Washington State Football: Offense fizzles in snowy Apple Cup defeat

PULLMAN, WA - NOVEMBER 23: Andre Baccellia #5 of the Washington Huskies carries the ball against Darrien Molton #3 of the Washington State Cougars in the first half at Martin Stadium during the 111th Apple Cup on November 23, 2018 in Pullman, Washington. (Photo by William Mancebo/Getty Images) /

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Washington State head coach Mike Leach has coached some extremely talented football teams in his nearly two decades of coaching split between Texas Tech and Washington State. His teams have won some big games and been thorns in the sides of the blueblood programs in their respective conferences. But Mike Leach has never won a conference championship.

Leach came close in 2008 when his 11-1 Red Raiders were passed over for a title game berth because of the Big 12’s curious three-way tie procedures. Their consolation prize was a trip to the Cotton Bowl where they lost to Ole Miss.

Washington State’s 2018 campaign was the closest Leach had gotten to a conference championship since Texas Tech in 2008. Once again, Leach’s team fell just short. This time, the weather was the bad break that will leave Leach and his squad wondering what might have been.

Leach’s squads never have the most talent. His offense is often called gimmicky and unsustainable. Nevertheless, his teams play hard and have a lot of fun. Once again, though, better luck next year.

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