Wazzu Makes Statement on the Palouse, Routing Texas Tech

© James Snook-Imagn Images

In an exciting clash between two teams formerly coached by the late Mike Leach, Washington State (2-0) overwhelmed the Texas Tech Red Raiders (1-1) in a late-night affair on Sept. 7 at Gesa Field in Pullman, Wash. En route to a 37-16 victory, Wazzu rushed for an impressive 301 yards.

The 'Pirate' Bowl

In honor of Leach, affectionately nicknamed "The Pirate," players on both teams wore helmets adorned with pirate-themed stickers.

Wazzu Runs It

WSU quarterback John Mateer rushed for 197 yards and 1 touchdown on 21 attempts. Running backs Wayshawn Parker and Djouvensky Schlenbaker chipped in with 1 and 2 rushing TDs, respectively.

Mateer added 1 TD pass to dynamic wide receiver Kyle Williams, who has been named to the Biletnikoff Award Watch List. But, the run game was where Wazzu made the difference in this one. Mateer set a WSU record for rushing yards by a quarterback, and, in rushing for 301 yards as a team, the Cougars topped the 300-yard mark for the first time since 2022.

In a postgame interview, Mateer explained that he and his teammates exploited what the Red Raiders defense gave them: "They kept dropping eight on us so we just ran the ball and it was working," Mateer said. "The [offensive] line was getting after it. They’re good. Like, straight up, the line’s very good."

Ramifications

In their first year following realignment, the Cougars face only two Power Four opponents in the regular season. The Red Raiders of the Big 12 Conference were one, and in-state rival Washington (2-0) is the other. As Wazzou seeks to retain its status as one of the "power" teams in college football, this convincing win over a Big 12 opponent advances the Cougars' goal.

While Mateer was fantastic in the Cougars' ground attack, his passing has room for improvement. He completed only 9-of-19 passes against Texas Tech.

© James Snook-Imagn Images

Up Next

On Sept, 14, Texas Tech will host the North Texas Mean Green (2-0) at Jones AT&T Stadium in Lubbock, Texas. Kickoff is at noon EST.

Wazzu meets the Washington Huskies in the Apple Cup at 3:30 EST on Sept. 14 at Lumen Field in Seattle. Traditionally, the Apple Cup has been played at the end of the regular season. However, scheduling changes occurred due to realignment.