Cameron Higgins

In 2007 as a freshman, Higgin's efficiency rating of 143.20 was the second best mark in the Big Sky Conference, behind league MVP Matt Nichols (156.5) of Eastern Washington. Higgins took over at quarterback for unsuccessful Alabama transfer Jimmy Barnes during the fourth game of the year. In WSU's 73-68 shootout win at Portland State University (a then-national record for combined points scored in a game),[4] he passed for 334 yards, and threw four touchdowns. In that same game he also rushed for 106 yards and three touchdowns. His 440 total offensive yard effort was the 10th best single game effort in WSU football history. Higgins was named the 2007 Big Sky Conference Newcomer of the Year, and was an Honorable Mention All-Big Sky selection.[1]

In Higgins' sophomore season, he put together one of the best seasons in the history of the Big Sky. His 4,477 passing yards set a single-season conference record, which also led the nation at the Football Championship Subdivision level.[5] Also, Higgins' 36 touchdown passes tied for the national lead. WSU was selected to finish no better than 5th in the Big Sky by the coaches and media preceding the season and Higgins led WSU to a 7-1 conference mark and a share of the Big Sky title, WSU's first in 40 years.[6] He was added to the Walter Payton Award watch list for the nation's best offensive player midway through the season after WSU's 5-0 conference mark. He would get enough votes for 6th place in the final voting. Higgins was voted Big Sky Conference Player of the Year, first-team All-Big Sky, and third-team All-American.[6] Higgins' defining moment may have come when he orchestrated an impressive game in the opening round of the FCS playoffs, completing 21-33 passes (no interceptions) for 399 yards and two touchdowns in WSU’s stunning 49-35 road win at highly touted No. 3-ranked Cal Poly.[7]