BEST OF
Top Seattle sports stories of 2017: WSU takes a run at 10-win season after beating USC, Stanford
Dec 14, 2017, 7:00 AM | Updated: 10:35 am
With a Holiday Bowl win, WSU could finish with 10 wins for the first time since 2003. (AP)
(AP)
The 12 hosts of 710 ESPN Seattle have voted on the top Seattle sports stories of 2017. Each day we will count down to the top story of the year with an article by a different host. Today, Jim Moore of Danny, Dave and Moore covers the 11th biggest story of the year, the WSU Cougars’ contention for a Pac-12 North football title after big wins over USC and Stanford.
The Cougars went 9-3 in the regular season and have now won 26 games in the past three years. And they have a good chance to post their first 10-win season since 2003 as three-point favorites to beat Michigan State in the Holiday Bowl on Dec. 28.
Photo gallery: WSU takes a run at Pac-12 North in 2017
Among the many highlights from this season: Washington State went 7-0 at Martin Stadium for the first time, including marquee wins over USC and Stanford, marking the second season in a row that the Cougs were vying for the Pac-12 North going into the final game of the regular season.
Luke Falk set several Pac-12 and school passing records while the defense was nationally ranked, with Hercules Mata’afa leading the conference in sacks and tackles for loss.
A closer look at the Cougars’ football season
• Luke Falk remains humble after winning Burlsworth Award
• WSU gets Holiday Bowl against Michigan State
• Clayton’s Schooled with ex-WSU QB Ryan Leaf
• Moore: WSU’s Pac-12 title hopes revived with win over Stanford
