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The WSU Cougars are seeking their first win of the season on Saturday morning against the Idaho Vandals after a surprising 0-2 start. The Cougs fell 31-28 last weekend to Boise State, following a 45-42 loss to Eastern Washington in the season opener. That leave WSU desperate for a win against an Idaho team that managed to defeat its FCS opponent before falling 59-14 to Washington.
As Brian Anderson pointed out in his Idaho-WSU preview, Cougar quarterback Luke Falk has regressed to some of the obnoxious tendencies that had us skeptical of his capabilities early last season:
Luke Falk has sort of returned to the same problems we saw him overcome at the beginning of last season. But his YPA is the same / completion percentage is better -- true, but those stats (propped up by a few deep balls) are hiding some real issues he’s having falling in love with check-downs. This offense wasn’t built to go 57 yards in 12 plays.
That last point is the issue with endless dump-offs. No offense is designed to go 57 yards in 12 plays, frankly. That requires perfect execution on third down plays over and over again, and an uncanny ability to avoid turnovers. WSU needs more big plays, and it needs them in a very bad way. Trust your receivers, Luke. They are pretty good. Also, Cougar running backs, feel free to break a few tackles and bust a big run.
The Cougars are heavily favored at home, and if they don't cover, it should be panic time in Pullman. If they lose? Well, let's not think about that, but there may be some fires involved.
Game time: 11 a.m. PT
TV channel: Pac-12 Networks
Stream: Pac-12.com/Live