Leach: 'Win that snap... catch this ball!' - Spokane, North Idaho News & Weather KHQ.com

Washington State Football

Leach: 'Win that snap... catch this ball!'

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by Michelle Dapper, SWX Anchor/Reporter - bio | email
by Jared Frank, KHQ.com/SWXRightNow.com - email
Coach Mike Leach said the Cougars have a 'don't lose, don't lose' mentality (Photo: SWX) Coach Mike Leach said the Cougars have a 'don't lose, don't lose' mentality (Photo: SWX)
PULLMAN, Wash. -

Sure, they lost. But coach Mike Leach said Monday the Cougars' game against Oregon was the most complete game the team has played all season.

Washington State played well in the first half and kept the game close. The second half was a different story, as the Ducks turned the offense on and didn't let up.

The Cougars have been outscored 81-27 in the second half this year. Much of that is due to a variety of defensive miscues.

The team still has "finishing" as a point of emphasis as they prepare to face Oregon State.

"I think there's a collective thought where it's ‘don't lose, don't lose'," said Leach. "Well, that's crazy! I mean, that's stupid! I mean, win the snap, make my block, make my tackle, catch this ball. That's what it needs to be."

"No moral victories, but we competed with the No. 2 team in the nation," said quarterback Connor Halliday. "We take away some dumb mistakes here and there and that helps out."

Halliday's next text to take away some of the mistakes comes Saturday in Corvallis when the Cougars play No. 14 Oregon State. The game will be televised by Pac-12 Network.

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