WSU recap
High point of the game
Easy pickings from this game because Tyron Brackenridge’s interception of Dennis Dixon and subsequent 24-yard jaunt into the end zone put the Cougars up 27-3 and for all intents and purposes sealed the WSU victory with more than nine minutes left in the third quarter. The Cougars had scored a touchdown on offense just 26 seconds before Brackenridge’s score, so the defensive points gave WSU a tidal wave of momentum, easily enough to overcome a late Oregon comeback attempt.
Low point of the game
Their red-zone woes would later be solved, but at first it appeared the Cougars were on their way to squandering another game of golden opportunities. Oregon’s Jonathan Stewart fumbled, only to have the play called back, then he missed a handoff from Dixon on the next play, giving WSU the ball inside the Oregon 10-yard line. Cougar back DeMaundray Woolridge returned the favor, however, fumbling on second down and giving away the best scoring chance for either team in the first quarter.
A pat on the back
Alex Brink came up with a big game against his hometown team, completing his last 17 passes and 20 of his 23 for the game. Completing 87 percent of his throws established a new school record, and sent the No. 16 Ducks away shaking their heads. Brink’s throws often forced his receivers to make difficult catches, but he was so adept at finding the open pass-catcher that it didn’t matter. Brink didn’t hit the big throw in this game, but he never had to because the chains kept moving.
Needs fixing
WSU’s defensive line more than held its own against Oregon, but after losing both starters at defensive tackle early in the game, the Cougars have to know that future opponents may be game planning to exploit players who started the season buried on the depth chart who now find themselves in the starting lineup. Having the 3-4 as an option has been a blessing for WSU, and it may need to use more of the formation next week out of necessity, not choice.
Three unanswered questions
1) Can the Cougars keep the current momentum going?
2) How long will defensive tackles Ropati Pitoitua, Aaron Johnson and Feveae’i Ahmu be sidelined by their injuries?
3) How will WSU handle its newfound success in the coming weeks?
Glenn Kasses