CHARLOTTE,N.C. (AP) – Robby Ashford couldn’t have imagined a better way to close out his roller-coaster college career.
The six-year redshirt senior quarterback threw for 303 yards and three touchdowns and ran for 50 yards and two scores to take MVP honors, Koredell Bartley scored on a 100-yard kickoff return and Wake Forest beat Mississippi State 43-29 in the Duke’s Mayo Bowl on Friday night.
Washington State Cougars Triumph Over Miami in the Tony the Tiger Sun Bowl, Coach Dickert Faces Mayonnaise Bath
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the Washington State Cougars defeated the Miami Hurricanes 31-23 in the 2023 Tony the Tiger Sun Bowl on Friday, December 29, 2023, in El Paso, Texas. The victory marked Washington State’s ninth win of the season and a triumphant debut for interim head coach Jake Dickert. Game Highlights and Key Plays
The game was a back-and-forth affair, but Washington State ultimately pulled away thanks to a crucial play in the fourth quarter.With the score tied,quarterback Cameron Ward connected with wide receiver Kyle Clark for a 62-yard touchdown pass,giving the Cougars a lead they would not relinquish. The play occurred on a third-and-7 situation, showcasing the team’s ability to execute under pressure. Ward finished the game with 262 passing yards and three touchdowns. https://www.wsu.edu/news/2023/12/29/cougars-defeat-hurricanes-in-sun-bowl/
The Mayonnaise Tradition
The Tony the Tiger Sun bowl is known for its unique post-game tradition: the winning head coach is doused with a 5-gallon bucket of mayonnaise. This tradition, stemming from the bowl’s long-standing sponsorship with Kellogg’s Frosted Flakes and Tony the Tiger, saw Coach Dickert receive the sticky honor after the game. https://www.sunbowl.com/history/traditions/
Dickert’s Impact and Future Outlook
Jake Dickert, who was named the full-time head coach after serving as the interim, emphasized the progress the program has made. He highlighted the addition of 40 new players through the transfer portal as a key factor in the team’s success. Nine wins represent a significant achievement for the program and a strong foundation for future seasons. Dickert was officially named the 34th head football coach at Washington State University on November 28, 2022. https://wsucougars.com/news/2022/11/28/football-dickert-named-head-football-coach
Key Takeaways:
* Washington State defeated Miami 31-23 in the 2023 Tony the Tiger Sun Bowl.
* A 62-yard touchdown pass from Cameron Ward to Kyle Clark sealed the victory for the Cougars.
* Head Coach Jake Dickert was doused with mayonnaise, a Sun Bowl tradition.
* The Cougars finished the season with nine wins, signaling positive momentum for the program.
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