WSU-Arizona: Jacob Thorpe’s Keys to the Game

What went right

WSU put together a complete game, something it has struggled with lately. Against OSU the Cougars gave up 35 unanswered points after hanging with the Beavers for nearly three quarters and the team didn’t pick up a first down against ASU until the Sun Devils were up 21-0. But on the road against Arizona the Cougars jumped out to a 10-0 lead and made critical and plays late in the game.

What went wrong

The Cougars gave up 216 rushing yards from scrimmage and 90 yards to UA running back Ka’Deem Carey in the first half. While Carey’s success is understandable considering he’s one of the nation’s premiere rushers, WSU allowed quarterback B.J. Denker to pick up four first downs with his legs, including three on third or fourth down.

Turning point

It wasn’t over until Arizona’s Samajie Grant landed out of bounds after catching quarterback B.J. Denker’s throw to the end zone. After Isaiah Myers’ 25-yard touchdown reception gave WSU a seven-point lead with just 2:15 to play, Arizona promptly marched down the field. The Cougars defense held on for the win in a game that was in doubt until the final second had ticked off the clock.

Difference maker

Wide receiver Dom Williams may not have caught the winning touchdown in the Cougars’ late-game victory over the Wildcats. Williams had seven receptions for 75 yards to lead the Cougars. But more significantly, he caught four passes for 56 yards in the fourth quarter, allowing WSU to move the ball downfield at a critical time in the game.