Derrick Langford scored on a 35-yard interception return and Sam Lockett III picked off two passes as Washington State eliminated Arizona from bowl eligibility with a 31-20 victory Saturday in Tucson, Ariz.
The Cougars (7-4, 4-4 Pac-12) finished with four interceptions — all in the second half — as they won the showdown against former WSU quarterback Jayden de Laura. Arizona (4-7, 2-6) actually outgained Washington State 441-354, but much of that advantage came late in the game. The Wildcats didn’t reach the end zone until the fourth quarter after trailing 31-6.
Washington State quarterback Cameron Ward, whose transfer from Incarnate Word prompted de Laura to leave for Arizona, completed 25 of 36 passes for 193 yards with a touchdown and no interceptions. His legs were key, too, as he carried eight times for 59 yards and a touchdown.
De Laura completed 28 of 46 passes for 357 yards and a touchdown to go along with the four interceptions. Dorian Singer caught nine passes for 176 yards, including a 47-yard TD with 1:16 to go.
The Cougars, who entered with the top-ranked scoring defense in the conference, led 21-6 at halftime and made the first big play of the second half when Lockett returned an interception 31 yards to the Arizona 19. WSU moved inside the 1-yard-line but settled for a 23-yard field goal with 4:45 left in the third quarter.
Langford’s pick-six came on the next possession, and Lockett’s second interception came on a diving grab to stop a drive at the WSU 4. Armani Marsh made the final interception with 3:51 left in the game when he grabbed a tipped pass at the WSU 46.
Arizona failed to score in the first quarter for the first time this season and twice turned the ball over on downs in the first 19 minutes. Washington State went up 14-0 with 9:06 to go in the half when Ward kept on a run-pass option and scooted untouched for a 17-yard touchdown.
–Field Level Media
