Apple Cup Victory, Cougars win 31-28
PULLMAN, Wash. (AP) - Andrew
Furney kicked a 27-yard field goal on Washington State's first
Advertisement
possession of overtime, and the Cougars overcame an 18-point deficit in
the fourth quarter to stun rival Washington 31-28 in the Apple Cup on
Friday, snapping an eight-game losing streak.
Washington quarterback Keith Price threw an interception on the first
play of overtime that defensive lineman Kalafitoni Pole nearly returned
for a game-ending touchdown, but he was caught at the 5.
The Cougars (3-9, 1-8 Pac-12) took possession and, after picking up a
first down, Furney kicked a 27-yard field goal, leading to a crush of
crimson and gray fans storming and celebrating at midfield.
Washington (7-5, 5-4) had a chance to win on the final play of
regulation, but Travis Coons' 35-yard field goal attempt at the same
end of the stadium was wide right after a bad snap.
In a rivalry known for unpredictability, the 2012 version will rank
among the tops in Apple Cup lore. Washington led 28-10 after Bishop
Sankey's second touchdown run late in the third quarter, but the
Huskies wilted under a siege of self-inflicted mistakes with turnovers
and penalties coming back in favor of the Cougars.
Carl Winston ran for three touchdowns for Washington State, matching
the Cougars entire season total of touchdowns rushing entering Friday's
game. His third TD with 7:26 left, combined with Jeff Tuel's 2-point
conversion pass to Brett Bartolone pulled the Cougars within 28-25.
Washington was then forced to punt with 5:25 left after Price was
forced to throw it away on third down. Tuel hit Gino Simone for 18
yards, his first catch of the game, to get into Washington territory
and later a 9-yard reception to get inside the Huskies 30. The Cougars
stalled after missing on third-and-1, but Furney connected on a 45-yard
field goal to pull the Cougars even at 28-28 with 1:59 left.
Washington started at its 25 with all three timeouts. Price scrambled
for a 7-yard run, and the Huskies were aided by a 15-yard personal foul
call against Casey Locker moving the ball to the 47. Price hit Austin
Seferian-Jenkins for 7 yards into Cougars' territory and found DiAndre
Campbell for consecutive 11-yard throws to get to the Washington State
24 with 59 seconds left.
Sankey then carried twice to the 15, forcing Washington State to use
its final timeout with 47 seconds left and the Huskies facing a
third-and-1. Washington's school record-tying 18th penalty backed them
up, and Sankey came up short on third down.
Washington coach Steve Sarkisian ran the clock down to 5 seconds before
calling timeout. Coons was 3 of 4 inside 40 yards this year, but the
snap back to holder Cody Bruns was low and the timing was off.
Washington State elected to go on defense first in overtime. Price was
pressured by Logan Mayes on the first play of the extra session and he
tried to throw for Sankey, but the pass landed in the arms of Pole. The
big defensive lineman tried to end the game with the interception
return, but was caught at the 5 by Bruns.
Because Pole didn't score, Washington State took possession at the 25
and on third-and-4, Tuel found Bartolone for 10 yards to the 9 and Mike
Leach decided to end it there. Furney lined up and the kick was true,
giving the Cougars their first win over their rivals since 2008.
Tuel finished 33 of 53 for 350 yards and two interceptions. The Cougars
made plenty of mistakes, especially during Washington's 21-point third
quarter, but showed resolve in the fourth quarter that was absent for
most of Leach's miserable first season as coach at Washington State.
Price was 20 of 34 for 194 yards and two touchdowns, but also committed
two costly turnovers. He had a fumble in the fourth quarter that led to
Winston's third TD run. Sankey rushed 84 yards, seeing his streak of
100-yard rushing games snapped at three, but had two touchdowns
bringing his season total to 15.
Washington saw its four-game win streak snapped and failed in its shot
at its first 8-win season since 2001.