WSU recap
High point of the game
After squandering their first-quarter dominance, the Cougars asserted themselves as the superior team with a 20-point second quarter. Never was it more clear that WSU was taking control than after Jason Hill came on to play special teams for the first time in three years and promptly blocked a punt deep in Stanford territory. Mike Graise, who less than two minutes earlier had returned an interception for a score, pounced on the ball and set up the Cougars’ first offensive touchdown of the game.
Low point of the game
On the last play of the first quarter WSU running back Dwight Tardy fumbled, giving Stanford’s Ekom Udofia his second fumble recovery of the game. This one came on the Cardinal’s 11-yard line and ended the Cougars’ third offensive drive of the game. All three went either 11 or 12 plays. All three lasted longer than four minutes. And all three resulted in no points. After the Tardy fumble, when Stanford had weathered the first quarter with virtually no damage, it appeared that WSU might have given up its golden opportunity to win the game early.
A pat on the back
WSU’s defense has allowed just 35 points in three games, 25 in the last two against BCS conference competition. Against the Cardinal the Cougars racked up eight quarterback sacks and allowed less than 200 total yards. In particular, the WSU defensive line controlled things from the start, harassing Trent Edwards in the backfield, limiting his running opportunities and eliminating the rest of Stanford’s ground game as well.
Needs fixing
As was the case a week earlier against Baylor, the WSU offense continues to squander meaningful opportunities to score points. On Saturday the Cougars spoiled multiple red-zone trips in the first quarter and fumbled four times in all. (Stanford recovered three of those fumbles.) The Cougars will not fare as well against better teams unless they protect the ball – and their precious scoring opportunities.
Three unanswered questions
•How will the Cougars react to tougher competition?
•Can the defensive line continue to generate such an impressive pass rush?
•WSU has had tremendous success running to the right behind tackle Charles Harris, but can it duplicate that on the left side as well?
Glenn Kasses