Leach Simply Wants Cougars to Finish What They Start - Spokane, North Idaho News & Weather KHQ.com

Washington State Football

Leach Simply Wants Cougars to Finish What They Start

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© Mike Leach said he wants to see his players play for the full game and not let up on the gas in the second half (Photo: SWX) © Mike Leach said he wants to see his players play for the full game and not let up on the gas in the second half (Photo: SWX)
PULLMAN, Wash. -

Mike Leach wants his men to finish what they started. That's all. Just finish.

The Cougs have had a tough time closing out games this year. The statistics show they have been outscored by 27 points after halftime this season, including last weekend's stunning loss to Colorado in which the Buffaloes erased a 17-point fourth quarter deficit.

Making sure his team plays to the end is a big priority for Leach and his coaching staff this week when they play No. 2 Oregon.

"Regardless of whether we're way ahead or way behind, go out and make plays because we want it to be a habit," said Leach. "We want it to be a habit that you consistently string things together for 60 minutes. That's important to do no matter what. That's important to have the ability to do that in all situations."

This weekend's game will be the first time Chip Kelly has ever met Leach on the field in competition. Both are considered offensive geniuses, but Kelly has so far shown his system is up and running at full tilt. The Ducks are fifth in the country in offensive production, racking up 571 yards per game.

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