October 13, 1979
PULLMAN, Wash. - Washington State used a go-ahead 1-yard touchdown run by Brian Sickler with 9:45 left to play to cap off a comeback victory over UCLA in the inaugural game at the newly renovated Martin Stadium.
The win didn't come easy for the Cougars, as the Bruins burst onto the scoreboard with two second-quarter touchdowns less than four minutes apart. Both came from the arm of Rick Bashore, including a 54-yard toss to Dokie Williams with 8:36 left in the half. However, the score would be UCLA's last of the game.
"Allowing UCLA 14 points with what our defense has had to endure is one fine tribute to them," WSU Head Coach Jim Walden said.
WSU answered the Bruin barrage by tightening on defense, and scoring steadily through the rest of the game. The Cougars began their climb back with a Tali Ena run from four yards out with 4:21 left in the second quarter.
Cougar kicker Mike DeSanto added a 21-yard field goal in the third quarter that brought WSU within four points at 14-10.
With just over 13 minutes left in the final quarter, WSU's Mike Snow blocked his second field goal of the game, holding the Bruins' lead to four.
On the ensuing possession, Cougar quarterback Steve Grant led his team 84 yards on 10 plays for the final score of the game, Sickler's 1-yard touchdown run. Grant finished the game with 149 yards on 10-of-17 passing.
UCLA 0 14 0 0 - 14
Washington State 0 7 3 7 - 17
Second Quarter
UCLA Curran 15-yard pass from Bashore (Boermeester kick) 12:00
UCLA Williams 54-yard pass from Bashore (Boermeester kick) 8:36
WSU Ena 4-yard run (DeSanto kick) 4:21
Third Quarter
WSU DeSanto 21-yard FG 5:21
Fourth Quarter
WSU Sickler 1-yard run (DeSanto kick) 9:45
