Highs and lows
High point of the game
The first six plays. WSU took the ball at its 35 – the Oregon kickoff went out-of-bounds – and drove to the Ducks’ 23, mainly on the arm of Alex Brink. The senior look composed and fine-tuned despite the pressure of playing at home for the first time.
Low point of the game
The seventh play. With the offense clicking, Brink tried to hit Michael Bumpus inside the 10. The throw was late, the middle was crowded and linebacker Jerome Boyd turned into the receiver. Then he morphed into a running back, weaving his way from the Duck 9 to Washington State’s 42. To make matters worse, there was a misread defensively on the first play and Jeremiah Johnson busted loose for a touchdown.
A pat on the back
… to the punt coverage team. The Cougars seem to have answered the questions in this area. The rugby-style punt – with Reid Forrest sprinting to his right, seeing if there is a lane and, if there isn’t, booting the ball on the run – not only relieves pressure, it also allows the coverage team to get further down field. The Ducks fielded five punts and totaled 9 yards in returns. Forrest averaged 39.2 with a net of 37.7.
Needs fixing
Where to start? In a 53-7 trouncing, there are plenty of areas to single out. Probably the area needing the most attention is the offense, stagnant the past few weeks. The disappearance of the running game in conference stands out. Taking sacks out of the equation, the Cougars are averaging 4.1 yards a carry in conference (including 5.1 against Oregon), but have run less than 24 times a game. A solid rushing attack shortens games, rests the defense and wears down the opponent.
Three unanswered questions
• How will the rout affect the Cougars? The mood of the team seemed more defiant Saturday then defeated. It’s that type of attitude that precedes improvement.
• Will the bye help? Since 2000, WSU is 5-2 after byes, including 1-1 in Doba’s four seasons. But no matter what, this team needs a break, not only physically but mentally as well.
• Are changes on the way? Nothing drastic, but injuries might necessitate some fine-tuning on the offensive line and defensive secondary.
Vince Grippi