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Difference makers: Hercules Mata’afa a rare bright spot for Washington State in loss at Cal

California Golden Bears wide receiver Jordan Duncan (2) strains for a pass during the first half of a college football game on Friday, October 13, 2017, at California Memorial Stadium in Berkeley, Calif. (Tyler Tjomsland / The Spokesman-Review)
By Theo Lawson theol@spokesman.com(509) 459-5584

Hercules Mata’afa

The junior defensive tackle scored two sacks on Cal quarterback Ross Bowers and finished with three tackles. Mata’afa was tied for the Pac-12 lead in sacks coming into the game and now has 6.5 this season.

Isaiah Johnson-Mack

The passing game wasn’t effective at all, but the sophomore outside receiver still led all pass-catchers with six receptions for 59 yards and had a long reception of 19 yards.

Erik Powell

It was a rare game without any extra-point attempts for the senior kicker and Powell wasn’t perfect, but he was the only Cougar who scored in Friday’s game. Early in the second quarter, he matched his career-long with a 52-yarder to put WSU on the board.