WSU had its awards banquet at Martin Stadium on Thursday night and quarterback Luke Falk was named team MVP
Sophomore quarterback Luke Falk was named team MVP at the Washington State football team’s annual awards banquet Thursday night at Martin Stadium.
Falk led the nation with 380.5 passing yards per game and ranked first in the Pac-12 in total offense (370.9). He led the Cougars to a 9-4 season that included wins at Oregon, against No. 18 UCLA and in the Sun Bowl against Miami.
Full list of awards given out:
- Offensive MVP: Junior receiver Gabe Marks (104 receptions, 15 touchdowns, All-Pac-12 First Team)
- Defensive MVP: Junior safety Shalom Luani (91 tackles, four interceptions)
- Special Teams MVP: Sophomore kicker Erik Powell (109 points — third-most all-time at WSU; Sun Bowl Special Teams MVP)
- Mike Utley Award (Offensive Lineman of the Year): Senior left tackle Joe Dahl (Second-team All-American, All-Pac-12 First Team)
- Leon Bender Award (Defensive Lineman of the Year): Senior defensive lineman Destiny Vaeao (12 tackles for loss, 4.5 sacks, All-Pac-12 Second Team)
- Tim Petek Strongest Man Award : Senior linebacker Kache Palacio (32 tackles, 25 solo tackles, 10.0 tackles for loss, 5.0 sacks, two forced fumbles)
- Ramdal Simmons Award (Coaches Award): Junior linebacker Parker Henry (71 tackles, 6.5 tackles for loss, one sack, one interception)
- Laurie Niemi Award (Senior courage award): Receiver Dom Williams and safety Taylor Taliulu
- Frank Butler Award (Cougar spirit): Senior linebacker Ivan McLennan
- Fred Bohler Award (Cougar inspiration): Senior defensive end Darryl Paulo
- Offensive Captain Award (for outstanding leadership during season): Senior offensive lineman Gunnar Eklund
- Defensive Captain Award (for outstanding leadership during season): Senior linebacker Jeremiah Allison
The team was also presented with its Sun Bowl rings.