Washington State vs. Colorado State Short Report | Sep 2, 2023
Washington State
50 - 24
Sonny Lubick Field at Canvas Stadium
Fort Collins, CO
Sep 2, 2023
Colorado State
Sonny Lubick Field at Canvas Stadium
Fort Collins, CO
Sep 2, 2023
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Game Recap
The Washington State Cougars overwhelmed the Colorado State Rams with a commanding 50-24 victory in a lively season opener. Washington State's high-flying quarterback Cameron Ward led the charge, shredding the Rams' defense for 451 yards and three touchdowns through the air, in what FOX Sports called a 'career performance'.
Colorado State showed flashes of promise, including a memorable 98-yard kickoff return for a touchdown by Kobe Johnson, as noted in the Spokesman-Review. Key moments such as a crucial interception return for a touchdown by Jaden Hicks built an insurmountable lead for the Cougars. 'We just couldn't match their intensity,' said Colorado State coach Jay Norvell, reflecting on their defensive struggles against Washington State's relentless offense. Ultimately, the Cougars cemented their victory with a late touchdown to stamp their authority in this season opener.
Key Plays:
Jordan Noyes (Colorado State Rams)
Kicked a 38-yard field goal to put the Rams on the board first, giving them an early 3-0 lead.
Cameron Ward (Washington State Cougars)
Rushed for a 1-yard touchdown, capping off an impressive drive to give the Cougars a 7-3 lead (Dean Janikowski made PAT).
Kyle Williams (Washington State Cougars)
Caught a 3-yard touchdown pass from Cameron Ward, extending the Cougars' lead (Dean Janikowski made PAT).
Dean Janikowski (Washington State Cougars)
Kicked a 55-yard field goal, showcasing his strong leg and giving Washington State a 24-10 halftime lead.
John Mateer (Washington State Cougars)
Rushed for a 3-yard touchdown, though the 2-point conversion failed, extending the Cougars' lead to 30-10.
Jaden Hicks (Washington State Cougars)
Intercepted Clay Millen and returned it 37 yards for a touchdown, a crucial play that deflated the Rams' momentum.
Nakia Watson (Washington State Cougars)
Caught a 12-yard touchdown pass from Cameron Ward, further cementing the Cougars' dominance (Dean Janikowski made PAT).
Kobe Johnson (Colorado State Rams)
Returned a kickoff 98 yards for a touchdown, showcasing his speed and cutting the deficit to 37-17 (Jordan Noyes made PAT).
Josh Kelly (Washington State Cougars)
Caught a 25-yard touchdown pass from Cameron Ward, effectively putting the game out of reach for Colorado State (Dean Janikowski made PAT).
Justus Ross-Simmons (Colorado State Rams)
Caught a 75-yard touchdown pass from Brayden Fowler-Nicolosi, giving the Rams a glimmer of hope (Jordan Noyes made PAT).
Dallin Holker (Colorado State Rams)
Caught a 20-yard touchdown pass from Brayden Fowler-Nicolosi, adding some respectability to the scoreline (Jordan Noyes made PAT).
John Mateer (Washington State Cougars)
Rushed for 1 yard touchdown, sealing the victory for the Cougars with a final score of 50-24 (Dean Janikowski made PAT).
Standout Players:
Cameron Ward (Washington State Cougars, QB)
Carved up the Rams' defense with 451 passing yards and three touchdowns. Ward also added 40 yards on the ground and a rushing touchdown, cementing his role as the offensive catalyst.
Jaden Hicks (Washington State Cougars, DB)
Made a game-changing interception return for a touchdown, contributing significantly on the defensive side with 1 solo tackle and 2 assisted tackles.
Lincoln Victor (Washington State Cougars, WR)
Was a constant offensive threat, hauling in 11 receptions for 168 yards, helping to stretch the field and create multiple scoring opportunities.
Josh Kelly (Washington State Cougars, WR)
Delivered a solid performance with 7 receptions for 97 yards and a touchdown, complementing Lincoln Victor well.
Nakia Watson (Washington State Cougars, RB)
Contributed both on the ground and through the air, scoring a receiving touchdown and adding crucial yards to Washington State's offensive tally.
Kobe Johnson (Colorado State Rams, RB)
Electrified the crowd with a 98-yard kickoff return for a touchdown, showcasing his blazing speed and adding key rushing yards.
Justus Ross-Simmons (Colorado State Rams, WR)
Provided a spark for Colorado State's offense with 5 catches for 123 yards and a touchdown, including a remarkable 75-yard scoring play.
Brayden Fowler-Nicolosi (Colorado State Rams, QB)
Stepped in for the starter and threw for 210 yards and two touchdowns, demonstrating poise and accuracy despite the loss.
References:
WSU Football: Highlights at Colorado State 9/2/23 - YouTube
Washington State Cougars vs. Colorado State Rams - Final Score - September 02, 2023 | FOX Sports
Recap and highlights: Washington State opens season with dominant 50-24 win over Colorado State | The Spokesman-Review
WSU opens season with dominant win over CSU, 50-24 - CougCenter
Colorado State University
Highlights: Washington State hangs 50 on Colorado State, wins season opener
Team
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Washington State Cougars
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50
Colorado State Rams
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