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Washington State Football: 3 takeaways from Gardner Minshew-led Alamo Bowl win

By John Mitchell

SAN ANTONIO, TX - DECEMBER 28: Gardner Minshew #16 of the Washington State Cougars celebrates with teammates after a rushing touchdown in the second quarter against the Iowa State Cyclones during the Valero Alamo Bowl at the Alamodome on December 28, 2018 in San Antonio, Texas. (Photo by Tim Warner/Getty Images)
SAN ANTONIO, TX - DECEMBER 28: Gardner Minshew #16 of the Washington State Cougars celebrates with teammates after a rushing touchdown in the second quarter against the Iowa State Cyclones during the Valero Alamo Bowl at the Alamodome on December 28, 2018 in San Antonio, Texas. (Photo by Tim Warner/Getty Images) /
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(Photo by David Purdy/Getty Images)
(Photo by David Purdy/Getty Images) /

3. David Montgomery, Hakeem Butler could both be first-round picks

Acrobatic catches, impressive route running, broken tackles, spin-moves, and next-level vision were all on display for Iowa State’s top two skill position players in the Alamo Bowl, the pair of juniors shining brightly on the biggest of stages as they continue to climb up NFL Draft boards.

Montgomery has been on NFL radars for a couple of years, and he’s likely to forego his final year in Ames to head to the next level after a heavy workload the last few seasons for the Cyclones.

Against a good Washington State defense, Montgomery rushed for 124 yards on 26 carries and a touchdown to go along with 55 receiving yards, showing his full repertoire of skills that have had NFL scouts drooling over his potential for two years now.

In a draft class that looks weak at the position, Montgomery has the potential to shoot up boards, potentially positioning himself as the No. 1 running back in this class and working his way toward the end of the first round.

Hakeem Butler has been one of college football’s most feared receivers, the 6’6″ wideout possessing a preternatural ability to separate at the line of scrimmage, with an outstanding vertical and catch radius.  Butler went over 1300 receiving yards on the season, putting plenty on tape to make him an intriguing prospect at the next level. He was second in the FBS in yards-per-catch on the season, making teams pay all season long for single coverage.

Butler caught 9 passes for 192 yards, gouging Washington State time and time again. There isn’t a clear-cut No. 1 WR in this draft class, with numerous guys vying for the top spot. In the Alamo Bowl, Butler proved he belonged in that conversation.

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