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Washington State Cougars fans have been salivating for a couple of years at the production that Lamonte McDougle might bring to the interior of the defensive line, but that potential didn’t translate into consistent production in 2019, and now we’re back where we started: No production at all.
McDougle announced via Instagram that he’s out for the 2020 season:
Not surprising given there haven’t been any signs of him in practice photos/videos, but #WSU’s Lamonte McDougle seems to confirm on Instagram he won’t be playing for the Cougars this fall.
— Theo Lawson (@TheoLawson_SR) October 28, 2020
“I’ll be back in 2021 to give you the summary.” pic.twitter.com/As7QlWcU6y
That post is sufficiently vague, and there wasn’t anything else out there as to why McDougle was out. Later in the day, Theo Lawson of the Spokesman-Review got in touch with McDougle, who said he had contracted COVID earlier this month. That, combined with McDougle’s father having heart surgery, led him to choose to opt out of this season. Both of his parents have had COVID, with his mom being critically hospitalized during her treatment.
McDougle also indicated to Lawson that he’d be entering the transfer portal, but that sounds more like an exploring of options than a definitely departure from Pullman. He’s still on the roster, for whatever that’s worth. Because of NCAA rules for this weird season, he doesn’t lose a year of eligibility, so he’ll be a redshirt junior all over again next fall — wherever he ends up.
This is definitely a hit to what we believe is a perilously thin interior defensive line, but most importantly, we all wish McDougle the best in terms of his health and safety.
Rolovich regrets announcing QB decision
A lot was made yesterday about coach Nick Rolovich saying they’d made a QB decision internally but wouldn’t be announcing it publicly. In his post-practice interview, Rolovich indicated he wishes he hadn’t done that, but the more interesting part is probably Rolovich opening up about his thought process in deciding on the starter — namely, that Saturday’s scrimmage, in which none of the candidates played particularly well, wasn’t the deciding factor.
“That wasn’t necessarily a play football scrimmage, let’s see what you’ve got,” Rolovich said. “Much more situational. The guys in each group really mix it up, really just to get awareness of the situations, and really how we’re going to handle game day. From the pregame warm-up, stretch, how we’re going to handle the headsets, communicate on the sidelines.
“I would say no, that wasn’t the deciding factor. I don’t think that was a fair opportunity to say that I guess, is a better way to put it. ... I think it was probably a combination of the first scrimmage and all the practices.”
If you’re trying to read the tea leaves on that ... well, good luck. Cammon Cooper and Jayden de Laura both would seem to fit the bill; Cooper’s throws were more explosive in the first scrimmage, but de Laura was more consistent. And in the absence of first-hand accounts from practice, it’s anybody’s guess which guy it is.
It could also be both! Isn’t that exciting??
Post-practice videos
Links
Washington State nose tackle Lamonte McDougle: 'I'll be back in 2021' | The Spokesman-Review
Lamonte McDougle, who was expected to play a big role on the interior of Washington State's defensive line this season, has indicated he won't suit up for the Cougars in 2020.
Washington State preseason notes (Oct. 28): Nick Rolovich has named Cougars' starter internally, but three QBs are still taking reps | The Spokesman-Review
It slipped out during the first cycle of the virtual "car wash" Nick Rolovich went through on Tuesday with media members from around the state. No, the Washington State coach didn't accidentally name a starting quarterback during a radio hit with KJR host and WSU alum Jason Puckett, but he admitted the Cougars had chosen one internally.
Washington State preview: Challenges loom for coach Nick Rolovich
The Cougars have a new head coach, a new quarterback and a difficult schedule as they attempt to continue the success established under Mike Leach.
Washington State's Oscar Draguicevich III added to Ray Guy watch list | SWX Right Now - Sports for Spokane, CdA, Tri-Cities, WA
With the Pac-12 nearing a return to play, punters from the conference have been added to the watch list for the Ray Guy Award.
Mississippi State’s players are fleeing. Mike Leach doesn’t seem to mind. - The Washington Post
On Wednesday Mike Leach confirmed reports that junior wide receiver Tyrell Shavers, junior defensive end Tre Lawson and freshman defensive end Jamari Stewart had left the program.
Pac-12 embarks on short season with lots of new faces at QB
The so-called Conference of Quarterbacks has had some considerable turnover at the position heading into the season. Gone are some of the Pac-12's big names: Oregon's Justin Herbert,...
Report: Gardner Minshew has been dealing with thumb injury
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Defense should rule for the Beavers, offense must fill holes - The Washington Post
While the offense is still coming together with presumed starting quarterback Tristan Gebbia, it’s Oregon State’s defense that should worry opponents
Game-winning field goals and ‘On This Date’ classics round out the week on Pac-12 Network | Pac-12
Washington State’s overtime upset of then-No. 18 USC from 2002, highlighted by Drew Dunning’s game-tying 35-yard field goal to force overtime and his 35-yard game-winner, airs at 8 p.m. PT / 9 p.m. MT. Nico Grasu’s game-winning 37-yard field goal in double overtime to lead the Cougars past Washington from 2008 wraps up the encore at 10 p.m. PT / 11 p.m. MT, and a full schedule can be found below.