game sets tone for Washington State in win over Colorado
Oct. 21, 2017 Updated Sat., Oct. 21, 2017 at 11:52 p.m.
Hercules Mata’afa
He didn’t end up with gaudy numbers – five tackles, one for a loss – but the junior defensive tackle set the tone by stuffing Colorado’s productive running back Phillip Lindsay on the Buffaloes’ first play from scrimmage. And on CU’s second possession, he forced a punt by wrestling down Lindsay for a two-yard loss on third-and-3.
Jamal Morrow
The senior tailback led the charge for WSU on the ground, and he wasn’t too bad in the passing game, either. Morrow effectively put the game away with a 9-yard cutback TD run early in the third quarter and finished with 101 total yards (73 rushing, 28 receiving).
Jalen Thompson
Thompson, the Cougs’ sophomore strong safety, set a career high with a team-best 10 tackles and recovered a late fumble. Though he didn’t have a pass breakup, Thompson helped make life miserable for CU starting QB Steven Montez in the first half.
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