The Ghost of “Coug’d it” past
Looking back at some SCARY WSU final scores
WSU students leave Martin Stadium after the WSU football team loses to Oregon 44-41, Sep. 24.
October 31, 2022
Ladies and gentlemen, for the time elapsed in reading this article, think of me as the “Ghost of Coug’d it past.” Let me jog your memory on a few spooky moments through WSU sports history. Yes, the moments where you sigh, drop your head, turn to your buddy and say “We Coug’d it.”
In honor of the holiday, I thought it might be appropriate to remind us all of some gruesome and gut-wrenching games.
Being a fan of a sports team means you are brutally honest about your team. You must be honest, optimistic and always supportive and loyal. Loyal most of all, through thick and thin, sickness and in health. It is with this in mind that I admit, yeah the Cougars are known for blowing leads, choking, throwing the game, etc. I have to accept the reality.
For those of you unaware, the Urban Definition of “Coug it” reads as follows:
“Refers to the Washington State University (Cougars) football team:
- To snatch defeat from the jaws of victory
- To lose when there is no possible way to do so and to do it in a particularly spectacular manner
“It looked like WSU was going to win the game, but they decided to coug it.'”
See, I’m not making this up, this is a bona fide term. Never mind the fact of how SAD this is, I mean, there is an actual definition? Wow. It just speaks to the fact that this is a legitimate and recurring heartbreak.
So let’s get into it. Here are a few well-remembered “Coug’d it” games in recent memory:
2022. University of Oregon. 44-41
The team was 3-0, coming off an impressive road victory against the Wisconsin Badgers. The Cougs, despite being expected to lose going into the game, held the momentum all game. They were outscored by the Ducks 29-14 in the fourth quarter. The nail in the coffin happened with 1:20 left in the game. A bubble screen attempt turned pick-6. I don’t want to talk about it. Coug’d it.
Oregon wide receiver Seven McGee runs past WSU defenders during an NCAA college football game, Sep. 24.
The opening game of the season, spirits high, stands packed. The first game with fans in attendance since the beginning of the pandemic. It was a good close game all the way, but that’s the thing, Utah State is a “Mickey mouse program.” That should not have been a close game. Spearheaded by a resilient run game, the Cougs conceded an 11-point lead in the fourth, the last of which being in the last few seconds of the game. What a familiar sight. Coug’d it.
Washington State University players come off of the field after losing to Utah State 23-26 at Martin Stadium in Pullman, Wash., Saturday, Sept. 4, 2021.
Do you remember … the 21st night of September? A bitter date for Cougar fans as UCLA comes to town and wins. Playing a good UCLA squad is never an easy thing to do, but the team was playing gallantly. Until the part where they lost a 32-point lead. Yes, 32 points. But wait! Hope is not lost, the Cougs took the reins back with a beautiful 65-yard pass to Max Borghi. Stealing back the lead 63-60, only to lose by a TD with one minute left. Coug’d it.
Anthony Gordon, redshirt senior quarterback, looks to pass the ball during Saturday’s game against UCLA at Martin Stadium.
2015. Stanford 30-28
Saturday night on the Palouse, a highly anticipated matchup with Stanford. The Cougs have the lead rolling into the fourth quarter, but a quick two-minute possession sees that lead vanquished. The team grasps the lead again with a noble drive from Luke Falk, but alas, the game is lost in the last minutes by a Stanford touchdown and a successful Field goal. Coug’d it. Nothing more to say.
2014. Cal 60-59
After the Cougs held the lead all game, Jared Goff throws a 51-yard bomb to steal the game. Hold on! The Cougs put something together and claw their way down the field to the five-yard line. This was it, just a field goal and the game is ours. The Snap, the hold … going, going, missed. WHAT, barely right by a hair. Coug’d it.
2013. New Mexico Bowl. 48-45
2013, riding off a mediocre 6-6 season, the team managed to sneak into a bowl game. A tight game against the rams of Colorado State, the fourth quarter rolls around with the Cougars having a 15-point lead, they blow it of course. 45-45 with 30 seconds left. Surprise surprise, the Rams serve the bitter spoonful of a 41-yard field goal. Coug’d it.
I mean I could go on and on, this happens once maybe twice in a season.
We had the lead in the fourth quarter, and somehow within the last few minutes of the game, lose by some stroke of misfortune. This might just be the curse Cougar fans have to bear.
Happy Halloween!
