Difference makers: Gardner Minshew’s big first half helps No. 25 Washington State top 12th-ranked Oregon

Gardner Minshew

The nation’s leading passer continued to pad his stats Saturday night in Pullman, completing 39-of-51 passes for 323 yards, four touchdowns and two interceptions. For the second consecutive home game, Minshew led a late fourth-quarter touchdown drive to effectively seal the victory. He improved his personal record to 4-0 at Martin Stadium.

Travell Harris

No touchdowns for Harris in this one and he was only the second-leading receiver for WSU. But Harris made two crucial catches late in the game to extend the touchdown drive that secured the victory. He was on the end of a desperate 37-yard Hail Mary from Minshew that moved the Cougars past midfield, then got first-down yardage on a third-and-6 out route two plays later. Harris finished with four catches for 59 yards in total.

Deommodore Lenoir

Oregon’s sophomore cornerback may have been the one thing that for the Ducks against the Cougars’ Air Raid. Both of Minshew’s interceptions fell into Lenoir’s hands and the defensive back finished third among Oregon players with five tackles while also recording a pass breakup.