With exactly one week to go before the start of the football season for the Washington State Cougars against the New Mexico State Aggies, there was at least some question as to who the starting quarterback would be. The Spokesman Review’s Theo Lawson reported this past Sunday that Anthony Gordon would be getting most of the work in practice this week ahead of Eastern Washington Eagles transfer Gage Gubrud, so it at least appeared Leach was leaning that way.

Then, Mike Leach did something very weird Saturday: he actually came out and named a starter!

Leach, on Anthony Gordon separating himself: “Well, some of it started in the spring I think. He had a really good spring, then he didn’t break stride from spring til camp.”



Asked Leach if he planned on starting the redshirt senior next week. His short answer: “Yes.” pic.twitter.com/rRAmKX1VTz — Theo Lawson (@TheoLawson_SR) August 24, 2019

This is certainly not standard operating procedure for Mike Leach, who was happy to continue to list three “ORs” at quarterback on the depth chart even into the bowl game last year. Take from this early pronouncement what you will but it appears Leach is very comfortable with his decision, especially considering reporters are locked out of practice this coming week and wouldn’t have been able to see who was taking the most reps at QB anyway.

Ready to see a bunch of these starting next weekend! #GoCougs #JoinTheHunt pic.twitter.com/HV5dQDzYnc — Washington State Football (@WSUCougarFB) August 24, 2019

This completes one hell of a story for Gordon. He transferred here three seasons ago, first sitting behind Luke Falk and then graduate transfer Gardner Minshew II last season. He patiently waited for his chance to start and had to fend off one more grad transfer during fall camp before finally earning the job. We knew last January how confident the team was in the guys they had on the roster, and now it looks their coach is too.