Washington State Football: Report card for Week 3 win over Houston

Washington State football got another win at a “neutral site” over Houston. With their first real test behind them, how do the Cougs look three games in?

Washington State faced their first deal of adversity in Week 3, going into Houston to win 31-24 in what was considered a neutral site contest.

It was far from a sure thing, however, as Washington State fell down 14-7 at halftime before a big third quarter propelled the Cougars to victory.

For the first time this season, Washington State faced a lot of adversity. The first half saw their first real struggles in the passing game and on the offensive side of the ball. In the first half, the Cougs punted two times and threw an interception, with those three drives producing minimal yardage.

The defense also struggled in the first half, giving up three drives over 50 yards, two resulting in a touchdown and one a missed field goal. But both sides of the ball were able to compose themselves in the second half, as senior quarterback Anthony Gordon was poised and precise in the second half, delivering big play after big play to give the Cougars the victory.

This was matched by the defense, who allowed just 143 yards in the second half and forced two turnovers out of the Houston offense, good enough to hold on in the end.

Mike Leach has to feel good about this team going forward. In a tough environment against his former assistant Dana Holgersen, the Cougars battled and showed the poise that Washington State hasn’t shown in the past, and has them primed for a big time run towards a potential Pac-12 title. Here is how the Cougs graded out in Week 3.