Difference makers: Easop Winston Jr. flourishes with 92 receiving yards, game-winning TD

Easop Winston Jr.

Winston Jr. was Washington State’s most dependable wide receiver Saturday night and for the second time this season, the redshirt junior hauled in a game-winning pass late in the fourth quarter. With 32 seconds to play, Winston Jr. got a step on cornerback Josh Drayden and hung onto a 10-yard touchdown pass from Gardner Minshew to seal the Cougars’ 19-13 win. When all was said and done, Winston Jr. had seven receptions for a team-high 92 yards.

Skyler Thomas

Washington State’s defense was reeling when the free safety from southern California came up with a game-changing interception midway through the fourth quarter. With first down on WSU’s 18-yard line, the Golden Bears could’ve taken a lead on Brandon McIlwain’s jump pass into the end zone, but the quarterback’s ball flew over the intended target and into the hands of Thomas. The redshirt sophomore finished fourth on the team with six tackles, as well.

Evan Weaver

Cal’s junior inside linebacker was in the middle of most everything the Golden Bears did on defense. The Spokane native who graduated from Gonzaga Prep broke up a Minshew pass in the first quarter, then intercepted WSU’s quarterback on the very next play for his second pick in as many games. Weaver finished with a team-high nine tackles – seven of which were unassisted.