Difference makers: Bryce Beekman helps seal Washington State win over Houston with late turnover

Bryce Beekman

In a game that was expected to produce lots of offense, it was a defensive play that put the nail in the coffin for Washington State. Beekman, the junior college safety who transferred to the Cougars this spring, forced a fumble on a Houston possession midway through the fourth quarter with WSU leading 28-17. Freshman Cosmas Kwete recovered the ball, setting up a 22-yard Blake Mazza field goal that made it 31-17. Beekman also led WSU with 10 tackles.

Anthony Gordon

For the third consecutive game, Washington State’s first-year starting quarterback went over 400 yards passing, completing 36-of-48 passes for 440 yards, three touchdowns and one interception. Gordon hit Easop Winston Jr., Dezmon Patmon and Travell Harris for scores, putting his touchdown total at 12 through three games. The redshirt senior threw for 420 yards against New Mexico State and 464 against Northern Colorado.

D’Eriq King

The explosive Houston quarterback was responsible for three total touchdowns in the game and became the first player since Tim Tebow in 2006 to account for a passing and rushing TD in 14 consecutive games. For the game, King completed 13-of-24 passes for 128 yards and one touchdown. The senior quarterback nearly hit the 100-yard mark on the ground, too, rushing 17 times for 94 yards and two touchdowns.