Leaf’s passing and Michael Black’s running get...

Leaf’s passing and Michael Black’s running get most of the attention for Washington State.

But a rush defense anchored by tackle Leon Bender and end Dorian Boose deserved some accolades during the season too--though it figures to be tested against Michigan.

The Wolverines average 187.3 yards a game--and Washington State has given up only 116.5.

The only team to rush for 200 yards against Washington State this season was UCLA, whose 209 yards were bolstered by Skip Hicks’ 92-yard run.

Four opponents didn’t manage 100 yards against the Cougars--USC (31), Boise State (46), Arizona (73) and Southwest Louisiana (75).

Perhaps most impressive, the Cougars gave up only seven runs longer than 25 yards.

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The Cougars have scored in a school-record 154 consecutive games, and haven’t been shut out since a 44-0 loss to Ohio State in 1984.