Washington State looks to continue that 1-0 mentality into its first FBS matchup of the season, as it welcomes Texas Tech up to the Palouse for a Saturday night shootout under the lights.
Both the Cougars (1-0) and Red Raiders (1-0) put up video game-like numbers against their respective FCS opponents last week, combining for 122 points scored between the two schools, despite WSU winning a lot more comfortably than Texas Tech.
Head coach Jake Dickert started his press conference on Monday addressing the defensive performance, which was not to the expectations of his standards, with communication issues along with missed tackles chief among his concerns.
Dickert said all the "problems" he saw with the defense this past Saturday are fixable.
“I didn’t feel like we were attacking.” Dickert said. “As a coach, we got to have more things to cut our guys loose.”
Texas Tech’s offense put up 539 yards at home but barely escaped with a 52-51 win over Abilene Christian.
The Red Raiders leaned on their trio of junior quarterback Behren Morton and veteran running back Tahj Brooks and wide receiver Josh Kelly, who filled up the stat sheet against Abilene Christian. Dickert gave the Red Raiders’ offense credit in his press conference for their talent, with a bold prediction as well.
“Obviously, they’re high-powered. I believe at the end of the season in 12 games, Texas Tech’s offense will be top 10 in the country.” Dickert said.
WSU welcomes back former Cougar Josh Kelly up to the Palouse, as he transferred to Texas Tech after his one season in Pullman last year when he put up 61 receptions for 923 yards and 8 touchdowns, leading the team in receiving yards and touchdowns.
This is the first ever meeting between the two schools, who both share the legacy of former head coach Mike Leach, who will be inducted into the WSU Athletic Hall of Fame and recognized this Saturday.
“I’ve said it, it’s a crime that there’s not a statue of Mike Price around our stadium and Mike Leach would be right there in my opinion.” Dickert said, honoring the impact Leach had on the university.
Both teams will be facing off against FBS opponents for the first time this season, with very similar offensive prowess, but with questions on defense that need to be answered in a big-time game on the Palouse.
Injury Update
WSU learned that redshirt junior defensive back Jamorri Colson has a broken jawbone and will be out four to six weeks. It's an injury he sustained during fall camp. The hope from the Cougars is that Colson can return to action around the San Jose State game on Sept. 20 or the Boise State game the following week on the road.
Senior punter Nick Haberer was a last-minute scratch against Portland State with a back injury, resulting in senior kicker Dean Janikowski taking over on punting duties. Dickert said that Haberer lifted with the team earlier in the week along with receiving plenty of treatment, but his status for Saturday’s game is in the air.
“We’ll try to push [Haberer] this week, I think he’ll be a game-time decision,” Dickert said.
Dickert added that redshirt junior offensive lineman Fa’alili Fa’amoe will be more of a factor at practice this week, gearing Fa’amoe up for his eventual return to game action soon.
“[Fa’amoe] gets to now go in some one-on-ones, he gets to do half of the team periods,” Dickert said. “Can’t wait to see him continue to grow and develop back into what everyone knows is one of the best right tackles in the country.”
Dickert said after Wednesday’s practice that defensive back Jerrae Williams, the grad transfer from UNLV, is also questionable for Saturday’s contest. Williams is the backup for senior defensive back Kapena Gushiken, who plays nickelback.
Offense: What to expect for Week 2
After a 70-point performance and totaling over 600 yards of offense against Portland State, the Cougars have some expectations to repeat against Texas Tech. WSU and Texas Tech have similar types of offensive playbooks, with more of a gun-slinging quarterback, power running backs and talented receivers who can make a play at any moment.
Redshirt junior wide receiver Tre Shackelford hinted that there’s more to come with this offense after practice on Tuesday.
“As an offense, I think we’re going to keep jelling together and get better each week,” Shackelford said.
Offensive coordinator Ben Arbuckle said after practice on Wednesday the game plan for Saturday is built in a ‘two-part system’, for his skill players and offensive unit in the best position to win.
“Getting with the coaching staff, formulating the best game plan we can to be successful,” Arbuckle said. “We just have to go execute, do our jobs and then let everything else handle itself.”
Arbuckle said after a week where the offense scored mostly on big, explosive plays, he is also looking to see this offense drive down the field methodically and not rely on the deep shot.
“I mean, quick-hitters touchdowns are cool,” Arbuckle said. “I’m looking forward to seeing some more sustained drives. When adversity hits, how do we respond?”
Defense: What to expect for Week 2
The Cougars face Morton this week, who is more of a pocket-passing QB that can sling the ball and use his legs when need be, which is what Dickert and his defense have faced in recent history.
“We’re gonna see a completely different style this week, one we’re more familiar with and we got to go out there and play Cougar defense,” he said. '
Last week, the Cougar defense allowed 449 total yards and 30 points to Portland State, something Dickert was very adamant about changing in this week’s press conference. Portland State’s offensive scheme made the Cougars be on their toes more, which was an adjustment, but Texas Tech’s offense will allow for Dickert and his defense to play more to their style.
“Texas Tech is going to make plays.” Dickert said. “We got to attack the ball because [Morton] is one of the best back-shoulder fade throwers I’ve probably seen in a long time.”
Redshirt sophomore linebacker Taariq ‘Buddah’ Al-Uqdah said after practice Tuesday the similarity in playbooks between the Red Raiders and the Cougars helps them prepare for what’s to potentially come their way.
“We’re getting a little heads up on certain little things.” Al-Uqdah said. “We know their team likes to air the ball out … they got a good running back. We're going to scheme them up, come out with a good gameplan.”
Game Outlook
The Cougars opened as slight 1.5-point favorites at home against Texas Tech with a total set at 65.5 points. (All odds according to ESPNBET) Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. PST from Gesa Field at Martin Stadium and will be broadcast on FOX.
