Cougars Offense Gets That Run-Down Feeling With Leaf Still Ailing, WSU’s No. 1 Defense Dominates Scrimmage

It’s unfair to judge an offense when the starting quarterback throws just four passes.

That said, it’s fair to say Washington State’s offense wasn’t very good during Thursday’s scrimmage in Martin Stadium.

When the practice game finally ended, the first- and second-team offenses had combined for 191 yards passing and 56 net rushing yards. Punter Jeff Banks had by far the longest run from scrimmage, a 43-yard touchdown “burst” on a fake punt that made him the game’s leading rusher by 24 yards.

“We’re going to play a lot better on offense than we did today,’ head coach Mike Price vowed. “But I was very pleased with the No. 1 defense, the way they ran around the field and hit.”

It helped the defense to know Ryan Leaf couldn’t throw the ball. The starting quarterback continued to rest a sore throwing arm and attempted only four passes, completing two. He played sparingly after handing off three straight times on the first series, giving way to freshman Steve Birnbaum (13 for 27, 184 yards).

“It’s sore because I’ve been throwing 500 times a day,” Leaf said, “and that’s no exaggeration.”

With Leaf watching and Birnbaum not entirely acclimated to working with the starting unit, running back Michael Black found himself in a no-win situation. The junior transfer carried 10 times for 11 yards and a headache.

“We were emphasizing the run and the defense knew it,” right guard Bryan Chiu said. “We haven’t quite jelled yet.”

Birnbaum, meanwhile, couldn’t lose - he got to play quarterback for both teams. When linebacker Steve Gleason recovered a fumble after Birnbaum and Black botched a handoff inside their own 5-yard line, the quarterback went from being backed into a corner with one team to facing first-and-goal from the 1 with the other. Given another chance, Black followed Chiu and Rob Rainville into the end zone.

Notes

A new two-deep roster revealed several changes. Derek Henderson has regained his starting position from Ray Jackson at free safety; Rainville has supplanted the injured Ryan McShane at right tackle; and Delmar Morais is ahead of the injured Gary Holmes at defensive tackle. … There were no TD passes or interceptions Thursday. … Linebacker James Darling returned a fumble by Black 32 yards for a touchdown. Tackle Leon Bender forced the fumble. … Adesola Moronkola scored on an 80-yard kickoff return. … Banks had several impressive punts, including a 50-yarder, while Tony Truant sent one kickoff through the end zone. … Nian Taylor led all receivers with three receptions for 62 yards, partially offsetting several drops, and had an 80-yard kickoff return nullified by a penalty. The penalty also wasted a devastating block by Terrell Henderson. … Tight end David Knuff made a diving catch at the 1-yard line. … Backup defensive lineman Brad Lawson, having overcome a shoulder injury, had one sack.

Clinic offered

The WSU coaches and players and Spokane Youth Sports are cosponsoring a free clinic for youth Saturday, 4-5:30 p.m., at the North Complex next to Albi Stadium.

, DataTimes