WSU Cougars drop 70 points in blowout season-opening win over Portland State

Washington State took the field for the first time with John Mateer as its starting quarterback Saturday afternoon.

Three plays later the Cougars were trotting off the field. That didn’t sit right with the redshirt sophomore QB.

Mateer led scoring drives on WSU’s next eight possessions, eventually being pulled early in the third quarter of a 70-30 blowout win over Portland State at Gesa Field.

Mateer’s final line: 11 completions on 17 attempts, 352 yards and five touchdowns. He added two carries for 55 yards and a touchdown.

How’s that for a debut?

The Cougars, after going down 7-0, were seemingly unstoppable on offense.

Mateer completed touchdowns of 59, 58, 52, 39 and 30 yards. WSU also scored long plays on the ground, with Mateer’s 40-yard touchdown and true freshman Wayshawn Parkers’ 54-yard run.

Mateer’s effectiveness largely came down to his receivers.

Kris Hutson got WSU on the board with a diving catch in the endzone. He finished with four receptions for 101 yards, only behind Kyle Williams’ four catches for 141 yards and two TDs.

Tre Shackelford had two grabs for 52 yards and Parker had a 52-yard touchdown reception, adding to his stellar debut.

With the win, the Cougs likely dealt with their easiest test. Next week should prove more difficult when they host Texas Tech.