Washington State had a chance to keep the College Football Playoff dream alive for itself and the Pac-12 conference Friday night at home against Washington.
Those dreams are now dashed, as the Cougars were soundly defeated. The Huskies cruised to an upset win, 28-15, thanks in part to some incredible work by Myles Gaskin and Co. The senior running back racked up 170 yards and three touchdowns on the ground, including this incredible 80-yard dash.
Of course, the loss also came due to some really bad mistakes by Washington State’s offense, which was incapable of adapting to the blizzard that came into Pullman during the game.
In addition to some crushed playoff hopes, the Heisman candidacy of Wazzu quarterback Gardner Minshew took a huge hit. He turned the ball over three times and didn’t throw a single touchdown pass in his second loss of the season.
The Cougars were the last team in the Pac-12 with even a shred of hope to sneak into the playoff in January. This loss eliminated them, and the conference, from contention. Fans and analysts on Twitter shared their reactions to this outcome.
Weather to WAZZU be like #AppleCup pic.twitter.com/sElloGEGGL
— HOF QB Geno Smith (@ObsydianOpinion) November 24, 2018
For the first time in three years Washington beats a team with a pulse, and it completely buries the Pac 12 for the CFP
— Brian Snow (@BSnowND) November 24, 2018
https://twitter.com/PShalvoy/status/1066191833485725697
https://twitter.com/DRockIrish/status/1066192481933553665
Disappointing day for Wazzu. Fiesta Bowl now most likely bowl destination. At 10-2, should be safely in the NY6.
— Kyle Bonagura (@BonaguraESPN) November 24, 2018
West Virginia and Wazzu losing proves that evil always wins
— Mitch Robson (@_mitchrobson) November 24, 2018
Turns out Minshew and his mustache were not the more iconic duo than Browning & Gaskin. All respect though; Minshew is a hell of a player and Wazzu has had a hell of a season. I’m so happy. #GoDawgs
— Dennis DblDawgGrubbs (@McGrubbin) November 24, 2018
And Wazzu’s Pac-12 title, Rose Bowl and CFP hopes all just died.
— Tom Fornelli (@TomFornelli) November 24, 2018
Let's check with the Huskies old defensive coordinator about what he thinks of Wazzu's postseason hopes:https://t.co/U81JS7Kvcu
— Jason Maxwell (@RapidsJason) November 24, 2018