There’s nothing like primetime in Pullman.
The vibes were definitely high in Pullman last week as your Washington State Cougars pulled off a statement win against a Big-12 opponent, on national television, no less. There’s always been something about the way the Cougs shine in primetime in Pullman against big opponents, and last Saturday’s victory over Texas Tech was no exception.
From early on in the day, I saw plenty of Tech fans getting a lay of our land and infiltrating the bars— But once the day really got swinging, there was no stopping the energy as Cougar football fans found their way back home for arguably the Cougs’ most notable home game of the season.
Affectionately referred to by some as the “Mike Leach Bowl”, the game held some extra significance as Washington State Athletics inducted several Cougar legends into the Hall of Fame, including The Pirate himself, Mike Leach. Honoring Coach’s life was one thing that both Cougs and Red Raiders could come together and celebrate, as Leach spent time as the head coach of the Texas Tech football team prior to his tenure at Washington State. Many fans could be seen sporting gear adorned with two crossing swords in honor of Coach Leach, with no shortage of pirate flags being flown from the tailgating lots, as well. There was a melancholy and prideful energy in the air knowing that Coach Leach, who famously brought hope back to Pullman during his time with the Cougs, would be forever enshrined as a legend in WSU’s Hall of Fame.
As for the game itself, let me tell you, Martin Stadium was ROCKING. While it wasn’t bursting at the seams in terms of attendance, the fans who did show out made sure to bring full energy and enthusiasm. Third-down noisemaking as well as cheering whenever the Cougs made it into the endzone or snagged a pick was deafening— One thing about it, the Palouse After Dark is a tough place to be if you’re an opposing team.
The Cougs brought the energy for all four quarters, with the night ending in a celebratory field rush that came in celebration of beating yet another big, out-of-conference opponent in primetime in Pullman, following last season’s memorable victory over Wisconsin shortly after the Pac-12 disintegrated. As Jake Dickert has said, the Cougs are playing big-time football up in the wheatfields, and always have been— They’ve certainly proved that they deserve a seat at the table with the big boys, and the Cougs are aiming to continue their roll of dominance as we get closer and closer to the looming Apple Cup game this weekend.
Wishing you all strength, peace of mind and ample Fireball shots as we get closer and closer to one of the most talked-about games so far in the 2024 season. Let’s bring it home, y’all. Go Cougs!