September 18, 1982 This Day In History

PIGSKIN REPORT

Colorado 12, Washington State 0 - September 18, 1982.

Colorado shut out an opponent for the first time since 1977, and won on the road for the first time in two years, defeating Washington State 12-0 in Pullman. It did not make up for the 14-10 “loss snatched from the jaws of victory” that CU had against Washington State in 1981, but it did give CU head coach Bill McCartney his first victory as a collegiate head coach, and squared his record as the Buffs’ coach at 1-1 (McCartney was not to reach .500 again as coach for seven years, until midway through the 1989 season).

The defense played inspired for their defensive-minded coach. Trailing 9-0 at half, the Cougars mounted a 16-play, 56-yard drive to the Buffs’ one yard line. There, WSU fullback James Matthews was stuffed on a 4th-and-goal attempt at the one yard line by outside linebacker Dave Alderson and defensive tackle Mark Shoop. It proved to be the only Cougar scoring threat of the day.

Kicker Tom Field supplied all of the points in the game with his four field goals. For his efforts, Field was named the Big Eight Offensive Player of the Week. CU’s rushing game proved adequate, with Lee Rouson contributing 97 yards on 22 carries, with senior halfback Richard Johnson chipping in 72 yards on 20 carries. These yards were necessary, though, as the passing game resumed pathetic status. Sophomore Steve Vogel got the start, but passed for only 20 yards on 2-15 passing.