The Washington State Cougars state-of-the-art to 2- in 2022 with a 17-14 upset gain about Wisconsin. Below are our 5 biggest takeaways.
It was a 60-minute epic fight for the Washington Condition Cougars in Madison, Wisconsin, on Saturday. The Cougs arrived into the recreation towards Wisconsin as a 17.5-position underdog. However, WSU rose to the situation and came away with a massive 17-14 upset win.
At halftime, the Cougars trailed 14-7 but turned it all-around immediately after the break. In the 3rd quarter, Wazzu scored 10 unanswered details. Meanwhile, their defense held Wisconsin off the scoreboard in excess of the remaining 30 minutes.
#1 Cougs Protection Came To Engage in
Although the offense turned the ball around a couple instances, the Cougars’ defense played an exceptional match.
Known for their dominating hurrying assault, the Badgers ran for 174 yards on 44 carries. Displaying they can perform actual physical protection, Washington Point out did a very good task containing the operate and not letting Wisconsin star Braelon Allen go nuts on the ground.
Defensive Coordinator Brian Ward dared Wisconsin quarterback Graham Mertz to throw. He generally place 8 defenders in the box and defended gentleman-to-person, one protection to the outdoors.
Washington Point out gave up 401 whole yards but performed hard in the pink zone. They only gave up 14 points and kept Wisconsin scoreless in the second 50 %.
Daiyan Henley led the Cougars with 9 tackles, which include 1.5 for decline.
#2 Operating Activity Struggles
Wazzu’s functioning match struggled versus Wisconsin’s defense. They rushed for 53 yards on 22 carries, led by Nakia Watson‘s 33 yards on 10 carries. His backup, Jaylen Jenkins, ran 6 instances for 27 yards.
In the potential, Washington State’s offensive line will will need to fireplace off the ball and hold their blocks to be far more effective. Otherwise, Cougs running backs will get hammered by opposing defenses.
#3 QB Cameron Ward Must Get Care of the Ball
Soon after a good video game previous week, Cougars quarterback Cameron Ward threw two interceptions. It is tricky to acquire on the highway when committing turnovers. Fortuitously, Washington State’s D stepped up.
Ward completed with 201 yards passing and a landing. With much more reps and time with the offense, Ward will acquire. Until eventually then, he has to consider care of the ball.
#4 Penalties
Penalties are expensive. Washington Point out only had 5 infractions, even though Wisconsin had 11. The Badgers compensated dearly, giving away 106 yards. It was wonderful to see the Cougars participate in with self-control in a hostile setting.
#5 You Can Go Residence Yet again
This recreation was a successful homecoming for a pair of Washington Point out Cougars. Initially head mentor Jake Dickert grew up an hour away from Madison. He experienced a lot of buddies and relatives at Camp Randall Stadium to cheer him on.
Watson commenced his collegiate job at Wisconsin. Just after two seasons as a backup, he transferred to Wazzu. In the week top up to the sport, Watson talked about the good friends he nonetheless experienced on the Badgers and how he was searching ahead to actively playing towards them.
While he only ran for 33 yards, the whole included a touchdown. Watson also scored the game-winner when he caught a short pass from Ward, spun out of a tackle, and went 31 yards down the sideline to the endzone.
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Large Earn
Top up to the contest, no person thought the Washington State Cougars would pull off an upset. But they fought and got a large street acquire, maybe a person of their largest victories of the very last handful of many years.
There are continue to issues WSU ought to perform on to boost, but they are 2- and have a winnable activity subsequent week at property towards Colorado State.
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What have been your huge takeaways from the Washington State Cougars’ 17-14 acquire in excess of Wisconsin? Enable us know in the opinions underneath or on social media.
