Stanford Cruises To 4-0 With Big Win Over Washington State

Sep 28, 2013; Seattle, WA, USA; Stanford Cardinal guard Kevin Danser (76) hugs wide receiver Devon Cajuste (89) after Cajuste caught a pass and ran it in for a touchdown against the Washington State Cougars during the 1st quarter at CenturyLink Field. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-USA TODAY Sports

The Stanford Cardinal continued their early 2013 success with a huge 55-17 win over an often-overlooked Washington State Cougars team, moving to 4-0 on the young season.

The teams actually appeared to be quite even throughout the first quarter, and both squads capped off long drives with field goals to open the game. However, receiver Devin Cajuste had a huge night, and gave the Cardinal an offensive spark with a 57-yard touchdown catch near the end of the first quarter.

Stanford’s defense proceeded to force a three-and-out, and Cajuste hauled in another score, this one from 33 yards out. The Cardinal took a 17-7 lead, but were unable to extend it before halftime. Kevin Hogan threw an interception at the end of a very long 17-play drive.

Luckily for Stanford, though, the Cougars missed a field goal late in the second quarter, and the score remained 17-7 heading into the break.

Stanford’s defense was exceptional in the second half, forcing four punts and three turnovers, two of which became defensive touchdowns. It was not until a late Gabe Marks touchdown that Washington State recorded any points since that early field goal.

Unfortunately, Washington State quarterback Connor Halliday left the game in the third quarter due to injury, and the Cougar offense really struggled to get anything going. Both Trent Murphy and Jordan Richards returned interceptions for touchdowns in the third quarter.

The Stanford offense was just as successful in the second half as the defense, posting 24 points after the break. The

Sep 28, 2013; Seattle, WA, USA; Washington State Cougars wide receiver John Thompson (85) misses the pass after being hit by Stanford Cardinal safety Jordan Richards (8) during the 1st half at CenturyLink Field. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-USA TODAY Sports

first of these scores came in the form of a 45-yard touchdown pass to Michael Rector as Hogan’s aerial attack continued.

Remound Wright and Barry Sanders Jr. kept things rolling in the fourth quarter, recording touchdown runs of 53 and 22 yards respectively. Hogan finished the night with 286 yards and three touchdowns.

The Stanford Cardinal proved tonight that they are worthy of their No. 5 ranking, and certainly looked like one of the nation’s elite teams. Next week, Stanford will have its toughest test yet when they hosted a ranked Washington team at home. The game will kick off at 7:00 p.m. PT, so be sure to tune in for a great Pac-12 North battle.