Washington State defeated Iowa State 28-26 in the Alamo Bowl on Friday night to cap one of the best seasons in school history. 

The victory was Wazzu’s 11th on the season, a school record, and it was sealed in a very Mike Leach way: by throwing the football. 

Trying to run out the clock after a Cyclones touchdown (and failed two-point conversion), Cougars star QB Gardner Minshew threw a pass on second-and-9 with 1:30 to go – with Iowa State out of timeouts. And it wasn’t just any pass, it was an 18-yard throw to Dezmon Patmon.  

Even crazier than the decision, though, was the play on the ball that Patmon made to seal the game.

Patmon did not immediately bring down the catch, which was pretty well defended. Instead, Patmon made the grab while rolling onto his back, squeezing his legs together to catch the ball between his knees before it hit the turf. 

Given the circumstances, it’s about as good a catch as you’re going to see. 

Patmon finished the day with six receptions for 76 yards, including a touchdown in the second quarter. 

As for the call, well, that’s why Leach earned the nickname “The Pirate.” 

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