Washington State Football: Another elite passer emerges vs. New Mexico State

Color us shocked, Washington State football coach Mike Leach has seemingly found another elite passer who showed off against New Mexico State.

Bad news, college football fans, the mustache is gone. Gardner Minshew, who took the nation by storm in 2018, has moved on and that leaves the quarterback situation in Pullman wide open — but that changed quickly in Week 1 with a 58-7 win over New Mexico State.

Gage Gubrud looked to be the answer this offseason after transferring in from Eastern Washington following a storied career there but senior Anthony Gordon surprisingly won the job.

While that decision had some fans scratching their heads, it proved to be the right one, at least right away, as Gordon broke out against New Mexico State with 420 yards and five touchdowns on 29-of-35 completions. He showed a strong, accurate arm, albeit against a lackluster defense, and a passer rating of 230.8.

Sure, his receivers made some impressive moves all night long, especially slippery sophomore Travell Harris, but he was putting the ball on the money and showed patience in the pocket. For a first-year starter, he didn’t look the least bit rattled.

But we shouldn’t be surprised.

Mike Leach always seems to find these quarterbacks and this season will be no different. Even if Gordon doesn’t pan out of an injury happens, Gubrud showed that he can also make plays. He finished the game with 76 yards and a touchdown on 9-of-11 completions

Don’t look now, Pac-12 foes, Leach has found yet another elite passer and he’s probably going to put up some ridiculous numbers this season.