This game was over from the jump, WSU took a 21-point lead in the first quarter and then scored 21 more points and led 42-7 going into the half.

The Cougars’ 52-14 win over Stanford is the best overall game they have played all season.

The WSU offense rushed for a combined total of 306 yards. Nakia Watson had the brunt of these yards with 16 carries for 166 rushing yards with a touchdown, along with the longest rush of 65 yards.

Cam Ward finished 16/32 throwing for 176 yards and two touchdowns. He also rushed for 38 yards and a touchdown. Ward did not have an explosive game, but he did not have to. All he had to do was rely on the defense and the rushing game to win.

“We know we have an explosive offense and I think today showcased that. We came out. We played hard, we played fast, we played physical and I mean the results, the results were there,” Watson said.

The Cougs’ defense is incredible, they have been great throughout the season. They showed out Saturday.

They caused four turnovers by the way of fumbles. Daiyan Henley recovered two of the fumbles, Travion Brown pounced on one and Jaden Hicks took one to the house for a 17-yard scoop and score.

“I would give that credit to coach Ward, our defensive coordinator. He’s taken it upon himself to incorporate the turnover drills, like more so in the beginning of practice and making sure that it’s known that this is a major and fundamental part to the game. To our game, to help us win, to be more of an impact on the game,” Henley said.

Stanford was able to score two rushing touchdowns from Ashton Daniels but their leading rusher, Mitch Leigber only had 23 yards. The leading receiver Benjamin Yurosek had eight catches for 90 yards. Quarterback Tanner McKee completed 23/40 for 236 yards and no touchdowns.

WSU head coach Jake Dickert spoke on the teams’ hunger and how they bounced back in this game against Stanford.

“Winning is a magic elixir, and it just grows so much confidence and belief that. But before you win a game like that, I saw it on Monday. I saw it on Tuesday. I saw it in Wednesday’s practice. I saw it on the travel. I saw it this morning when we had pregame,” Dickert said. “Credit to the coaches and the plan but credit to the players that go out there and play with that kind of effort, that kind of energy and that type of execution.”

WSU is 5-4 and is one win away from becoming bowl eligible with three more games left in their schedule.

WSU now gears up to play ASU at 12:30 p.m. on Saturday in Gesa Field at Martin Stadium in Pullman.