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Defensive injuries beginning to stack up for Washington State despite perfect start

In this Oct. 15, 2016, file photo, Washington State defensive lineman Nnamdi Oguayo (30) reacts after sacking Arizona Wildcats quarterback Anu Solomon during the first half of a college football game on at Martin Stadium in Pullman. (Tyler Tjomsland / The Spokesman-Review)
By Theo Lawson theol@spokesman.com(509) 459-5584

EUGENE – The Cougars played their second straight game without starting defensive end Nnamdi Oguayo and starting middle linebacker Isaac Dotson left Saturday’s game against Oregon in the first quarter with an apparent injury.

Oguayo didn’t dress for Friday’s game against then No. 4 USC and according to Washington State officials, the sophomore wasn’t seen with the team as the Cougars traveled to Eugene for the game at Autzen Stadium.

Derek Moore, who had a game-clinching strip-sack against the Trojans, started in Oguayo’s place for the second time this season.

Dotson left the USC game in the first quarter with appeared to be a lower-body injury and also didn’t make it through the opening period in Eugene. He didn’t return for the Cougars.

Another inside linebacker, Nate DeRider, limped off the field in the second quarter and never came back. Justus Rogers and Jahad Woods manned the inside linebacker positions for most of the game, with Dillon Sherman rotating in and out.

Corner Darrien Molton also appeared to injure his right arm at some point in the first half and returned to the sideline with a black cast. Sean Harper Jr. played in his place.

Oregon also played without a few important pieces, including versatile receiver/returner Charles Nelson. The Ducks were missing another starting wide receiver, sophomore Dillon Mitchell, and starting Mike linebacker A.J. Hotchkins.