Gerard Wicks gets his turn in the rotation, leading Washington State on ground at Oregon

EUGENE, Ore. – When it comes to Washington State’s run game, the Cougars say they like to feed the hot hand. And Gerard Wicks’ paws were scorching Saturday at Autzen Stadium.

Wicks finally got his turn in WSU’s rout of the Ducks, rushing seven times for 58 yards to lead the Cougars on the ground. Up to this point, the senior back had rushed for that many yards all season – and on 15 carries.

But Wicks was back to his efficient self on Saturday and said it was the best he’d felt all season.

“It felt good being back this week, actually feeling OK, going out there without any nicks and pains or anything,” Wicks said. “So they called my name and I was ready to go.”

Wicks, who averaged 8.3 yards a pop against the Ducks, went 21 yards on his first carry and scampered for 20 more on the next one – both part of scoring drives for the Cougars in the second quarter.

Wicks, who hadn’t led WSU in rushing this season, said the Cougars are out to prove “our backfield is the best backfield out there.”

James Williams also had 11 carries for 48 yards in the game and Jamal Morrow, though he rushed just three times for four yards, caught five passes for 46 yards and a touchdown.