Highs and lows

High point of the game

With time running out in the first half, Alex Brink teamed with freshman Jeshua Anderson for 47 yards on a third-and-9, giving WSU a first down at the Arizona State 32. On the next play, Brink found Brandon Gibson on the right sideline as Justin Tryon fell down on his bump. Gibson dove, caught the ball, got a foot down and the ball across the goal line as he was headed out of bounds. The play gave WSU a 10-7 lead at intermission.

Low point of the game

It has to be with 12 seconds remaining, as Romeen Abdollmohammadi’s 46-yard field goal attempt traveled past the left upright only a foot or two to the left. The Cougars last drive, covering 51 yards in just 38 seconds, gave the 35,117 in attendance a reason to hope a game-tying rally was possible. But the kick was just off and the comeback was thwarted.

A pat on the back

… to the defense. After five games of not being able to stop anyone, the group stepped up and shut down an Arizona State offense that is as potent as any in the Pac-10. They did it by letting loose the hounds aimed at quarterback Rudy Carpenter. When it was over there were seven sacks, four by Andy Mattingly, and 14 tackles for loss total.

Needs fixing

The passing offense’s timing against man coverage. The Sun Devils were physical and aggressive, bumping WSU’s receivers off routes and severing most of Alex Brink’s usual connections with them. After opponents watch tape of this game, it could be something WSU will face down the stretch – though most teams won’t have the type of cornerbacks ASU does.

Three unanswered questions

“Will the defense continue to blitz? Coach Bill Doba’s game plans will be tailored to the opponent, so in some games the Cougs won’t come as much.

“What’s up with the offense? After 111 points in two non-conference games, the Cougs have scored just 54 in three Pac-10 contests.

“Is .500 the top end? It is baring a huge upset. With No. 2 Cal and No. 9 Oregon on the road, WSU will have to pull a major shocker and win out at home to finish above the break-even mark.

Vince Grippi