What price victory? For WSU, $25,000
Washington State was fined $25,000 by the Pac-12 because its fans rushed the field in celebration of the team’s 30-27 upset of then-No. 5 USC on Friday.
Last year, the conference introduced a policy of fining schools when fans rush the field or court. The second offense costs $50,000, and the third draws a $100,000 fine.
“It was an electric game in a very exciting atmosphere, and the safety of both the fans and the players always needs to be taken into account,” USC head coach Clay Helton said on Tuesday’s Pac-12 coaches’ conference call. “It’s a very hard situation in that type of environment. I know Washington State did its best job to try to create a safe environment. When you have that many fans, that excited, they found their way down on the field and made for a chaotic scene.
“It’s understandable. That’s a big win for their football team.”
Fans were already climbing over the walls when the public-address announcer warned them to stay off the field following the game, and within minutes of the final horn, there were thousands of fans swarming the field.
A video showed an unidentified USC player colliding with a spectator on the field, and Helton said an in-house punishment had been levied.
“This enhanced policy underscores the importance our universities place on the safety and welfare of our student-athletes, officials and fans, and will allow us to educate staffs and fans on the procedures,” Cal athletic director Mike
Williams said when the fine structure was instituted in May.
Topping the charts: Washington State senior quarterback Luke Falk moved atop the conference all-time list in completions (1,211) and is within striking distance of several other records.
His 105 touchdown passes are tied for second, 11 behind Matt Barkley (USC, 2009-12). Falk’s 12,611 passing yards rank third, behind Oregon State’s Sean Mannion (13,600 from 2011-14) and Barkley (13,327).
“The biggest thing is that (Washington State) gave me an equal opportunity,” the former walkon said. “I believed coach (Mike) Leach when he said he’d give me a fair shot to compete with the players on scholarship. … I think everything just kind of worked out, and the stars just kind of aligned here at Washington State.
“I can’t say how things would have worked out in another program, because I don’t know if I would have had a fair opportunity.”
Next, next man up: Oregon might be down to its third-string quarterback for Saturday night’s game against Washington State as starter Justin
Herbert will be “out for a while,” according to head coach Willie Taggart, and backup Taylor
Alie reportedly has a concussion. Freshman Braxton Burmeister made his debut after Herbert broke his left collarbone in Saturday’s victory over Cal and Alie followed the starter to the sideline two quarters later.
“I’m sure him and the rest of the guys are excited again about the opportunity to go out and help this football team,” Taggart said. “I’m excited for those guys. You’ve got to be kidding me, come to college and now I get a chance to help a big-time program win some games?
“Got to love it, baby.”