Cougars, Devils desperate for a win

TEMPE, Ariz. — The Arizona State football team has been in a funk over the past month, its offense stuck in neutral as the losses piled up.

Still, the Sun Devils are in a better place than Washington State.

The Cougars (2-8) have had a tough initial season under head coach Mike Leach. They have yet to win a Pac-12 game and have just two wins overall. Making things worse, star receiver Marquess Wilson quit the team, claiming he was physically, emotionally and verbally abused by WSU’s coaches.

Facing a desperate team and trying to play amid a swirling controversy, the Cougars are going to need all the focus they can get today at Sun Devil Stadium.

“I tell you guys, it’s not a distraction,” Washington State quarterback Jeff Tuel told reporters this week. “We’re not worrying about that. We’re not going out on the field and going, ‘Oh man, Marquess wrote a letter (criticizing the coach staff).’ It’s not happening. It’s not reality.”

Washington State hired Leach late last year to revitalize a program that has struggled for several years.

It hasn’t happened yet.

While the fan base was excited about the hiring of a coach known for his offensive creativity, Leach has yet to get his Air Raid offense in full gear, leading to a dismal opening season.

The Cougars managed to beat Eastern Washington and UNLV early in the season to open 2-1, but are winless in seven games since the Pac-12 season started, the latest loss a 44-36 setback against No. 17 UCLA after giving up 30 points in the second quarter.

Distractions or not, the Cougars face a tough test in the desert, playing a team that needs a win nearly as much as they do.

Arizona State (5-5) got off to a great start in its first year under coach Todd Graham, opening 5-1. But, just like last season, the Sun Devils tapered off, losing their past four games during a brutal stretch in the schedule.

Arizona State’s slide started with a 43-21 loss to then-No. 2 Oregon on Oct. 18, followed by losses to UCLA, Oregon State and Southern California, all ranked teams.

The loss to the Trojans, 38-21 last Saturday, left the Sun Devils on the verge of matching last year’s collapse of five straight losses to end the season.

With the seniors playing their last home game and bowl eligibility on the line, they have extra motivation to make sure this season’s losing streak ends today.

“Our guys came in Sunday and know that we don’t have an opportunity to compete for a championship as far as the Pac-12,” Graham said. “That’s disappointing, but we talked a lot about the seniors, talked a lot about this program and where we want this program to be. We have to go get bowl eligible.”

In order to accomplish that goal, the Sun Devils need to get their sputtering offense untracked.

Arizona State ran Graham’s up-tempo scheme efficiently early in the season, churning out yards behind playmaking quarterback Taylor Kelly and a strong running game.

Teams over the past month have figured out how to bottle up the Sun Devils’ running game, forcing them to the air. Without much depth at receiver, Arizona State has struggled to produce the big plays it had early in the season and Kelly’s numbers have gone down without as much help from the ground game.

“As the year has gone on, we have a lot of depth in our best players as far as playmakers at the running back position,” Graham said. “The teams do plan and do look to take away that, and we have struggled to have playmakers on the outside at the receiver position.

“We have to get better there.”

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Sports

Everett’s Alana Washington poses for a photo at Everett High School on March 24, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
The Herald’s 2023-24 Girls Basketball Player of the Year: Alana Washington

The Everett senior upped her game in the postseason to help the Seagulls overcome injuries and claim their first state trophy in 41 years.

Left to right, Arlington’s Samara Morrow, Kamiak’s Bella Hasan, Everett’s Alana Washington, Lake Steven’s Nisa Ellis, Lynnwood’s Aniya Hooker, and Meadowdale’s Gia Powell, pose for a photo at Everett High School on March 24, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
The Herald’s 2023-24 All-Area girls basketball teams

A look at the top prep girls basketball players in the area from the 2023-24 season.

Silvertips players celebrate during a game between the Everett Silvertips and Tri-City Americans at the Angel of the Winds Arena on Sunday, Jan. 21, 2024. The Silvertips won, 5-3. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
Silvertips land No. 1 pick, chance to draft generational talent

Landon DuPont is the consensus top pick in next WHL prospects draft. Everett chief operating officer Zoran Rajcic said the team intends to select him.

Dennis Williams, head coach and GM of the Everett Silvertips, shakes hands with an assistant coach at the end of a season opening victory over the Vancouver Giants on Saturday, Sep. 24, 2022, at Angel of the Winds Arena in Everett, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
Coach, GM Williams leaving Silvertips for Bowling Green State

After seven successful season leading Everett, Dennis Williams is heading back to his alma mater. He’ll stay with the Tips through the WHL playoffs.

University of Washington's new men's basketball coach Danny Sprinkle meets the news media, Wednesday, March 27, 2024 in Seattle. (Ken Lambert/The Seattle Times via AP)
Taking over at Washington personal for men’s basketball coach Sprinkle

Danny Sprinkle spoke about his connection to the school during his introductory press conference Wednesday.

Mountlake Terrace’s Jaxon Dubiel talks with head coach Nalin Sood during the 3A boys state basketball game against Todd Beamer on Wednesday, Feb. 28, 2024 in Tacoma, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
‘It was just time’: Mountlake Terrace basketball coach Sood steps down

Nalin Sood guided his alma mater to 381 wins and 15 state berths in 24 seasons as head coach. He spent over four decades with the program.

Stanwood High School student athletes during their signing day ceremony. (Courtesy of Stanwood High School)
Local class of 2024 athletes who have signed to play in college

A running list of 2024 high school athletes who are set to compete at the next level.

X
Prep roundup for Tuesday, March 26

Prep roundup for Tuesday, March 26: (Note for coaches/scorekeepers: To report results… Continue reading

Silvertips’ Kaden Hammell (47) enters the rink during a game between the Everett Silvertips and the Tri-City Americans at the Angel of the Winds Arena on Sunday, March 24, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
Patterson: Overachieving Silvertips had season worth celebrating

In a season when some thought the team’s playoff streak could end, Everett put together one of its greatest campaigns.

Washington State athletic director Pat Chun, center, watches players on the first day of NCAA college football practice, Friday, Aug. 6, 2021, in Pullman, Wash. (AP Photo/Ted S. Warren)
Washington hires AD Chun away from rival Washington State

UW quickly targeted its in-state rival’s athletic director after Troy Dannen’s sudden departure.

Seattle Mariners' Mitch Haniger hits a single against the San Diego Padres during the fourth inning of a spring training baseball game Monday, March 11, 2024, in Peoria, Ariz. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)
Why the Mariners could win the AL West, and what could hold them back

Starting pitching, a renovated offense and regression in the AL West are in Seattle’s favor, but injury issues, bullpen concerns and the Houston Astros could be a problem.

X
Vote for The Herald’s Prep Athlete of the Week for March 18-24

The Athlete of the Week nominees for March 18-24. Voting closes at… Continue reading

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.