1997 Washington State Cougars football team

American college football season February 2026 August 2023 1997 Washington State Cougars football Washington State Football Helmet 1988-1999.png 200 Pacific-10 Conference Pac-10 9 9 10–2 7–1 Mike Price 9th Jim McDonell 4th Spread Bill Doba 4th 4–3 Martin Stadium Pac-10 co-champion Rose Bowl L 16–21 vs. Michigan The 1997 Washington State Cougars football team was an American football team that represented Washington State University in the Pacific-10 Conference (Pac-10) during the 1997 NCAA Division I-A football season. In their ninth season under head coach Mike Price, the Cougars went 10–1 in the regular season (7–1 in Pac-10), won the conference championship,https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=oLQpAAAAIBAJ&sjid=jfEDAAAAIBAJ&pg=5472%2C2065220 Spokesman-Review Spokane, Washington de Leon Virginia Sorensen Eric A Wazzu bouquet November 23, 1997 A1 lost to #1 Michigan in the Rose Bowl,https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=XbReAAAAIBAJ&sjid=BDAMAAAAIBAJ&pg=4274%2C227712 Lewiston Morning Tribune Grummert Dale Cougs fall one miracle short January 2, 1998 1Ahttps://news.google.com/newspapers?id=qMwqAAAAIBAJ&sjid=wNAFAAAAIBAJ&pg=5771%2C157473 Moscow-Pullman Daily News Idaho-Washington Kearney Trevor A Rose to remember January 2, 1998 1Bhttps://news.google.com/newspapers?id=AVZWAAAAIBAJ&sjid=xOsDAAAAIBAJ&pg=3732%2C311604 Eugene Register-Guard Oregon Associated Press Rosenblatt Richard Michigan's No. 1 bid blooms January 2, 1998 1C and outscored their opponents 483 to 296.1997 Washington State Cougars Schedule and Results Sports Reference LLC SR/College Football October 24, 2016 https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/washington-state/1997-schedule.html2016 Media Guide http://sidearm.sites.s3.amazonaws.com/wsu.sidearmsports.com/documents/2016/8/25/2016_Football_Media_Guide_Color.pdf WSUCougars.com Washington State Cougars Athletics October 24, 2016 77 October 21, 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20161021004149/http://sidearm.sites.s3.amazonaws.com/wsu.sidearmsports.com/documents/2016/8/25/2016_Football_Media_Guide_Color.pdf dead They played their home games on campus at Martin Stadium in Pullman, Washington, and were ninth in the final rankings. The team's statistical leaders included Ryan Leaf with 3,968 passing yards, Michael Black with 1,181 rushing yards, and Chris Jackson with 1,005 receiving yards.1997 Washington State Cougars Stats Sports Reference LLC SR/College Football October 24, 2016 https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/washington-state/1997.html Freshman defensive back Lamont Thompson led the team with 6 interceptions.https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/washington-state/1997.html 1997 Washington State Cougars Stats The Rose Bowl appearance was the first for Washington State in 67 years;https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=XLReAAAAIBAJ&sjid=BDAMAAAAIBAJ&pg=2712%2C90221 Lewiston Morning Tribune Grummert Dale Moment of truth January 1, 1998 1B the next was five years later.https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=PMUjAAAAIBAJ&sjid=GdEFAAAAIBAJ&pg=1702%2C68724 Moscow-Pullman Daily News Idaho-Washington Richardson Vince The game has arrived January 1, 2003 1Bhttps://news.google.com/newspapers?id=sMVeAAAAIBAJ&sjid=AjIMAAAAIBAJ&pg=3390%2C329081 Lewiston Morning Tribune Grummert Dale A thorny sendoff January 2, 2003 1B Leaf decided to forgo his remaining season of eligibility (1998) and entered the 1998 NFL draft,https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=XrReAAAAIBAJ&sjid=BDAMAAAAIBAJ&pg=5799%2C592347 Lewiston Morning Tribune Grummert Dale Change of venue January 3, 1998 1Bhttps://news.google.com/newspapers?id=AlZWAAAAIBAJ&sjid=xOsDAAAAIBAJ&pg=6557%2C658120 Eugene Register-Guard Oregon (Seattle Post-Intelligencer) Bruscas Angelo Cougars' Leaf bound for NFL January 3, 1998 3D where he was the second overall selection.https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=v2lfAAAAIBAJ&sjid=mi4MAAAAIBAJ&pg=4228%2C928047 Lewiston Morning Tribune staff and wire reports Manning No. 1, Leaf gladly No. 2 April 19, 1998 1Bhttps://news.google.com/newspapers?id=1E5WAAAAIBAJ&sjid=zusDAAAAIBAJ&pg=1917%2C5269649 Eugene Register-Guard Oregon Associated Press Indianapolis snaps up Manning at No. 1 April 19, 1998 1Ghttps://news.google.com/newspapers?id=LIokAAAAIBAJ&sjid=ltAFAAAAIBAJ&pg=5324%2C1594886 Moscow-Pullman Daily News Idaho-Washington Associated Press Jewell Mark Draft goes over well in Pullman April 20, 1998 1C Schedule 1997 AP Pacific August 30 12:30 pm w UCLA Martin Stadium Pullman, WA ABC 37–34 26,000 September 13 3:30 pm w y USC 23 Memorial Coliseum Los Angeles, CA FSN 28–21 51,655 September 20 9:30 am w y y 19 Illinois Memorial Stadium Champaign, IL ESPN2 35–22 47,131 September 27 2:00 pm w y 15 Boise State Martin Stadium Pullman, WA 58–0 34,131 October 4 1:00 pm w y 15 Oregon Autzen Stadium Eugene, OR 24–13 43,516 October 18 2:00 pm w y 13 California Martin Stadium Pullman, WA 63–37 35,739 October 25 12:30 pm w 10 Arizona Martin Stadium Pullman, WA ABC 35–34 OT 31,137 November 1 7:00 pm l y 10 Arizona State 20 Sun Devil Stadium Tempe, AZ FSN 31–44 73,644 November 8 2:00 pm w y 16 Southwestern Louisiana Martin Stadium Pullman, WA 77–7 32,345 November 15 2:00 pm w 14 Stanford Martin Stadium Pullman, WA 38–28 40,306 November 22 12:30 pm w y 11 Washington 20 Husky Stadium Seattle, WA Apple Cup ABC 41–35 74,268 January 1, 1998, 1998 2:00 pm l y y 8 Michigan 1 Rose Bowl Pasadena, CA Rose Bowl ABC 16–21 101,219 Rankings 1997 NCAA Division I-A football rankings AP 0 17 NR NR NR NR 19 15 15 12 13 10 10 16 14 11 10 8 8 9 Coaches 0 17 NR NR NR NR 20 14 15 12 13 10 10 15 13 11 10 7 7 9 Game summaries UCLA 1997 UCLA Bruins football team UCLA at Washington State Bruins (0–0) Cougars (0–0) 7 7 13 7 3 27 7 0 August 30, 1997 Martin StadiumPullman, WA 26,000 Keith Jackson (play-by-play), Bob Griese (analyst), and Lynn Swann (sideline) ABC yes 1 2 UCLA Skip Hicks 2-yard run (Chris Sailer kick) UCLA 7–0 WSU Rian Lindell ?-yard field goal UCLA 7–3 2 5 14:43 UCLA Skip Hicks 9-yard run (Chris Sailer kick) UCLA 14–3 11:07 WSU Michael Black 17-yard run (Rian Lindell kick) UCLA 14–10 8:13 WSU Nian Talor 57-yard pass from Ryan Leaf (Rian Lindell kick failed) WSU 16–14 4:35 WSU Ryan Leaf 1-yard run (Rian Lindell kick) WSU 23–14 0:54 WSU Nian Talor 29-yard pass from Ryan Leaf (Rian Lindell kick failed) WSU 30–14 3 3 12:50 UCLA Skip Hicks 2-yard run (kick failed) WSU 30–21 11:51 WSU Chris Jackson 78-yard pass from Ryan Leaf (Rian Lindell kick) WSU 37–21 2:22 UCLA Danny Farmer 6-yard pass from Cade McNown (pass failed) WSU 37–27 4 14:13 UCLA Skip Hicks 4-yard run (Chris Sailer kick) WSU 37–34 yes UCLA took a 14-3 lead early in the second quarter, but Washington State exploded for 27 unanswered points to end the half. The Cougars led by as many as 16 on two occasions, but clung to just a 3-point lead late in the game. UCLA had a 4th and goal from the one-yard line with 2:50 remaining, but the Cougars stood tall to emerge victorious.No More Please, Bruins Stuffed https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1997-aug-31-sp-27742-story.html The Los Angeles Times August 31, 1997 September 24, 2022 At No. 23 USC 1997 USC Trojans football team Washington State at USC Cougars (1–0) No. 23 Trojans (1–0) 7 14 0 7 0 6 7 8 September 13, 1997 Los Angeles Memorial ColiseumLos Angeles, CA 3:38 pm 3:29 51,655 Pat Flood FSN yes 1 2 4:14 WSU McWashington 3-yard pass from Ryan Leaf (Rian Lindell kick) WSU 7–0 2 3 13:27 WSU Michael Black 16-yard run (Rian Lindell kick) WSU 14–0 7:12 USC M. MacKenzie 1-yard run (Adam Abrams kick blocked) WSU 14–6 0:50 WSU Love Jefferson 6-yard pass from Ryan Leaf (Rian Lindell kick) WSU 21–6 3 14:44 USC R. Jay Soward 95-yard kickoff return (Adam Abrams kick) WSU 21–13 4 2 12:44 USC M. Bastianelli 15-yard pass from LaVale Woods (Billy Miller pass) Tied 21–21 4:18 WSU Keven McKenzie 51-yard pass from Ryan Leaf (Rian Lindell kick) WSU 28–21 yes Washington State defeated No. 23 USC in Los Angeles for the first time since 1957.It Was a History-Making Event for Cougars https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1997-sep-14-sp-32373-story.html The Los Angeles Times September 14, 1997 September 24, 2022The Catch. The Block. Vanquishing History. https://wsucougars.com/sports/2013/9/1/209248521.aspx WSU Athletics September 1, 2013 September 24, 2022 At Illinois 1997 Illinois Fighting Illini football team Washington State at Illinois No. 19 Cougars (2–0) Fighting Illini (0–2) 7 0 7 21 0 7 7 8 September 20, 1997 Memorial StadiumChampaign, IL 9:30 am PDT 47,131 ESPN2 Cougs Wake Up In Time Illinois Can't Capitalize On WSU's Sloppy Play https://www.spokesman.com/stories/1997/sep/21/cougs-wake-up-in-time-illinois-cant-capitalize-on/ The Spokesman-Review September 21, 1997 September 25, 2022 Boise State 1997 Boise State Broncos football team Boise State at Washington State Broncos (2–2) No. 15 Cougars (3–0) 0 0 0 0 14 17 17 10 September 27, 1997 Martin StadiumPullman, WA 34,131 Cougs Win, No Sweat Unbeaten WSU Outmuscles Boise State https://www.spokesman.com/stories/1997/sep/28/cougs-win-no-sweat-unbeaten-wsu-outmuscles-boise/ The Spokesman-Review September 28, 1997 September 25, 2022 At Oregon 1997 Oregon Ducks football team Washington State at Oregon No. 15 Cougars (4–0) Ducks (3–1) 7 7 7 3 0 3 0 10 October 4, 1997 Autzen StadiumEugene, OR 1:00 pm PDT 43,516 California 1997 California Golden Bears football team Cougars Get It Done Quickly https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1997-oct-19-sp-44596-story.html The Los Angeles Times October 19, 1997 September 25, 2022 Arizona 1997 Arizona Wildcats football team Wildcats Go for Broke, Fall Short https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1997-oct-26-sp-47037-story.html The Los Angeles Times October 26, 1997 September 25, 2022 At No. 20 Arizona State 1997 Arizona State Sun Devils football team Washington State at Arizona State No. 10 Cougars (7–0) No. 20 Sun Devils (5–2) 0 7 10 14 7 17 0 20 November 1, 1997 Sun Devil StadiumTempe, AZ 8:00 pm PDT 73,644 FSN yes 1 ASU Lenzie Jackson 13-yard pass from Ryan Kealy (Nycz kick) ASU 7–0 2 4 ASU Kenny Mitchell 8-yard pass from Ryan Kealy (Nycz kick) ASU 14–0 ASU Nycz FG ASU 17–0 7:43 ASU TD pass from Ryan Kealy (Nycz kick) ASU 24–0 WSU TD pass from Ryan Leaf (Rian Lindell kick) ASU 24–7 3 2 ASU Rian Lindell 43-yard field goal ASU 24–10 1:17 WSU DeJuan Gilmore 2-yard run (Rian Lindell kick) ASU 24–17 4 5 13:18 WSU Shawn McWashington 11-yard pass from Ryan Leaf (Ryan Leaf run) WSU 25–24 9:57 ASU Tariq McDonald 5-yard pass from Ryan Kealy (conversion failed) ASU 30–25 2:55 ASU Hamilton Mee 66-yard fumble return (Nycz kick) ASU 37–25 2:32 ASU Derrick Ford fumble recovery in end zone (Nycz kick) ASU 44–25 WSU TD pass from Ryan Leaf (Rian Lindell kick) ASU 44–31 yes After trailing 24–0 midway through the second quarter, Washington State rallied to take a 25–24 lead early in the fourth quarter. After Arizona State answered with a touchdown, the Cougars were driving again. However, the Cougars were doomed by two late fumbles that were both returned for touchdowns.Sun Devils Turn Over a Leaf in Pac-10 https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1997-nov-02-sp-49612-story.html The Los Angeles Times November 2, 1997 September 25, 2022 Southwestern Louisiana 1997 Southwestern Louisiana Ragin' Cajuns football team Washington St. Rights Itself With 77-7 Win https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1997-nov-09-sp-52113-story.html The Los Angeles Times November 9, 1997 September 25, 2022 Stanford 1997 Stanford Cardinal football team Washington St. Still Standing https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1997-nov-16-sp-54562-story.html The Los Angeles Times November 16, 1997 September 25, 2022 At No. 20 Washington 1997 Washington Huskies football team Leaf Has Turned in Washington https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1997-nov-23-sp-56900-story.html The Los Angeles Times November 23, 1997 September 24, 2022 Vs. No. 1 Michigan (Rose Bowl) 1998 Rose Bowl 1997 Michigan Wolverines football team Washington State vs. Michigan(1998 Rose Bowl) No. 8 Cougars (10–1) No. 1 Wolverines (11–0) 7 0 6 3 0 7 7 7 Thursday, January 1, 1998 Rose BowlPasadena, CA 101,219 Dick Burleson Keith Jackson and Bob Griese ABC yes 1 3:17 WSU Kevin McKenzie 15-yard pass from Ryan Leaf (Rian Lindell kick) WSU 7–0 2 7:08 MICH Tai Streets 53-yard pass from Brian Griese (Jay Feely kick) Tied 7–7 3 2 8:23 WSU Shawn Tims 14-yard run (kick failed) WSU 13–7 5:07 MICH Tai Streets 58-yard pass from Brian Griese (Kraig Baker kick) MICH 14–13 4 2 11:21 MICH Jerame Tuman 23-yard pass from Brian Griese (Kraig Baker kick) MICH 21–13 7:25 WSU Rian Lindell 48-yard field goal MICH 21–16 yes 'Mistake' Costs WSU Final Play https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/sports/1998/01/02/mistake-costs-wsu-final-play/dcf0e5e0-2fc1-4b7f-8341-65520f7b2b8b/ The Washington Post January 2, 1998 September 25, 2022 Roster 1997 Washington State Cougars y 13 So Steve Birnbaum QB 5 Sr Michael Black RB 24 Jr Jason Clayton RB 1 Jr DeJuan Gilmore RB 62 Sr Lee Harrison C 37 Fr Adam Hawkins RB 81 Sr Chris Jackson Chris Jackson (wide receiver) WR y 20 Jr Love Jefferson TE 16 Jr Ryan Leaf QB y 86 Jr Brenden Marshall TE 76 Sr Jason McEndoo C y 9 Sr Kevin McKenzie WR y Kevin McKenzie (American football) 76 Sr Ryan McShane T 45 Sr Shawn McWashington WR 79 Jr Rob Rainville T 82 So Nian Taylor WR 71 Sr Cory Withrow G y 8 Sr Shawn Tims WR 91 Sr Leon Bender DT y 90 Sr Dorian Boose DE y 46 Sr Shane Doyle DE 3 So LeJuan Gibbons CB 34 So Steve Gleason LB y 29 So Torry Hollimon DB 95 Jr Gary Holmes DT 28 Fr Jermaine Hunsaker DB 2 Sr Ray Jackson FS 22 Sr Brandon Moore LB 6 Jr Dee Moronkola CB 43 Jr Todd Nelson LB 25 Sr Duane Stewart SS 19 Fr Lamont Thompson DB y 12 Sr Jeff Banks P Jeff Banks (American football) y 21 So Rian Lindell K y *Mike Price (9th year) Jim McDonell – OC Bill Doba – DC Larry Lewis – AHC, ST https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=WNZWAAAAIBAJ&sjid=x-sDAAAAIBAJ&pg=6233%2C949047 Eugene Register-Guard Oregon Oregon Outlook October 4, 1997 4Dhttps://news.google.com/newspapers?id=grZeAAAAIBAJ&sjid=STAMAAAAIBAJ&pg=5773%2C4104109 Lewiston Morning Tribune Stanford at WSU: stat leaders November 15, 1997 4B Awards and honors Ryan Leaf – Sammy Baugh Trophy, Pac-10 Offensive Player of the Year, All-American, Third in Heisman Trophy voting Leon Bender – All-American Mike Price – Bobby Dodd Coach of the Year Award, Eddie Robinson Coach of the Year, Home Depot Coach of the Year Award, Sporting News College Football Coach of the Year, Pac-10 Coach of the Year NFL draft Four Cougars were selected in the 1998 NFL draft; quarterback Ryan Leaf was taken second overall. Washington State Cougars Player Position Round Overall Franchise Ryan LeafQB 12 San Diego Chargers Leon Bender DT 2 31 Oakland Raiders Dorian Boose DT2 56 New York Jets Jason McEndoo T 7 197 Seattle Seahawks https://www.pro-football-reference.com/draft/1998.htm dead https://web.archive.org/web/20071221030108/http://www.pro-football-reference.com/draft/1998.htm 2007-12-21 1998 NFL Draft Listing - Pro-Football-Reference.com Pro-Football-Reference.com References Washington State Category:Washington State Cougars football seasons Category:Pac-12 Conference football champion seasons Washington State Cougars football