Both OSU and WSU got worn down by playmakers. Several plays come to mind in the Oregon game....
Critical 4th down. Must have been 4th and 6. They split their back out wide and WSU had Thorton on him. And instead of getting another player who could better cover the back, Thorton's coverage while not horrible (Oregon kid did catch it in traffic) it was a matchup problem Dickert and Ward should have called a time out over.
Then the handoff to Watkins for a three yard loss. They probably should have looked at empty and let ward use his legs up the middle if available. We pulled both guard and tackle if I recall correctly and gave the DT a free lane to the back for a three yard loss.
As well as they played last three minutes of Wisconsin they were on the other end of it against Oregon.
I will say the Pac 12 is tough this year. I sure wish we had CU on the schedule.
And a last thought...our three playmakers on defense Stone, Jackson and Henly were neutralized by Oregon's oline. I would love for WSU to have a line like that someday. And Speaking of olines, I continue to be impressed by Coug Jim Milhalchik and the job he does at OSU. They always have a good running attack.
Critical 4th down. Must have been 4th and 6. They split their back out wide and WSU had Thorton on him. And instead of getting another player who could better cover the back, Thorton's coverage while not horrible (Oregon kid did catch it in traffic) it was a matchup problem Dickert and Ward should have called a time out over.
Then the handoff to Watkins for a three yard loss. They probably should have looked at empty and let ward use his legs up the middle if available. We pulled both guard and tackle if I recall correctly and gave the DT a free lane to the back for a three yard loss.
As well as they played last three minutes of Wisconsin they were on the other end of it against Oregon.
I will say the Pac 12 is tough this year. I sure wish we had CU on the schedule.
And a last thought...our three playmakers on defense Stone, Jackson and Henly were neutralized by Oregon's oline. I would love for WSU to have a line like that someday. And Speaking of olines, I continue to be impressed by Coug Jim Milhalchik and the job he does at OSU. They always have a good running attack.