PULLMAN — Across the last three weeks, Washington State’s defense had been maligned and scrutinized in just about every conceivable way. That unit was getting gashed for yards and torched for points. Defensive coordinator Jeff Schmedding was under the microscope more than ever before.
It’s the third-straight loss for the Cougars, who complete the regular season with an 8-4 record. They’ll end the regular slate with setbacks to New Mexico, Oregon State and now Wyoming, the last of which entered Saturday’s game with a 2-9 record. The Cowboys’ quarterback, Svoboda, was benched only four games prior.
WSU’s defense had major questions to answer after the first of those two losses. The culprit behind the third was the Cougars’ offense, which didn’t score in the second half, producing no points on their final eight drives of the game. Quarterback John Mateer completed 16 of 22 passes for a touchdown and an interception on the final possession for the Cougs, who generated only 56 yards in the second half.
Helping out on Wyoming’s final drive was WSU cornerback Ethan O’Connor, whose facemask penalty handed Wyoming 15 free yards, and Cowboy receiver Chris Durr, who hauled in a leaping catch for a first down around midfield. Eight plays later, Wyoming took the lead for good.
It overshadowed a largely staunch outing from WSU’s defense, which supplied two forced fumbles and recoveries in the fourth quarter. The first came courtesy of senior edge rusher Quinn Roff, who rattled Svoboda with a sack to jar the ball loose. Linebacker Buddah Al-Uqdah scooped it up and returned it 15 yards, setting up his offense with great field position.
The second fumble came one drive later. It was caused by senior edge Nusi Malani, who stripped Svoboda on a fourth-down QB keeper. Al-Uqdah fell on the fumble for the second-straight time.
But also for the second straight time, the Cougs’ offense managed nothing. After a chunk rush from freshman running back Wayshawn Parker, who totaled 45 rushing yards on 14 carries, WSU gained just seven yards on its next two plays. On its third, Mateer was dragged down in the backfield, a sack that gave Wyoming another chance on offense.
A week after putting up 38 points, Washington State’s offense sleepwalked through much of this contest. The Cougars punted on all three of their third-quarter drives. Mateer and WSU’s offense his offense looked sluggish for series after series. The Cougs scored twice in the first half, a 37-yard touchdown catch by senior receiver Kyle Williams and a short scoring plunge by Mateer.
None of that rhythm translated to the second half. Even when Roff sacked Svoboda and WSU’s defense finally woke up, finally injected some energy into a sparsely-full Martin Stadium, the Cougs’ offense couldn’t do much with it. On fourth-and-3, Mateer took off, but he was dragged down a yard shy of the marker.
Wyoming stayed in the game thanks to a few field goals scattered across the game. Cowboy kicker John Hoyland nailed a 40-yarder in the first quarter, a 22-yarder in the second and a 42-yarder in the third.
WSU now awaits its bowl destination. The most likely options seem to be the Las Vegas Bowl, which is scheduled for Dec. 27 the Las Vegas Raiders’ Allegiant Stadium, or the LA Bowl, set for Dec. 18.
Talk to us
> Give us your news tips.
> Send us a letter to the editor.
> More Herald contact information.
