Leaf Blown Away by Michigan
Leaf Blown Away by Michigan
By Nicholas K. GeraniosAssociated Press Writer
Thursday, January 1, 1998; 10:44 p.m. EST
PASADENA, Calif. (AP) -- Ryan Leaf ended what could be his last college game by blowing kisses to Washington State's fans and walking off the field arm in arm with his coach.
Leaf savored the final moments of the Cougars' first Rose Bowl visit in 67 years, a 21-16 loss Thursday to No. 1 Michigan.
The junior quarterback and the Cougars had a rough day against the Wolverines' top-rated defense, which never let WSU's vaunted passing attack get going.
The Cougars, making their first Rose Bowl appearance in 67 years, were held 26 points below their season average and 171 yards below their season average of 502.
``They're one of the best teams we played this season,'' Leaf said. ``They proved it on the field today. ... The best pass defense is a good pass rush. That's exactly what they had there.''
Leaf, who finished third in the Heisman voting, said he will hold a news conference Friday to announce whether he will skip his senior year and jump straight to the NFL. He declined to hint at his plans.
Leaf completed 17 of 35 passes for 331 yards, with one touchdown and one costly interception to Heisman winner Charles Woodson. It was the fifth-highest passing performance in Rose Bowl history, and every member of WSU's Fab Five receiving corps caught passes.
But Leaf completed just eight of 20 passes for 106 yards in the first half, in part because of numerous dropped balls by his receivers.
Woodson's interception occurred as Washington State was leading 7-0 early in the second quarter and had marched to Michigan's 12. The pass rush flushed Leaf to his left, and he tried to throw across his body, intending to hit Kevin McKenzie in the end zone. But Woodson stepped in front to kill the drive.
``It slipped out of my hands,'' Leaf said. ``He's (Woodson) a great player. If you make mistakes, he's going to beat you.''
Washington State managed a third quarter touchdown on a 14-yard reverse, and got a field goal with 7:25 left to cut Michigan's lead to 21-16.
But quarterback Brian Griese led Michigan on a 15-play drive that consumed 6:56, leaving Washington State with just 29 seconds left.
Two pass plays moved the Cougars to Michigan's 26, and with two seconds left, Leaf took a final snap and spiked the ball, hoping for one more play.
But officials ruled time had expired.
``I felt one second would be left,'' said Leaf, who declined to blame officials and said there was confusion on the noisy field. ``It's tough to go 80 yards in 30 seconds.''
© Copyright 1998 The Associated Press
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