The Washington State Cougars Win a Game of Football!

A hearty slap on the back is due your Wazzu grad co-workers on Monday, for their poor football team finally won a Pac-10 game Saturday.

The Cougars had just one league win in the preceding 1,085 days, and that over the comically terrible 2008 Huskies. They had lost their past 16 Pac-10 games.

This win, led by dual-threat QB Jeff Tuel's efficient passing and quick feet, was a convincing 31-14 thumping over an Oregon State team fighting to remain eligible for a bowl. In other words, no fluke.

Joy in CougVille was unbridled. A post on the Wazzu fan blog CougCenter featured this subtle headline: "WE WON! WE WON! WE WON!" Author Craig Powers expressed his thoughts succinctly: "GO COUGS! JEFF TUEL FOR EMPEROR OF EARTH!"

The emergence of Tuel, who's only a sophomore, lends credibility to Wazzu Coach Paul Wulff at a time when he desperately needed it. Wulff's impeding dismissal into the cold dark night of the Obamaconomy seemed inevitable after the Cougars struggled early in the season. But his quarterback and his defense have shown marked improvement, and Wulff, despite a 5-31 record as head coach, may get another year in the job.

The Cougs now enjoy 14 days off before the December 4th Apple Cup in Pullman. The extra rest and preparation will give the Cougars an edge in what's likely to be the "bowl game" for both teams. And a key final exam for Wulff and his coaching staff. Beat the Huskies, and Wulff probably comes back for another year. Lose by a lot, and he'll likely be spending some time at this web site.

You can buy that Cougars button for $8 at Gasoline Alley Antiques.