Wilson sets WSU record for career receiving yards
SEATTLE – Marquess Wilson’s career game helped the junior receiver break a Washington State record.
Wilson hauled in 12 catches, his single-game best, in WSU’s 51-26 loss to No. 2 Oregon at CenturyLink Field on Saturday. He finished with 182 receiving yards, giving him 2,893 for his career and breaking Brandon Gibson’s previous mark of 2,756.
The record-breaker came on a 7-yard reception on the Cougars’ first possession of the second half.
“It means a lot,” said Wilson, who has played in 29 career games. “There have been a lot of great receivers at Washington State. Just being able to do this is a great feeling. It would have been a lot better with a win, but it feels great knowing your name is in the record book.”
Wilson’s 25-yard touchdown catch in the fourth quarter gave him 23 in his career, passing Hugh Campbell for second on WSU’s all-time list. Jason Hill is first with 32 from 2003-06.
“I’m trying to play more physical, that’s been my weak point,” Wilson said. “I haven’t been a physical receiver as you can see in past years, but I’m trying to change that around.”
Wilson also remains in the hunt for the school career receptions record. Michael Bumpus holds that mark with 195. Wilson moved past Jared Karstetter into fourth place with 167 career receptions.
Tackle Jacobson stuck on sidelines
WSU played another game without one of its starters on the offensive line.
Senior right tackle Wade Jacobson suited up against Oregon but didn’t make the start. Jacobson left last week’s loss to Colorado in the first half with an undisclosed injury and didn’t return.
He spent the first part of the week doing conditioning drills in the sand pit during practice, but he worked his way back into the offensive line rotation later in the week.
In his place, Matt Goetz was inserted at right guard and Jake Rodgers moved to right tackle, as was the case when Jacobson exited the Colorado game.
Senior Dan Spitz, who has not played since WSU’s Sept. 8 game against Eastern Washington, did not make the trip after returning to practice Sunday, then missing the rest of the week. He is still listed on WSU’s roster and coach Mike Leach said last week that Spitz is still on the team, as far as he knows.
CenturyLink hosts three big games
It’s been a busy week for CenturyLink Field.
Washington State’s game against Oregon marked the third nationally televised football game played in the Seattle stadium this week.
The first was Monday night’s matchup between the Seahawks and Packers, which ended with Seattle winning 14-12 after a controversial touchdown pass to Golden Tate on the final play.
Three days later, Washington, which is playing its home games at CenturyLink this season during a $250 million renovation of Husky Stadium, pulled off a 17-13 upset of No. 8 Stanford.
WSU has a 5-5 record at CenturyLink Field. Last season the Cougars lost to Oregon State 49-24. That game drew an announced crowd of 49,219. Saturday’s game drew 60,929.