UCLA vs. Washington State 2012: In midst of an awful season, the Cougars haven't given up

The Washington State Cougars lost their seventh consecutive game on Saturday, losing to UCLA in Pullman 44-36. It was the just the latest disappointment in what has been a nightmare season for the Cougars, as the big name hire of Mike Leach has not lived up to expectations in a season marred by player regression, blowout losses, and accusations of abuse.

UCLA led by as 30 points at halftime of this one, and it appeared to be just another blowout loss in the Cougars' forgettable campaign. However, Washington State was able to battle back from that deficit to make it a one score game. It sent the message that the Cougars haven't given up on their season and, for CougCenter, that means a lot:

It says they still give a damn and still have pride in themselves, the name on the front of their jerseys and the men standing to their left and right. I don't know if they were playing for Leach or not, but something about what he's been saying seems to have taken hold. After preaching effort, imploring his team to keep their head up and asking for some fight, Leach seemed to get it on Saturday night.

There are no moral victories and nobody is happy with this season. But I'm proud of the players that laid it on the line tonight. I'm tired of the drama and crap, and this week has been draining for everyone, but seeing signs of life, of pride and of effort, is a good feeling.

The goals that Washington State set out to accomplish have long been out the window. But with two games to go against middling Pac-12 squads in Arizona St. and Washington, there is still hope that an engaged WSU team can avoid another winless conference season.

UCLA vs. Washington State final score: Bruins beat distracted Cougars, 44-36

The Washington State Cougars, awash in controversy, were unable to defeat the UCLA Bruins.

Washington State vs. UCLA: Bruins blow game wide open in second quarter

The Washington St. Cougars have seen a tie game balloon into a 30-point deficit as the UCLA Bruins lead, 37-7, at the half of their Pac-12 contest in Pullman.

The Bruins and Cougars are neck-and-neck in offensive production but the Bruins have been able to capitalize with touchdowns while the Cougars have not.

With it tied at 7 after the first quarter, the Bruins put three touchdowns on the board in only 3:32 of possession time. Quarterback Brett Hundley threw three second-quarter touchdowns to three different receivers as the Bruins have taken complete control over the game.

Cougars quarterback Jeff Tuel has 126 yards on 11-for-14 passing, while Hundley finished the half with 167 yards on 11-for-12 passing, three touchdowns and one interception. Neither team has really been able to run the ball against the other.

The Bruins have seized their opportunities while the Cougars can't seem to find the end zone anymore. The Bruins have even scored 16 points on a safety, an interception return and a fumble recovery.

Washington State vs. UCLA score update: Pac-12 teams are all tied up after first quarter

The Washington St. Cougars and UCLA Bruins have traded touchdowns in their Pac-12 contest in Pullman on Saturday and are tied at seven apiece after the first quarter.

The Bruins scored first after they blocked a field goal attempt by the Cougars and Roosevelt Davis picked it up and ran for a 68-yard touchdown to make it 7-0. But the Cougars came back with a 7-play, 90-yard drive that ended in a Connor Halliday touchdown pass to Dominique Williams to tie it up.

The Cougars have held the ball for over 12 minutes as UCLA's offense has barely seen the field. The Cougars, therefore, are dominating statistically with 166 yards of total offense compared to the Bruins' 22.

Cougars quarterback Jeff Tuel has 126 yards on 11-for-14 passing.

The Bruins are 7-2 overall and 4-2 in the Pac-12 coming into the game while the Cougars are still winless in the Pac-12 (0-6) and just 2-7 overall.

Cougars vs. Bruins: Previewing the UCLA defense

The Cougars pass happy offense might run into a few issues against the stout UCLA secondary.

Cougars vs. Bruins: Previewing the UCLA offense

The Cougars will have their hands more than full when the Bruins offense comes to town on Saturday.

AD Bill Moos talks with Marquess Wilson; Cougar WR's status with team still unknown

After getting suspended on Monday by head coach Mike Leach, Washington State wide receiver Marquess Wilson met with athletic director Bill Moos. Wilson's situation will be re-evaluated in about a week.

Mike Leach stands firm after controversial day for Cougar football

The head coach of the struggling Cougars remains steadfast in his ways after suspending the team's all-time leading receiver, Marquess Wilson.

Washington State wide receiver Marquess Wilson suspended for the week

The junior wide receiver was suspended after reportedly walking out of practice Sunday night.