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First impression: Washington State running back James Williams has another solid season-opening performance

Washington State Cougars running back James Williams (32) runs the ball for a first down against Wyoming during the second half of a college football game on Saturday, September 1, 2018, at War Memorial Stadium in Laramie, Wyo. WSU won the game 41-19. (Tyler Tjomsland / The Spokesman-Review)
By Theo Lawson theol@spokesman.com(509) 459-5584

LARAMIE, Wyo. – James Williams and season openers seem to get along well.

One year after bursting for 211 all-purpose yards and two touchdowns in a 28-0 win over Montana State, the junior tailback once again found his groove in the first game of the season.

Williams led the Cougars in rushing attempts and rushing yards in a 41-19 win over Wyoming in the season opener, carrying the ball 16 times for 84 yards and two touchdowns while also catching a game-high 10 passes for 53 receiving yards and another touchdown.

So, in his last two openers, the shifty running back has accumulated 348 yards of total offense, two receiving touchdowns and one rushing score.

“Thought he was consistent,” WSU coach Mike Leach said. “One of our consistent guys that did some consistent things and we were pleased with that. I thought he was more consistent than some of our other guys on offense early.”