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Quarterback Gardner Minshew II (16) from Washington State launches a pass in the first half of the NCAA University Football Game against Arizona in Pullman, Wash., Saturday, Nov. 17, 2018. (Photo AP / Young Kwak) The Associated Press
By NICHOLAS K. GERANIOS, Associated Press
PULLMAN, Wash. (AP) – This record season is still beating more for Gardner Minshew.
The star quarterback from Washington State broke his school record with seven touchdown passes and the No. 8 Cougars bumped Arizona 69-28 on Saturday night to bolster their offer for a place in the college football game.
"In high school, I've had six once," said Minshew. "I've never done seven minutes – it was pretty crazy tonight."
The state of Washington (10-1, 7-1 Pac-12, No. 8 CFP) took a 55-14 lead at half-time and was not seriously threatened before winning his seventh consecutive victory. The Cougars will host the No. 17 Washington archival next Friday, with the winner of the Apple Cup winning the Pac-12 North title.
With their 10th win of the season, the Cougars tied the program set for the last time in 2003. They also won their 13th consecutive home game and set a points record for the season.
Minshew, pushed by WSU as a Heisman Trophy candidate, completed 43 of his 55 passes for a total of 473 yards and was not intercepted.
"The offensive line is well done tonight," he said.
Running back James Williams, who scored two touchdowns, said this unbalanced victory was better than a recent series of tight games.
"The previous three or four games have resulted in a heart attack," he said. "I would rather just overthrow a team."
Washington State coach Mike Leach called the game a "puddle" that favored the Cougars.
"We are not so good and they are not so bad," he said.
This is Leach's first season of 10 victories in the state of Washington.
"We are excited about this for one night," said Leach. "Tomorrow we begin to prepare the next."
Khalil Tate threw four touchdown passes for Arizona (5-6, 4-4), resulting in a series of consecutive wins.
Arizona was injured by six penalties and three turnovers in the first period, allowing Washington State to drop the match.
"You can not put the ball down six times," coach Kevin Sumlin said. "We had an early pick in the game and some turn-arounds and fumbles against a team that allowed them to score points, that just can not happen."
Washington State scored for its first possession, while Williams rushed on the score of 1.
On the next series, Tate was intercepted by Marcus Strong. With the aid of two consecutive mask mask penalties against the Wildcats, the state of Washington has advanced to the one meter line. Max Borghi is introduced to the touchdown.
Tate shot a 24-yard pass to Shawn Poindexter to reduce Washington State's lead to 14-7.
Minshew responded with touchdown passes to Calvin Jackson Jr. and Dezmon Patmon for a 28-7 lead.
Tate threw a 37-yard pass for Tony Ellison.
Minshew hit Jackson for a 6-yard touchdown pass, but the shot failed and Washington State led 34-14.
Arizona missed the kickoff that followed and the ball was thrown into the end zone, where Kainoa Wilson fell on for a 41-14 lead.
Minshew added touchdown passes to Williams and Tay Martin for a 55-14 lead at halftime.
Tate threw two touchdown passes in the third quarter and Minshew threw a couple in the fourth.
The winning eruption should only strengthen the Cougars of the Top 25 and the CFP.
Playing at temperatures of 20 degrees, Arizona missed six times, losing three. The Wildcats also made seven penalties for 75 yards.
Arizona: The Wildcats are leading the Pac-12 with an average of 206 yards per run, but could not get a big advantage against a strong WSU defense. They need a win next weekend to become eligible for the cup.
Washington State: The Balanced Cougars have the best passing offense in the country (392 yards per game) and rank 20th in defense. They need two wins to win the Pac-12 and have a chance to get a spot at the CFP.
Arizona hosts the Arizona State in its annual rivalry match next Saturday.
Washington State will face Washington No. 17 next Friday, with a participation in the Pac-12 championship game.
More AP University Football: https://apnews.com/Collegefootball and https://twitter.com/AP_Top25
Copyright 2018 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, disseminated, rewritten or redistributed.
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