One of the strongest indictments of Washington State’s defense on Saturday night in a 38-35 loss to New Mexico came from the mouth of veteran linebacker Kyle Thornton.

No. 19 Washington State's hope of reaching the College Football Playoff came to an abrupt end with a stunning 38-35 road loss to New Mexico.

No. 19 Washington State’s quarterback and linebacker were at the center of this result, a 38-35 setback to New Mexico Saturday night, and in the parking lot about a half-hour after the final buzzer, they seemed to understand as much.