2018

Valero Alamo Bowl | Friday, December 28, 2018
#13 Washington State 28 vs. #24 Iowa State 26

ESPN Viewership: 6,098,797
Attendance: 60,675 (14h highest in Valero Alamo Bowl History)
TV Coverage: ESPN HD

Offensive MVP: Gardner Minshew, Washington State
Defensive MVP: Peyton Pelluer, Washington State
Fred Jacoby Sportsmanship Award: Marcel Spears, Iowa State

Coaches: Washington State: Mike Leach, Iowa State: Matt Campbell

Game Stats: ESPN

Recap: Washington State defensive takeaways thwart Iowa State second half comeback; Minshew leads Cougar offense with 3 TDs and 300+ yards total offense

Highlights: Washington State quarterback Gardner Minshew II threw for two touchdowns and ran for a score to lead the Cougars to victory against Iowa State, 28-26. Iowa State trailed by 11 at halftime but the Cyclones clamped down on Washington State’s scoring in the second half and Iowa State QB Brock Purdy and running back David Montgomery ran for TD’s and the Cyclones eventually pulled to within two with a chance to tie. A two-point conversion pass from Purdy to Montgomery failed and the comeback fell short.

Cougars Marcus Strong and Peyton Pelluer led a strong defensive effort that produced tackles for losses and turnovers and helped withstand Iowa State receiver Hakeem Butler’s 192-yard in receiving yards, the #2 all-time mark in Valero Alamo Bowl history.

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Game Notes

CONFERENCE FOE-DOWN

The Big 12 improves to 6-3 against the Pac-12 in the Alamo Bowl.

TO LEACH HIS OWN

Washington State’s 28-26 victory in the 2018 Valero Alamo Bowl gives head coach Mike Leach his second 11-win season and Washington State football’s first 11-win season in school history.

THE GUY’S GOT BOWLS

Leach is the first WSU head coach to lead the Cougars to four consecutive bowl games. In addition, in seven seasons at the helm, Leach has taken the Cougs to five bowl games, tying him with Mike Price for most in school history.

IT’S WORTH MINSHEWING

Washington State’s signal caller Gardner Minshew II continued his climb in the offensive record books. His 315 yards of total offense in the 2018 Valero Alamo Bowl gives him 4,898 for the season – second all-time trailing only fellow Alamo Bowl alumnus Marcus Mariota (5,224 in 2015). Minshew finished fifth in Heisman voting, the second-highest finish in school history since Ryan Leaf finished third in 1997.

HE’S LIKE A BROKEN RECORD

Pac-12 Offensive Player of the Year Gardner Minshew II broke numerous Pac-12 records with a solid performance in the 2018 Valero Alamo Bowl. He’s now the single-season leader in the clubhouse in passing yards (4,779), completions (468) and 300-yard passing games (11).

THE GARDNER DID IT

WSU signal caller Gardner Minshew II, on his way to Offensive MVP honors, set a Valero Alamo Bowl record with 35 completions in the Cougs 28-26 victory in the Valero Alamo Bowl. The previous record (32) was set by Nick Foles in 2010.

MOVIN’ UP THE CHARTS

Washington State QB Gardner Minshew II now sits first in school history and 6th in Pac-12 history in single-season passing TDs (38), tied with fellow Cougar Luke Falk. The one-and-done Cougar also moved up to second all-time in single-season total offense (4,898), passing Jared Goff and behind only Alamo Bowl alumnus Marcus Mariota.

NOW THAT’S OFFENSIVE

Despite being outgained by Iowa State, 515 to 327 in total yards from scrimmage, WSU’s outlasted the Cyclones 28-26 in the 2018 Valero Alamo Bowl. In the regular season, Washington State led the FBS in passing yard per game (379.8) in the regular season, nearly 150 yards-per-game more than Iowa State.

A LONG TIME COMIN’

Washington State now holds the record for longest gap between Valero Alamo Bowl appearances, after its 28-26 victory in the 2018 Valero Alamo Bowl. The Cougars last postseason trip to the Alamo City was in the Builder’s Square Alamo Bowl in 1994 – a 10-3 WSU victory over Baylor.

RUNNING ON BORGHI

WSU running back Max Borghi tied the school record for TDs by a freshman (12) with his 10-yard scamper early in the 4th quarter of the 2018 Valero Alamo Bowl. His run was the longest run from scrimmage by a Cougar player the entire game.

CATCH ‘EM ALL

Washington State tailback James Williams set a Pac-12 single-season record for receptions by a running back when he grabbed his third pass of the first quarter. Williams’ finished with 7 receptions for 53 yards in the 2018 Valero Alamo Bowl. His finished the season with 83 catches and sits at the top of the WSU and Pac-12 record books.

ALL-PURPOSE ATTACK

WSU RBs James Williams and Max Borghi combined for 13 catches (80 yards) in the 2018 Valero Alamo Bowl. This marked the seventh time this season the Cougar duo combined for double-digit receptions in a game for the Washington State offense.

ALL-HANDS TEAM

Williams, combined with fellow Cougar RB Max Borghi, finished the season with 83 and 53 receptions, respectively. Those numbers are good for 2nd and 3rd best in the FBS, among running backs.

DOUBLE TROUBLE

While WSU RB James Williams tallied only tallied 64 total yards in the 2018 Valero Alamo Bowl, the redshirt junior finished the season with 1173 total yards 560 yards on the ground and 613 yards receiving. Williams is the first Cougar to lead the team in rushing yards and receptions since Steve Broussard in 1989.

KICKIN’ IT OLD SCHOOL

Washington State placekicker Blake Mazza is now the school’s all-time leader in PATs (60).

HEAD-TO-HEAD

Mike Leach improves his record against Iowa State to 5-1 all-time after Washington State’s 28-26 win in the 2018 Valero Alamo Bowl. This was the first meeting between the Cougars and Cyclones on the gridiron.

REMEMBER THE ALAMO CITY

Washington State improves to 2-0 in Alamo Bowl appearances after its win Friday night in the Alamodome. The Cougars 28-26 victory was the team’s 8th win in nine games and signaled WSU’s first 11-win season in school history.

LONE STAR QUALITY

Washington State has never lost in Texas in its postseason history (4-0). The Cougars won their second Alamo Bowl in as many tries Friday night. WSU also has two Sun Bowl victories under its belt in El Paso.

TACKLE MACHINE

Washington State mike linebacker Peyton Pelluer’s 11-tackle performance in the 2018 Valero Alamo Bowl moved him into 5th place on WSU’s career tackles list (352).

KEEP YOUR SACKS TO YOURSELF

Washington State allowed just 13 sacks this season on 628 pass attempts, fewest sacks allowed in the Pac-12 and 7th-fewest in FBS, allowing only slightly over one sack per 57 pass attempts.

THE SACKS OF LIFE

Washington State continued its trend of putting non-stop pressure on opponent QBs in the 2018 Valero Alamo Bowl. The Cougars tallied 3 sacks and finished the season with 35 sacks, good enough for tops in the Pac-12.

TURNOVER TAKEOVER

Washington State improved to 23-5 when forcing multiple turnovers in the last 4 seasons. WSU forced 3 more turnovers in route to a 28-26 win over Iowa State in the 2018 Valero Alamo Bowl.

PICK IT & FORGET IT

Washington State defensive back Marcus Strong’s 2nd-quarter interception of Iowa State QB Brock Purdy was the second-longest interception return in Alamo Bowl history (66 yards). It would’ve been a few yards longer; however, the pick six was nullified because of an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty.

WHEN YOU THINK OF RECORDS, THINK OF HAKEEM!

Cyclone receiver Hakeem Butler’s 192 yards in the 2018 Valero Alamo vaulted his name amongst some of the most talented receivers in the history of the sport. The junior receiver now ranks second in receiving yards in the Valero Alamo Bowl, topping the 171 yards put up by Oklahoma State’s James Washington in 2016. Butler, who was 14th nationally in receiving yards per game this season, trails only Baylor’s Jermaine Kearse who had 198 yards receiving in 2011.

ASSALLEY SAILS INTO RECORD BOOK

Iowa State sophomore kicker Connor Assalley booted his way into the Valero Alamo Bowl record book with a 50-yard field goal at the end of the first half. The kick cut Washington State’s lead over the Cyclones to 11 and tied the Valero Alamo Bowl record for second longest field with Texas Tech’s Clinton Greathouse and Oklahoma State’s Dan Bailey. The trio trail Nebraska’s Josh Brown who booted a bowl record 51-yarder in 2000.

KEEP IT 100

Iowa State’s David Montgomery and Hakeem Butler became the 8th pair of teammates to eclipse the 100-yard mark in rushing and receiving, respectively. The last time the feat was accomplished was in 2016 by Oklahoma State’s Justice Hill and James Washington.

PICK OF THE LITTER

Iowa State avoided throwing many interceptions during 2018 storybook season, but they made an early debut in the final act. Cyclones quarterback Brock Purdy tossed two picks in the first quarter, the latter of which was returned by Marcus Strong for a touchdown, but an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty negated the TD. Cougar QB Gardner Minshew capitalized on Iowa State’s turnover three plays later with a 22-yard TD pass to Renard Bell. The Cyclones entered the Valero Alamo Bowl with only seven interceptions, ranking 29th nationally.

IN FOR THE LONG HAUL

Cyclone receiver Hakeem Butler showed to be a big play threat once again in the Valero Alamo Bowl as he hauled in multiple passes of more than 20 yards, including two of more than 30 yards. Butler came into the game leading the nation in receiving yards per catch with 22.1. Butler, who set a Valero Alamo Bowl record for second most yards (192), entered today’s game with a career yards per catch average of 19.4 (Iowa State record).

THAT’S STILL PURDY GOOD

In a showdown with one of college football’s most prolific passers Iowa State’s Brock Purdy more than held his own. With 315 yards Purdy became only the second quarterback all season to outgain Washington State’s Gardner Minshew head-to-head. Minshew had 299 yards passing en route to a 28-26 Washington State victory.

KEEPING DOWN THE COUGARS

Despite their 28-26 loss in the 2018 Valero Alamo Bowl Iowa State was able to slow down the high-octane scoring attack of Washington State as Iowa State held the Cougars to 28 points. Mike Leach’s Cougars led the Pac 12 in points per game this season with 38.3 but were the 11th opponent that Iowa State has held under their scoring average in 2018. Matt Campbell’s Cyclone squad ranks first in the Big 12 in scoring defense and second in total defense.

WHERE AMAZING CAN HAPPEN IN THE BLINK OF AN EYE

The 2018 Valero Alamo Bowl continued the recent trend of showstopping finishes and exhilarating comebacks. The last two Valero Alamo Bowl where each decided by 2 points. Ten games since 2005 have been decided in the final minutes and four of the last six have been decided by a touchdown or less.

Paced by an efficient, 3 TD (2 pass, 1 rush) half from quarterback Gardner Minshew and a fierce defensive showing WSU took a 21-10 halftime lead but is common in past Valero Alamo Bowl games the stage was set for a comeback.

The Cougars’ ferocious offensive attack was declawed in the second half as the Cougars were held scoreless in the third quarter and Iowa State added a TD and field goal to cut the lead to 21-20. Washington State would extend their lead to eight with a 10-yard Max Borghi TD run. True to typical Valero Alamo Bowl fashion the Cyclones would come back with a 74-yard drive that featured a 53-yard pitch and caught between Purdy and running back David Montgomery. Purdy would drill in a one-yard TD run to pull the Cyclones to within two but their two-point conversion attempt failed as Montgomery was dropped in the backfield for a loss and the comeback attempt fell short.

– In 2017, TCU cemented themselves as the Comeback Kids of the Alamo City when the Horned Frogs rallied from a 21-3 deficit to defeat Stanford, 39-37. Stanford receiver JJ Arcega-Whiteside hauled in his VAB record third touchdown to take the lead late in the fourth quarter. But the Horned Frogs answered with a 54-yard drive led by Kenny Hill that culminated in a game winning field goal with just minutes left in the game.

– In 2016, the Valero Alamo Bowl crowd witnessed one of the most memorable bowl finishes of all time with an incredible second half comeback as #11 TCU scored 31 consecutive points in the second half after a first half in which the Horned Frogs were the victim of a 31-0 onslaught at the hands of #15 Oregon. The two teams traded scores in two OT periods before the Horned Frogs secured a win in the third OT period to complete the largest comeback in bowl history.

– In 2015, #14 UCLA withstood a furious second half comeback by #11 Kansas State and held on to win the 2015 Valero Alamo Bowl 40-35. Kansas State scored 15 unanswered points in the third quarter to overcome a 31-6 deficit and the two teams traded scores before a failed onside kick at the one-minute mark left the Wildcats trailing 40-35.

– In 2012, Texas trailed Oregon State 27-17 before rallying back to win the game 31-27. Texas quarterback David Ash threw touchdown passes to Johnathan Gray and Marquise Goodwin to give Texas the win.

– In 2011, Baylor outlasted Washington 67-56 in the highest scoring regulation bowl game ever. The two teams combined to set 15 Valero Alamo Bowl records. Baylor trailed Washington 56-53 with 9:40 to go, but Terance Ganaway provided two of his five TD runs in the final six minutes to help Baylor secure the win.

– The January 2010 edition of the Valero Alamo Bowl saw Texas Tech trailing 31-27 with eight minutes remaining before Steven Sheffield led the Red Raiders to two late touchdowns and a 41-31 victory.

– In 2008, Missouri and Northwestern went to Overtime before deciding a winner. A short pass from Chase Daniel to receiver Jeremy Maclin proved to be the difference in the Tigers’ 30-23 win.

– In 2007, Penn State overcame a two-touchdown deficit to shut down a late Texas A&M drive on the two yard line in its 24-17 win against the Aggies.

– In 2006, Texas overcame a 14-0 deficit and held Iowa scoreless in its last two drives, including once as time expired, to defeat the Hawkeyes 26-24.

– In 2005, Michigan lateraled the ball eight times on the final play and nearly found the end zone but Nebraska’s Titus Brothers sealed the 32-28 victory as he pushed Michigan’s Tyler Eckler out of bounds.

ALL-TIME ALAMO BOWL ATTENDANCE

A crowd of 60,675 watched the 2018 Valero Alamo Bowl. The game marked the largest attendance featuring two out-of-state teams since 2005. That mark was 62,016 in a game featuring Michigan vs Nebraska.

The attendance was #1 among the 33 non-CFP bowl games this year, while the 6.1 million TV viewers was #2.

66,166 Valero Alamo Bowl, December 29, 2007 (Penn State vs. Texas A&M)

65,981 Valero Alamo Bowl, December 30, 2013 (Texas vs. Oregon)

65,875 Alamo Bowl, December 30, 2006 (Texas vs. Iowa)

65,380 SYLVANIA Alamo Bowl, Dec. 31, 1999 (Penn State vs. Texas A&M)

65,277 Valero Alamo Bowl, Dec. 29, 2012 (Texas vs. Oregon State)

65,265 MasterCard Alamo Bowl, Dec. 29, 2004 (Ohio State vs. Oklahoma State)

65,256 Valero Alamo Bowl, Dec. 29, 2011 (Washington vs. Baylor)

65,232 SYLVANIA Alamo Bowl, Dec. 29, 2001 (Texas Tech vs. Iowa)

64,757 Valero Alamo Bowl, Jan. 2, 2010 (Michigan State vs. Texas Tech)

64,597 Builders Square Alamo Bowl, Dec. 31, 1995 (Michigan vs. Texas A&M)

64,569 Valero Alamo Bowl, Jan. 2, 2016 (Oregon vs. TCU)

62,016 MasterCard Alamo Bowl, Dec. 31, 2005 (Michigan vs. Nebraska)

60,780 Builders Square Alamo Bowl, Dec. 29, 1998 (Kansas State vs. Purdue)

60,675 Valero Alamo Bowl, December 28, 2018 (Iowa State vs. Washington State)

60,517 Valero Alamo Bowl, Jan. 2, 2015 (Kansas State vs. UCLA)

60,031 SYLVANIA Alamo Bowl, Dec. 30, 2000 (Nebraska vs. Northwestern)

57,653 Valero Alamo Bowl, December 28, 2017 (Stanford vs. TCU)

57,595 Valero Alamo Bowl, Dec. 29, 2010 (Arizona vs. Oklahoma State)

56,229 MasterCard Alamo Bowl, Dec. 29, 2003 (Nebraska vs. Michigan State)

55,986 Valero Alamo Bowl, December 29, 2008 (Missouri vs. Northwestern)

55,677 Builders Square Alamo Bowl, Dec. 29, 1996 (Texas Tech vs. Iowa)

55,552 Builders Square Alamo Bowl, Dec. 30, 1997 (Oklahoma State vs. Purdue)

50,690 Alamo Bowl presented by MasterCard, Dec. 31, 2002 (Wisc. vs. Colorado)

45,716 Builders Square Alamo Bowl, Dec. 31, 1993 (California vs. Iowa)

44,106 Builders Square Alamo Bowl, Dec. 31, 1994 (Washington State vs. Baylor)

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Links

• Final 2018 Alamo Bowl: Washington State 28, Iowa State 26

• 2018 Valero Alamo Bowl Wrap-Up Video

• Highlights: Gardner Minshew sets Pac-12 record in Washingon State’s Alamo Bowl victory

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Photos