4 Burning Questions as Washington State Prepares to Face San Diego State
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Washington State Cougars quarterback Jaxon Potter scans the field prior to a play during a regular season game vs. Hawaii. Credit: Jaxon Potter/Instagram [/caption]
Coming off a close call against Idaho in the season opener, the Washington State Cougars will be looking to build off of their quality defensive performance against San Diego State on Saturday. Even after a win in the latest Battle of the Palouse, there is plenty to improve upon from their 13 point offensive effort, including getting a sluggish running game going.
Here are four key questions for the Cougars heading into Week 2:
Will the offensive line’s performance improve?
To say the Cougs’ offensive line struggled run blocking against the Vandals is an understatement. Three total rushing yards - yes, that’s right, THREE - simply isn’t going to cut it against higher quality teams. With four of the Washington State lineman being recruited for a different scheme primarily revolving around the passing game, It will take time to adjust not only to the new system but to be primarily run blockers. Even with the quality of competition ideally improving, the communication and familiarity with the system and each other should improve as well.
As coach Jimmy Rogers noted, it wasn’t just the line’s fault either, as there were a “lot of errors together” as an offensive unit. The lack of communication and miscounts in the box are things that can’t happen, but can be improved in quick order. With another week of practice in the books for quarterback Jaxon Potter and the offensive line, improvement should happen on that front.
Will the defense build off their strong start?
Washington State's defense had an incredible performance against Idaho, allowing 10 points and 3.4 yards per play, which would have been the best marks by the program last season in each respective category. They did a great job staying disciplined and playing in their gaps. Next up, they will square off with a San Diego State team that is replacing their quarterback from last year and whipped FCS foe Stony Brook 42-0 in the opener. Playing an FCS squad that quite frankly lacks the talent Idaho has, there isn’t much you can take away from that matchup.
Last year, the Aztecs struggled on the offensive side of the ball, ranking 122nd in SP + on offense. This year, for the Week 2 SP+ poll, they checked in at 115th. It is hard to make way for preseason projections and things will change over the year, but there is an opportunity for WSU to have another strong defensive game against an opponent lacking weapons and breaking in a new quarterback.
How much growth will Potter show after his first start?
In his first career college start for the Cougars, Potter was impressive accuracy-wise, going 24-31 for 209 yards and a touchdown. Even though the offense didn’t move the ball well much of that night, it wasn’t necessarily his fault. The offensive line struggled to run block and whenever Washington State would get something cooking, they would have a negative play or a penalty, often leaving the quarterback as a victim to mistakes from teammates.
In his second career start, it will be interesting to see the play calling adjustments made offensively against San Diego State to help Potter both by having a more complementary run game and being a bit more aggressive letting him make plays with his arm downfield. It will also be intriguing to see if the Aztecs will emulate the same game plan as Idaho and try to stack the box with eight and nine guys to force the Cougars into throwing more. Either way, Rogers says it will fall on Potter’s shoulders to make the right calls under center.
“Jaxon has to make sure we're aligned right and are aligned in the right formations and motions.”
Will the running back room look the same after a rough first week?
Angel Johnson was expected to be the number one running back for Washington State going into the opener, but the snaps were almost evenly split between him and Kirby Vorhees against Idaho with middling results at best. Both running backs struggled without much room to operate, as Johnson carried the ball for 10 times with negative four yards and Vorhees rushing six times for 19 yards. Adding in Vorhees’ five receptions, he and Johnson both had 11 total touches apiece. Going against the Aztecs, will the Cougars play a by-committee approach with hopes of riding a hot hand in Johnson or Vorhees? Or will third down back Leo Pulalasi get more opportunities this week to see where he fits into the mix?
