Washington State running back Nakia Watson (25) runs for a 41-yard touchdown against Stanford during the first half at Stanford Stadium on Sat Nov 5, 2022 (AP News photo)

By Michael Roberson

STANFORD, Calf.– The Stanford Cardinal (3-6, 1-6 Pac 12) suffers another conference loss, this time in blowout fashion to the Washington State Cougars (5-4, 2-4 Pac 12), 52-14.

The visiting Cougars wasted no time in pouncing on the Cardinal, as they scored 21 straight points within the first ten minutes of the game. Washington States scoring in the initial stanza was: A three yard rushing touchdown by freshman receiver, Leyton Smithson.

Sophomore quarterback Cameron Ward threw a seven yard touchdown to receiver Anderson Grover, and scored one himself on a 15-yard scramble to paydirt. Stanford did manage to score before the first quarter expired, when backup freshman quarterback Ashton Daniels rushed for a one-yard touchdown, 21-7 WSU

Washington State was not finished scoring, as they tacked on another 21 points on their opponent. Stanford’s three fumbles helped a great deal too in Washington State’s prolific scoring. Ashton Daniels fumbled, which was recovered by freshman safety Jaden Hicks for a 17-yard touchdown.

Cameron Ward tossed another touchdown for nine yards to sophomore Donovan Ollie. With less than a minute to go in the half, Cougars’ junior running back Nakia Watson exploded through the line for a 49-yard touchdown. 42-7 WSU

After the mid game break, Stanford scratched the scoreboard with another touchdown by Ashton Daniels, on a two yard rush. Washington State countered with a 22-yard field goal by sophomore kicker Sean Janikowski. After 45 minutes of play, 45-14 WSU.

The final period had the Cougars, backup freshman quarterback getting into the action. John Mateer hurled the pigskin 27 yards to fellow freshman Orion Peters for the final tally of the contest. Washington State surpassed the half-century mark, 52-14 over the hosting Stanford Cardinal.

Stanford will take their two-game losing streak to Salt Lake City and battle the Utah Utes Saturday, November 15, while Washington State hosts Arizona State on the same date.

Cardinal quarterback Tanner McKee threw for 236 yards and no TD’s, while his backup, Ashton Daniels rushed for two touchdowns.

Cougars’ QB, Cameron Ward threw two TD’s and rushed for another, while his backup, John Mateer converted a touchdown pass himself. Running Back Nakia Watson rushed for 166 yards and scored a 49-yard touchdown.

Stanford’s next home game will be a non conference battle against the Brigham Young University Cougars Thanksgiving Weekend, Saturday, November 26.