Washington State's Nakia Watson (25) and Stanford's Jacob Lowe (24) struggle on a fumble recovery by Washington State's Lincoln Victor (5) in the first half of their football game at Stanford Stadium in Stanford, Calif., on Saturday, Nov. 5, 2022. (Ray Chavez/Bay Area News Group)
STANFORD – Washington State’s mastery over Stanford continued Saturday, all but ensuring that the Cardinal won’t play in a bowl game for the fourth straight season.
The Cougars had three touchdowns before Stanford had a first down and rolled to a 52-14 win at Stanford Stadium.
The Cardinal lost four fumbles in a span of five possessions in the first half, ensuring that the Couguars (5-4, 2-4) would win a sixth straight game in the series.
Stanford (3-6, 1-6) needs to win at No. 12 Utah next Saturday to keep its bowl hopes alive.
Washington State had scored just 41 points during its previous three games but had 42 at halftime. Stanford lost three defensive starters on the first two plays from scrimmage – safety Patrick Fields and linebackers Ricky Miezan and Levani Damuni.
On offense, running back Mitch Leigber, option quarterback Ashton Daniels, receiver Elijah Higgins and tight end Benjamin Yurosek all lost fumbles in a 13-minute span. Leigber was a converted safety who was playing at running back due to injuries.
It was Stanford’s worst loss since Utah won 52-7 at Stanford Stadium exactly one year ago.
Originally published at Harold Gutmann