It never really seemed like Washington State had much of a chance in their season opener against Oklahoma State (because they didn't). The Cowboys pounded past the Cougars, 39-13.
A few things stuck out: the defense was pretty good (solid at times), the offense stunk, and special teams really stunk!
We'll start with the offense. The Cougars did not score in the first half. In fact, they never even got close to scoring. Wazzu accumulated only three first downs and 52 total yards in the first half (they finished with 14 first downs and 196 total yards).
They finally started moving the ball in the third quarter. That's because Paul Wulff and his coaching staff realized that Brandon Gibson is pretty darn good (and he needs to get the ball). Gibson didn't touch the football until there were eight minutes left in the third. Then, they didn't stop going to him. He finished with six catches for 53 yards and a touchdown. He even threw a pass (even though it was incomplete).
Gary Rogers was less than stellar. He completed 12 of 24 passes for 82 yards and one interception, and just didn't look very good. He held on to the ball too long at times (he fumbled on the opening drive while staring down a receiver) and was inaccurate (for the most part). He also didn't get much help from the receivers. Gibson dropped two catchable passes in the first half and true freshman Kevin Norrell dropped a pass as well.
Defensively, the team looked good (they just got exhausted). The Cougars were still in the ball game at the half (15-0, Oklahoma State) because the defense was solid. Andy Mattingly (only two tackles, but he was all over the field), Jason Stripling (eight tackles), and Greg Trent (nine tackles) really stood out to me. Oklahoma State finally figured out that Dez Bryant (nine catches for 90 yards) was much bigger than the WSU defensive backs and kept throwing jump balls to him. It all fell apart after that. Time of possession also played a major roll (the defense was on the field way too long)...Cowboys 33:06 WSU 26:54 (even though it seemed more lopsided than that...especially in the first half).
The ugliest part of the game was the Cougars special teams. Starting punter Dan Wagner (who is actually a walk-on QB) did a respectable job in place of injured Reid Forrest, but didn't do nearly good enough (he averaged 39 yards per punt). OSU had punt returns of 42 and 68 yards (the first resulted in a field goal; the second a touchdown). They also had a kick return of 90 yards for a touchdown (right after Wazzu scored their first touchdown...squashing any momentum).
Speaking of kicking (everyone knows, or should learn, that the Cougs kickers aren't very good), Wade Penner missed an extra point. WSU really needs to figure something out here.
There are positives to take away from this (the defense), but mostly it was an ugly performance (the Cougs were booed by their "home" crowd after a three-and-out in the second quarter). Wulff knew this wouldn't be the best Cougar football team on the field today (he said that after the last fall scrimmage), but I don't think he was expecting this (maybe he was).
All the Cougars can do now is build on their first game under the new coaching staff. I'm sure they learned a lot about themselves. Hopefully, they can clean things up by next weekend's home opener against California.
P.S. Former WSU defensive end Mkristo Bruce was released by the Jacksonville Jaguars today.
UPDATE - 10:40pm: More ex-Cougars were released today:
Michael Bumpus was cut by the Seattle Seahawks.
Ropati Pitoitua was waived by the New York Jets.
Jed Collins was let go by the Philadelphia Eagles.
A very accurate, although very disappointing description of todays let down. Cougs are just getting started though. We'll get there (fingers crossed...)
Now that my prediction for the Mariner's season turned out to be way, way, way off the mark, I'm sooo excited for Wulff era football, even though it's gonna be a long, hard road.
I remember when I was a Coug, all Jason Hanson had to do was walk on the field and the entire stadium would raise their arms in unison and shout, "It's good!" Even a 60 yarder! Has he got a younger brother or even a son we could get?
And, yikes, I thought the hippies of Berkeley looked pretty good last night against Michigan State-nice home opener. But this whole season might be a grin and bear it one, our conference is just so good.
I am positive, Paul, like Tony, is the right man for the job and given some time, will be as successful at WAZZU as he was at Eastern.
By the way, Tim, your glasses are fabulous.
Kim
I got to see you on the air while passing through Spokane from Stillwater to Seattle. (Most flew a charter but I wanted to get a real flavor of the Western US). Anyway, you're kind of like Alka-Selzer, effervescent! (that means bubbly).
Anyway, since we have a connection I thought I'd tell you that even when the opposing coaching staff knows they need to stop me but still can't, that's a problem for your football team.
I liked your blog (except I think you should use some more parenthesis).
Yours truly,
Dez