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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Christian Caple’s Keys to the WSU-Oregon State Game

What went right

Washington State played its best defense of the season, holding No. 14 Oregon State to just six points in the first half despite a big field-position edge for the Beavers. OSU finished with 370 yards of total offense but also ran 31 more plays than the Cougars. Deone Bucannon, Ioane Gauta and Casey Locker each intercepted OSU quarterback Sean Mannion, who was also sacked three times.

What went wrong

The Cougars couldn’t do much of anything on offense. They tried two quarterbacks – Connor Halliday and Jeff Tuel – but neither put the ball in the end zone. Pass protection was a problem at times, and coach Mike Leach said that the Cougars resorted to “street ball” too often instead of relying on their technique in times of adversity. WSU has failed to score a TD in two games this season.

Turning point

Oregon State drove 86 yards on 12 plays to score its final touchdown with 4:27 left in the game, taking a 19-6 lead in the process. Though a Jordan Poyer interception of Tuel may have been the final nail, it was OSU’s score that put the game out of reach. The drive lasted 5:01, and was capped by a 1-yard Tyler Anderson touchdown run.

Difference-maker

Jordan Poyer is likely to be named Pac-12 Defensive Player of the Week after helping himself to three interceptions, nearly returning the last one for a touchdown. Oregon State defensive end Scott Crichton was also a nuisance, recording three sacks of Tuel, two of them on one series. Markus Wheaton caught nine passes for 95 yards and a touchdown.