The one defensive turnover forced in Washington State’s spring practice on Tuesday was the first of three big plays recorded by redshirt junior linebacker Ivan McLennan.

In the seven-on-seven drill McLennan, the backup to junior linebacker Kache Palacio, began his standout day with an interception on a pass redshirt senior quarterback Connor Halliday intended for junior running back Teondray Caldwell. The play was one of the lone miscues in an otherwise efficient day from Halliday. He completed 15 of his 20 passes in the drill, including three touchdowns on his final three attempts.

“I feel like my play has been solid,” McLennan said. “I have low moments, high moments, but overall it’s been real consistent. I just want to be the best I can be for the team, if that’s rushing the passer, if that’s dropping (back in coverage), or if that’s cheering on my teammates.”

Later in the practice, McLennan got a quick release off the line and recorded a sack on Halliday in the 11-on-11 portion of practice. The linebacker followed up his sack with a pass deflection on a potential touchdown pass that redshirt freshman quarterback Tyler Bruggman rifled at redshirt junior wide receiver Drew Loftus.

“As a defensive player we always want to have the upper hand, but we have a great offense,” McLennan said, “From our receivers to the o-line, running backs, and quarterbacks. Great offense we have here so we’re just all out there competing.”

When McLennan wasn’t flying around making plays, the offense had a rather easy time going downfield on the defense. Bruggman found his receivers for three scores during his turn at quarterback in the seven-on-seven drill, hooking up with Loftus for one of his scores and redshirt senior receiver Kristoff Williams on the other two. Overall Bruggman was 12-of-20 in the drill.

Touchdowns and completions were harder to come across for the offense in the 11-on-11 drill. Bruggman completed 6 of his 14 passes and just one touchdown to redshirt junior wide receiver Daniel Lilienthal in the period. Halliday had a slightly easier time in the drill, going 8-of-14 with two touchdowns and no interceptions. 

“(Practice) was very competitive with the offense,” WSU defensive coordinator Mike Breske said. “We’ve gotta find a way to be more productive in the red zone. We had some good plays down there, but we gave some up at the end, especially on the slants. It’s just something we gotta work hard on.”

The practice Tuesday will be the last time the Cougars dress in pads before the Crimson and Gray game Saturday at Joe Albi Stadium in Spokane, Breske said.

Head Coach Mike Leach said he hopes the game Saturday will provide quality film to further educate and improve his team.

The Cougars next take the field 3 p.m. Thursday for their 13th practice of the spring season.