SAN DIEGO — The play that epitomized Washington State’s 17-12 Holiday Bowl defeat against underdog Minnesota occurred with 3:23 left in the third quarter.
On third-and-eight from WSU’s 13-yard line, Minnesota quarterback Mitch Leidner — who was 5 of 12 for 70 passing yards at that point — lofted the ball up toward the end zone, a floater of a pass the Cougars’ defensive backs gazed at longingly.
Dropping in coverage, right cornerback Marcellus Pippins reached up, and until his right hand connected with the ball it looked like it would be an interception and WSU’s second take-away of the game.