Targets And Catches Week 4: Gabe Marks continues to impress

Gabe Marks produced some lofty numbers during the non-conference schedule, but there was at least some concern he'd have a hard time duplicating that success as conference play began. He passed his first test, posting a double-digit yards per target for the third straight week.

Colorado, of course, isn't one of the better defenses in the Pac-12, but Marks is still producing at an elite level.

• Marks' 10.7 YPT is the third straight week he's been in double digits. He has also led the team in yards per route the last three weeks. While his 3.69 YPR is a steep drop from the 6.63 he produced last week, it's still the third-highest YPR of the season.
• At least in terms of YPT, Marquess Wilson continues to round into form. His 11.0 is his highest total this season. He continues to produce catch rates well below last season, with drops factoring into that a bit. The fact he continues to produce despite a low catch rate and drop issues is a sign he could put up some ridiculous numbers if he's able to curtail the drops.
• Speaking of drops, eight is far too many. If you are looking for a reason why WSU's offense stalled in the second half, the fact wide receivers dropped six passes is a good place to start. A few of the drops were crucial, including three consecutive drops on one series, leading to a punt.
• For the first time this season, Bobby Ratliff saw a significant number of snaps, but he wasn't his usual effective self. Ratliff dropped two passes, an unexpected number when you consider he had one drop in 41 targets last season.
• Isiah Myers's numbers came down to earth a bit and a big reason why was the steep fall in catch rate. Myers caught his first six targets, prompting Craig and I to make jokes that he literally catches everything. Obviously we jinxed him as he caught just one of his final six targets.
• As a group, that 51.9 catch rate will not get it done. The good news, however, is it's not because receivers aren't open. If you cut the eight drops in half, the catch rate goes up to nearly 60 percent. At some point Mike Leach should install JUGS machines all over campus to constantly test the receivers.



• Through one-third of the season, Marks has a 12.07 YPT. I don't care who WSU has played, that is extremely impressive. He isn't likely to maintain those numbers, especially with his move to inside receiver, but he's gotten off to a great start.
• Wilson has been targeted on 18.5 percent of passes to wide receivers this season. While that leads the team, it's still a bit lower than expected. He is currently on pace for 102 targets which would be 20 fewer than he saw last season. This despite the fact WSU is throwing the ball more often this season.
• The inside receivers continue to struggle, which makes the move of Marks to the inside even more interesting. The move will put WSU's three most effective receivers on the field at the same time. We'll also find out if the inside receivers are struggling because of talent, or the system.
• The 13 percent drop rate is almost five percent higher than last season. Yikes.