Washington State Vs. Eastern Washington: Coug Center Reaction

It was too close. It was way too close. Washington State may have beaten Eastern Washington on Saturday, 24-20, but it was only a few inches away from not ending in the Cougars' favor.

After letting the win marinate for a little while, the Coug Center realized just how close the Cougars came to losing on a hail mary pass in the closing seconds. The Mike Leach-era's first win would have had to wait another week if the final pass had a different result.

Nonetheless, the Cougars came out with a win, even though the Cougars lost quarterback Jeff Tuel to a knee/leg injury in the third quarter.

Even with the win, the Coug Center had mixed emotions about it all. Too many big plays allowed on defense even with a good showing by the front seven. Lack of consistency still remains on the offensive side of the ball. Everything about it led to the Coug Center deeming it "a very ugly win for WSU."

For more on Wazzu football, visit Washington State blog Coug Center, plus Pac-12 blog Pacific Takes.

Eastern Washington Vs. Washington State 2012: Cougs Survive, 24-20

The Washington State Cougars hung on for a 24-20 win over the Eastern Washington Eagles in a sloppy game at Martin Stadium on Saturday. The Eagles gave WSU all they could handle, including out-gaining the Cougs, but were undone by some crucial turnovers in the second quarter.

Wazzu starting quarterback Jeff Tuel left the game with a right knee injury in the third quarter after completed 20 of 27 passes for 171 yards and two touchdowns to wide receiver Isiah Myers. The senior was able to walk off under his own power, but did not return to the game.

Sophomore Connor Halliday came in for the Cougars and threw an inteception in his first full drive. The next time WSU had the ball he drove them down to the goal line with a chance to ice the game away, but running back Teondray Caldwell fumbled the ball back to Eastern Washington.

The Eagles went on a 99-yard touchdown drive immediately following that fumble as Kyle Padron connected with Brandon Kaufman for the second time on the day to bring EWU within four points at 24-20.

The extra point was blocked, then WSU recovered an EWU onside kick attempt. It looked like WSU would put the game away on a long touchdown run by Caldwell, but it was called back on a hold by tackle John Fullington. It happened again two plays later, as a long Marquess Wilson touchdown was undone by another hold

WSU punted the ball back to Eastern for one final drive. EWU made it all the way down to the WSU 32 for one final heave, but it fell incomplete and the Cougars survived for the victory.

Padron had an erratic day for the Eagles. He made some big plays, including a 93-yard touchdown pass to Kaufman. He also made some key mistakes, throwing interceptions that led to all ten of WSU's second-quarter points.

For more on Wazzu football, visit Washington State blog Coug Center, plus Pac-12 blog Pacific Takes.

Jeff Tuel Injury: Washington State QB Goes Down Clutching Right Leg

Quarterback Jeff Tuel went down with an injury in the Washington State University's game against Eastern Washington. Tuel went down clutching his right knee late in the third quarter. Tuel's leg was twisted in a tangle with Eastern Washington lineman Jerry Ceja. The injury initially appeared serious, but Tuel was able to leave the field under his own power.

Tuel was 20-for-26 in the game with 171 yards and two touchdowns. He had his leg wrapped in ice on the sideline and it was unclear whether he would be able to return, but backup quarterback Connor Halliday did enter the game for Washington.

Stick with this StoryStream for more updates on Jeff Tuel, scores and more from the Washington State vs. Eastern Washington game, or head over to Washington State blog Coug Center. For complete coverage of the NCAA, be sure to check out SB Nation's college football hub.

Washington State Vs. Eastern Washington: WSU Leads 24-14 At Half

The Washington State Cougars are getting all they can handle from a talented Eastern Washington offense in the first half of their game on Saturday afternoon. The Eagles matched punches with the Cougars for the first quarter and a half, tying the game at 14-14 and possessing the ball.

The game took a turn for the Cougs when WSU linebacker Cyrus Coen picked off a Kyle Padron pass and took it deep into EWU territory. Wazzu took the lead back at 21-14 moments later as Jeff Tuel hooked up with Isiah Myers for their second touchdown combination of the day.

The Cougar offense struggled to get much going for the rest of the quarter, even as the WSU defense was finally able to get a series of stops.

Tuel ends the half 13/18 for 124 yards and two touchdowns. EWU's quarterback, Kyle Padron, has been inconsistent, making big plays for and against the Eagles, and he set up both of WSU's scores in the second quarter with interceptions.

Andrew Furney ended the half with an amazing 60-yard field goal to put WSU up 24-14.

For more on Wazzu football, visit Washington State blog Coug Center, plus Pac-12 blog Pacific Takes.

Washington State Vs. Eastern Washington: 1st Quarter Score Update, Recap

The Washington State Cougars couldn't score a touchdown in their season-opening loss to BYU, but they already have two against the Eastern Washington Eagles on Saturday afternoon. The Cougars lead 14-7 after one quarter of play in Mike Leach's debut in newly-remodeled Martin Stadium.

Wazzu jumped on top with 5:42 left in the first when Jeff Tuel connected with Isiah Myers on a 2-yard touchdown pass.

The WSU defense has struggled against the EWU offense, which features three preseason FCS All-American wide receivers. The Eagles answered right back with a 93-yard touchdown pass from SMU-transfer Kyle Padron to Brandon Kaufman.

The Cougs came back with a touchdown to take the lead on a 10-yard Carl Winston touchdown run late in the first quarter. Eastern answered again, and is driving into Washington State territory as the second quarter begins.

For more on Wazzu football, visit Washington State blog Coug Center, plus Pac-12 blog Pacific Takes.

Eastern Washington Vs. Washington State 2012: Game Time, TV Schedule, Odds And More

Fresh off their 30-6 season opening loss to BYU, the Washington State Cougars will attempt to even their record Saturday when they host the Eastern Washington Eagles.

The game will be the first home game of Mike Leach's WSU career and will also be the first game played in the newly remodeled Martin Stadium. Martin Stadium now features a new press box and luxury seating, a project which began in November and was completed just in time for the home opener.

If the Cougars are going to get a win against the Eagles, they are likely going to need better offensive production than what they got against BYU. WSU failed to score a touchdown against BYU and gained just 224 total yards, including negative five rushing yards.

Eastern Washington enters the game 1-0 after beating Idaho 20-3 in their season opener. The Eagles featured a well balanced attack against the Vandals, passing for 260 yards and rushing for another 152 yards. Junior receiver Brandon Kaufman caught five passes for 148 yards against Idaho and will provide a challenge for the WSU secondary.

Game Time: 12 p.m. PT

Location: Martin Stadium, Pullman, Washington

Television: Pac-12 Network

For more on Wazzu football, visit Washington State blog Coug Center, plus Pac-12 blog Pacific Takes.

College Football Expert Picks: Wazzu Cougars Favored Over Eastern Washington

The Mike Leach era at Washington State did not get off to a good start last week. Fortunately for Leach, the coaching staff and the Cougars, they face an Eastern Washington team that enters as heavy underdogs on Saturday night. Most experts around the country feel Wazzu will pick up their first win of the season this weekend; here is a look at what a few of them had to say.

Here are Ted Miller and Kevin Gemmell of ESPN's Pac-12 blog:

Kevin: Washington State 28, Eastern Washington 14. The Cougs let me down last week, but I'm cautiously picking them again this week. I think the offense gets going. The defense actually showed some life in the second half against BYU, giving hope that it will carry into this week.

Ted: Washington State 35, Eastern Washington 24. If I were picking an FCS team to play, the Eagles might be the last one I'd pick -- just ask Washington. There's a reason the Cougars have avoided their neighbors since 1908. Still, I suspect the Cougs' offense will get going this week.

Here is SB Nation's Dan Rubenstein with a few picks for this weekend's biggest matchups.

For more on Washington State football, be sure to check out Coug Center.