Tuesday, October 27, 2015

Washington State Cougars Shock Oregon Ducks In Autzen Stadium

Washington State Cougars Shock Oregon Ducks In Autzen Stadium

Eugene, Oregon – After a disappointing loss to the CAL Bears a week ago, Washington State achieved a much needed win against the Oregon Ducks on the road. The record puts WSU with a 3-2 overall record and 1-1 in PAC-12 play.

Heading into half time WSU was down 17-14. After a defensive stop opening the 3rd quarter, Oregon punted the ball away. The Cougars answered with a touchdown, taking a 21-17 lead. The battle between the two northwest teams would result in several lead changes, setting up for a wild finish.

Oregon had a 10-point lead with eight minutes left in the fourth quarter. Momentum appeared in the Ducks’ favor, following a WSU fumble by freshmen running back Keith Harrington. Not to be denied WSU marched into Oregon’s territory and settled with a field goal, making it 31-24 Ducks. WSU’s defense made a big stop, making Oregon punt the ball away, giving the Cougar offense a chance to tie up the game.

WSU quarterback (QB), Luke Falk engineered a stellar drive in the final minutes of regulation. The WSU offense drove down the field with passing precision and an effective running attack by Gerard Wicks and Jamal Morrow propelling the Cougs into Oregon territory. Falk nailed in the drive finding WR, Dom Williams in the end zone. With the extra point good, WSU launched the game into overtime with a 31-31 score.


At the end of regulation, Oregon opened OT with a passing touchdown, via QB Jeff Lockie to WR Bralon Addison, resulting in a 38-31 Oregon lead. WSU answered right back with a QB scrabble by Falk into the end zone, leading the game into a second OT. The Cougars opened with a passing touchdown that may have stopped the heart rate of all Cougar fans including myself. 1st and goal, Falk threw a pass to WR, River Cracraft. Catching on the one-yard-line, Cracraft stretched himself into the end zone. As he fell on his knee, an Oregon defender ripped the ball out. WR Robert Lewis; secured the ball for a 45-38 Cougar lead. The game would end in double OT after Oregon was denied a touchdown by a stout Cougar defense. Lockie’s pass was intercepted by Safety, Shalom Luani, sealing a wild come-from-behind victory.

WSU Stat pack – Luke Falk may have had the best game of his collegiate career, completing 50 of 74 passes for 505 yards, 5 touchdowns, and 0 interceptions.

Running game report – WSU ran the ball 30 times for 136 yds.

Passing report – In an Air-Raid offense, the ball is thrown all over the field. Falk threw to 10 different receivers, honorable mention include, Gabe Marks, 8 receptions, 111 yards and 2 TD’s, River Cracraft, 9 receptions, 85 yards and Dom Williams, 7 receptions, 82 yards.

Oregon Stat pack – Third string QB, Jeff Lockie got the start and deserves his due, he did all that was expected of him, to keep Oregon in the game; 13 of 22 completed passes for 123 yards, two touchdowns and one interception.

Running game report – Typically when a team runs the ball successfully your chances of winning are high because a great running game opens up the passing lanes. Oregon did that and then some with 410 rushing yards, highlighted by Royce Freeman’s performance, 27 carries, 256 yards and 2 TD’s. However, Lockie threw a modest 123 yards, relying too much on the running game. Freeman carried the team on his back, but came up just short.

Passing report – With a third string QB starting the game, a tremendous amount of pressure is put on the running game. This is exactly what unfolded in Eugene, Oregon. Oregon receivers accounted for 123 yards.

Why WSU won this game:

1.     WSU ran the ball effectively: As I stated earlier, an Air-Raid offense relies heavily on passing. After all Falk threw the ball 74 times with zero interceptions. How did Falk not throw a single interception you may ask? WSU kept the Oregon defense off balance with 136 rushing yards. A key to a masterful Air-Raid offense is to throw the ball successfully and threaten the defense with a big running play every so often. WSU successfully accomplished this.

2.     WSU made defensive stops when it mattered most: Let me be honest, when the opposing team puts up 38 points on your defense, this would be hardly considered a victory on the defensive side. They denied Oregon touchdowns and held them to field goals in crunch time. In the fourth quarter with eight minutes left, Oregon held a 10-point lead. WSU answered back with a field goal to chip away at the Ducks’ lead. After a stout defensive performance, Oregon punted the ball away (a field goal would have ended it), allowing WSU a chance to tie the game with their best formula, lots of passing and a couple of big running plays.


3.     Game time decision: After Falk orchestrated a last second touchdown; one of the assistant WSU coaches’ screamed at WSU head coach, Mike Leach, to go for two. There was no hesitation by Leach to settle for one. Although he did not explain why he opted for the extra kick, my guess is because he trusted his defensive to make another crucial stop down the stretch and they certainly did in double overtime.

Why Oregon lost the game:

1.     When a third string QB starts the game it puts your team at a severe disadvantage by relying too much on the running game. However, Lockie deserves some credit for putting together a decent performance, by keeping his team in the game. The WSU defense warrants credit for holding Oregon to one rushing touchdown in the second half.

2.     A severe stat disadvantage: WSU ran the ball for more yards (136 yards) then Oregon passed the ball (123 yards).

3.     Play calling mistakes – As I stated earlier, Lockie kept Oregon in the game and delivered when called upon. In the first OT, he found Addison in the end zone for a touchdown. In the second OT, Oregon head coach; Mark Helfrich stuck to the passing game as suppose to giving the ball to his dynamic running back, Royce Freeman. Oregon’s ground attack is what enabled them to stay in the game and should have been the offensive play calling for the Ducks in second OT, thereby giving Oregon the best opportunity to win the game.

Looking ahead:

WSU will host the Oregon State Beavers at home next Saturday. WSU is 3-2 overall with a 1-1 record in PAC-12 play. Oregon State is 2-3 overall with a 0-2 record in PAC-12 play. Kickoff is at 1:00 p.m. on the PAC-12 Networks.

Oregon will look to bounce back in Seattle against Washington. Oregon is 3-3 overall with a 1-2 record in PAC-12 play. Washington is 3-2 overall with a 1-1 record in PAC-12 play. Kickoff is at 7:30 p.m. on ESPN2.



Monday, October 13, 2014

If You Build It They Will Come


About two months ago, I wrote an article on Washington State University’s basketball program. The program was facing a crisis in head basketball coach Ken Bone. The big question that soon became answered was, “Is this the year Bone is fired?” Fast-forward two months later in March, WSU athletic director Bill Moos fires Bone on March 18, 2014 after five years as the head coach posting an 80-86 overall record. About two weeks later, Moos announced the hiring of former University of Oregon basketball coach Ernie Kent. At first glance, this hire is not a surprise. Kent and Moos worked with each other at Oregon, Moos hired Kent to coach at Oregon leading the Oregon Ducks to multiple NCAA tournament appearances and a great level of success in Eugene. Even though WSU basketball is at rock bottom, Moos encourages the Cougar faithful to be excited about the future of WSU hoops. “I have witnessed firsthand his many talents. He has proven that he can win championships in our conference” (wsucougars.com). With hiring Kent comes an established resume filled with a lot of experience and recognition from his tenures at Saint Mary’s University and his alma mater, University of Oregon.
            Ernie Kent began his coaching career in 1980, coaching in Saudi Arabia for the Al-Khaleej Club as a basketball coach. In 1987, Kent became the assistant coach at Colorado State University before taking his assistant coaching duties at Stanford University from 1989-1991. In 1991, Kent would earn his big break becoming the head coach at Saint Mary’s University in Moraga, CA.
            As the new head basketball coach at Saint Mary’s charged with the goal of rebuilding a struggling basketball program, Kent’s first season with the Saint Mary Gael’s would finish 13-17 overall and a 6th place finish in the West Coast Conference in 1992. Unfortunately for Kent, the next four seasons did not result in a post-season tournament birth. However, in Kent’s fifth year he would coach the Gael’s to a 23-8 record locking up a first place tie in the WCC Conference earning a bid to play in the NCAA tournament in 1997. The Gael’s season would come to a halting stop with a first round elimination to Wake Forest University. Kent would leave the Saint Mary’s basketball program with a 90-80 overall record but only a 40-44 WCC conference record. In 1997, Kent is named the head basketball coach at his alma mater University of Oregon.
            Ernie Kent coached at the University of Oregon from 1997-2010. In thirteen years, Kent took his alma mater to five NCAA tournament appearances, two of those appearances resulting in elite eight finishes (2002 and 2007). Before Kent took over Oregon, the university’s last elite eight appearance was in 1960, forty-two years removed from 2002. That same year in 2002, Oregon won the PAC-10 conference title for the first time since 1944. Kent was named PAC-10 coach of the year in 2002. During Kent’s tenure he would also win two PAC-10 conference tournament championships in 2003 and 2007 and produce four NBA first round draft picks in Fred Jones, Luke Ridnour, Luke Jackson, and Aaron Brooks. Ridnour played on Kent’s elite eight team and conference title team in 2002 and Brooks in 2008 with Kent’s last elite eight appearance at Oregon.  Despite multiple NCAA tournament appearances and taking Oregon to a higher level of achievement, Kent’s last two seasons at Oregon resulted in last place finish in the PAC-10 standings in 2009 and an eighth place tie in 2010. As a result, athletic director Mike Bellotti fired Kent on March 17, 2010.
            Kent leaves Oregon after taking the program to unbelievable success with five NCAA appearances, one conference championship title, two conference tournament championships, and four NBA first round draft picks. “I think the accomplishments that Ernie has done speak for themselves. He’s given his life to the university as a student, a teacher and a coach,” said Bellotti (ESPN.com). Kent leaves his alma mater with the most wins as a basketball coach at Oregon. “You may find a better basketball coach, but I don’t think you’ll find anybody that has the passion and love that I have for this university” said Kent. (ESPN.com)
            After Kent’s dismissal at Oregon, he flirted around as a sports broadcaster with the PAC-12 Network until March of 2014. On March 31, 2014, Moos announced the hiring of Kent to rebuild a struggling basketball program that has not been to the NCAA tournament since 2008. One of the biggest reasons why Moos hired Kent a second time in his career is because Moos knows firsthand that Kent can achieve a level of outstanding success at a program. “Together we saw tremendous success at his alma mater and I have every reason to expect to see the same at mine,” said Moos. (wsucougars.com) Kent brings exciting success to the table as WSU’s new basketball coach. He rebuilt two basketball programs by taking Saint Mary’s to the NCAA tournament and Oregon to the NCAA tournament five times in a 12-year span. “It’s very exciting to see WSU get someone who has had a coach who has previous experience in the conference and knows how to win in the conference,” said WSU student, Ben McEnderfer.
            As Ernie Kent was being introduced as the new Cougar hoops head basketball coach, a meet-and-greet of Ernie Kent organized by the WSU athletic department was held in Bohler Gym on April 2, 2014. This event marked the first time Kent engaged with the WSU student body. During the greet, Kent talked about “The Process” of rebuilding the WSU basketball program by noting how important the student section is to the success of a college basketball program. “No program in the country -- and I’m talking about the tops in the country, like Duke, Kansas, and Kentucky -- can succeed without a standout student section.” (cougcenter.com) Hundreds of students attended the event in anticipation of hearing the new basketball coach’s first words and came away impressed. At the end of the meet and greet, Kent received a standing ovation. Cougar fans are ready to buy into “The Process” and to be excited about the future of Cougar hoops.
            Hiring Ernie Kent without a doubt is a step in the right direction. Kent has proven throughout his coaching career that he can rebuild basketball programs to compete at a high level. His resume is off the charts loaded with sustaining success. “Ernie Kent comes to WSU with sterling credentials and the necessary skill set to take the basketball program to higher levels of achievement,” said former Washington State head basketball coach George Raveling. (wsucougars.com) Kent is confident he can rebuild the WSU basketball team to experience similar success from WSU’s 2007 and 2008 basketball teams resulting in two back-to-back NCAA tournament appearances and a Sweet Sixteen birth in 2008 for just the second time in the school’s history. “Ernie Kent will get WSU back to the tournament by having a high scoring offense that teams will have a difficult time keeping up with,” said WSU student, Bobby Hogle.

References

Stanford Overpowers Washington State

The Cardinal took care of business at home cruising to a 34-17 victory. A week removed from an explosive offensive performance posting 59 points with a record setting 734 passing yards in a game, Connor Halliday and his offense were flat against Stanford.

            WSU’s offense was subpar at best against the Cardinal, producing just 266 yards of total offense. WSU’s passing numbers held to low standards by the Air Raid formula because the ground attack was nowhere in site; the running game lost the Cougs 26 yards of offense. The only positive take away from WSU was turning the ball over once, via an interception. Halliday completed 42 of his 69 passes for 292 yards, 2 TD’s and 1 INT. Considering WSU was a one-dimensional team, Halliday played spectacular. River Cracraft was the lone receiver for WSU to have 100 receiving yards from 14 catches and 1 TD.

            WSU’s defense did not look much better then the offense. However, the special teams did not yield a touchdown from either a kick or punt return, even when Stanford’s speedster, senior WR, Ty Montgomery received the ball. The defense however did give WSU a chance to beat Stanford and kept the team on the Cardinal’s heels for the majority of the game. Senior QB, Kevin Hogan was efficient, completing 23 of his 35 passes for 284 yards and 3 TD’s. His favorite target, Montgomery, caught the ball 7 times for 72 yards. Senior RB, Remound Wright had 14 carries for 98 yards and 1 TD. Junior RB, Barry Sanders added to the Cardinal’s running game with 7 carries and 68 yards.

            Stanford executed everything correctly and WSU unfortunately could not. The Cardinal’s offense is about as balanced as it gets, 284 passing yards and 193 rushing yards. Stanford mixed and matched their play calling with 35 passing plays and 33 running plays. David Shaw’s play calling was excellent this game, a critical reason why his team pulled away from the Cougars toward the end.

            On the flip side, WSU’s play calling consisted of mainly passing. WSU had 69 passing plays and 11 running plays. However, Leach and company were put in a difficult spot because Stanford snuffed the run from the start of the game. This forced the Cougars to rely solely on the air attack. This game will down as yet another loss for the Cougars, which leaves WSU’s bowl hopes, slim to none at a record of 2-5 overall. If the Cougars want to put on a winning run, a running game needs to be established, this will allow WSU to throw the opposing defense different looks and not operate as a one dimensional offense. A bye week is coming at a good time; the Cougars have a lot of work ahead of them to compete for a bowl game.

Tuesday, September 30, 2014

WSU Sparks a Stunning Comeback


A week removed from a heartbreaking and controversial officiating game against #2 Oregon resulting in a 38-31 loss at Martin Stadium, WSU mounted an impressive 28-27 comeback victory against the Utah Utes in Salt Lake City. The Cougars got off to a dreadful start down by 21 points after the first quarter highlighted by Connor Halliday throwing a pick six to senior defensive back, Eric Rowe, after his first snap of the game.

            The Utes pounded the Cougars during the first half with a 24-7 lead going into half time. Utah’s playing calling was highlighted by their instrumental running game. Junior running back Devontae Booker finished the game with 24 carries, 178 rushing yards, and 1 TD. The running game was the only edge Utah had over the Cougars. Junior QB Travis Wilson completed 18 of his 38 passes for 165 yards.

            Whatever Mike Leach told his players in locker room clearly motivated the team coming out of the half. The Cougars outscored the Utes 21-3 in the second half. The recipe for success entailed a stout defense with an effective running attack to open the passing lanes. Halliday led the way for the Cougs completing 39 of his 61 passes for 417 yards resulting in 4 TD’s and 2 INT’s. His two favorite targets were sophomore sensation WR River Cracraft and senior WR Vince Mayle, combining for a total of 246 yards and 2 TD’s. Junior WR Dom Williams accounted for the other two passing touchdowns adding 73 yards to the total number of passing yards. WSU’s ground attack prove to be very effective led by a pair of freshmen running backs in Gerard Wicks and Jamal Morrow resulting in 104 rushing yards between the two.

            After five weeks the Cougars will head into Homecoming Week 2-3 overall and 1-1 in PAC-12 play. While fans may be shaking their head wondering why the Cougars performance against Oregon and Utah were not present during the Rutgers and Nevada game, all signs indicate the Cougars are back on track. Heading into the game Utah was 3-0 highlighted by wins against Fresno State at home 59-27 and an impressive road victory against Michigan 26-10. Undoubtedly, given the events that occurred last year between the two teams, Utah was seeking revenge against the Cougars. To recap last year’s game, WSU heading into their game against Utah last year needed one more win to become bowl eligible. Utah heading into the game needed two wins to become bowl eligible, Utah finished last year with five wins. The rest is history. Not only was WSU victorious against a 3-0 impressive Utah team, the Cougars showed tremendous character and exposure leading them to the victory.

            About two weeks, I wrote an article recapping the game against PSU where I stated the Cougars improved in a variety of areas, an established running game to open the passing attack, defensive stops, and a decreased amount of penalties. The Cougars stuck to this formula during the second half to notch their second win of the season. WSU has a long road ahead of them to reach a bowl game but Saturday’s game was a statement. The Cougars could have easily given up after the first quarter. Down by 21 points with the rain coming down hard, the team gathered themselves and shocked the Utah faithful. A win like this should give Cougar fans hope that a bowl game is back in picture if the Cougars can replicate their second half performance toward the rest of their season. It starts next Saturday against CAL in an “Air Raid” offense showdown.

           

Sunday, September 14, 2014

WSU Grabs Much Needed Win


After disappointing back-to-back losses to the Rutgers Scarlet Knights and the Nevada Wolf Pack WSU took care of business at home beating Portland State 59-21 in front of an energized crowd at Martin Stadium. Connor Halliday torched the Viking’s defense completing 41 of 62 passes for 544 yards, six touchdowns, and two interceptions. To be technical, Halliday averaged one interception after 30 passes. Nine receivers accounted for a total of 544 yards through the air; however, senior wide receiver Isiah Myers and junior wide receiver Dom Williams combined for a total of 339 yards and 5 touchdowns.

            The passing game is the primary reason why WSU won. However, the running game kept the defense off balance to open the passing game. A pair of freshmen running backs Gerard Wicks and Jamal Morrow rushed for 88 yards producing a touchdown, Wicks accounted for the touchdown.

            WSU’s defense is a tale of two halves. The first half telling the story of zero points. PSU quarterback Kieran McDonagh had no answer to WSU’s defense. The second half PSU won the battle earning 21 points. McDonagh and senior wide receiver Alex Toureen matched each other for seven catches ending with 100 yards and one touchdown. McDonagh’s final stat line, 31 completed passes in 51 attempts for 269 yards, one touchdown and one interception caused by freshman corner back Charleston White. Senior running back Shaquille Richard ran the ball for 68 yards including one touchdown off of 11 carries.

            Instead of heading into week four against Oregon 3-0 as many cougar fans suspected, the reality is a 1-3 record. Despite having one win, WSU improved in certain areas to pick up not only a much needed win but perhaps optimism heading into the coming weeks of college football. The passing game will receive all of the headlines however; the running game is a huge reason as to why the passing game became effective against Portland State. Through the first two weeks WSU earned a total of 44 rushing yards. No matter the type of quarterback and the arsenal he provides, a running game needs to be present. By not establishing a running game an offense will be predictable and vulnerable. If WSU is to have any chance of upsetting Oregon the running game has to be established.

            WSU’s defense is very young. Viewers may already have observed this due to the amount of penalties caused. The Nevada and Rutgers game resulted in 19 penalties for 149 yards. The Portland State game provided progression of improvement with seven penalties for 70 yards. If WSU keeps the penalties down by not giving up free yards that is a second box to check in preparation for the Oregon game next week. On the subject of free yards, WSU did not provide PSU any second chances in the fumble category. Should WSU keep the momentum in that category a third box is checked for the Oregon game.

            After reading the three areas of improvement: established a running game, cut down on penalties and zero fumbles, readers may wonder, “When is he going to talk about the interceptions?” Interceptions are crucial toward tipping the momentum in a favor of a team. However, interceptions are expected to happen in an Air Raid offense. It is expected for Halliday to throw one or two interceptions a game when he throws the ball sixty or seventy times a game. How do you cut down the interceptions? This goes back to my point of establishing the running game. If the running game is clicking the offense does not become one-dimensional. Doing so, Halliday will be less prone to interceptions and trying to do too much at once.

            If all three areas are checked off next week maybe WSU still ends week four 1-4. When playing the number two team in the country you need a lot of things to go your way and a lot of luck. However, a win against other PAC-12 opponents is not out of the question. Turn back to last year when WSU stunned the city of Los Angeles beating #25 USC 10-7, or wins against Arizona and Utah. If you start to look at the cougar’s situation in this scenario then a bowl game is still possible. Perhaps a game against Oregon is too to a lesser extent.
           
           
           

Wednesday, May 28, 2014

WSU Basketball Faces Uncertainty Heading into the 2012-2013 Season


            While the Mike Leach era of Cougar football is just a few months away from making it’s debut game on a Thursday night against BYU on ESPN, that does not stop Cougar basketball from getting multiple headlines. Unfortunately most of these headlines are not positive for Cougar fans all over the world. The 2012 basketball signing class was thought to be Ken Bone’s best signing class during his tenure at WSU so far, and the best WSU basketball signing class since the 2008 signing class which featured Klay Thompson, Marcus Capers, and DeAngelo Casto just to name a few. However, recruiting blunders are currently unfolding. It all started with Richard Peters the center from Toronto Canada not being able to qualify for school at Washington State University, which now has Peters looking at junior college options in hopes of working towards playing Division 1 basketball. Although Peters will still be in contact with WSU and will likely have them as one of the top schools to consider when the recruiting process reopens up again, this one really hurts. Richard Peters, despite being listed as 2 star recruit on ESPN.com had attracted a lot of attention throughout the recruiting process grabbing offers from Washington State, Washington, Clemson, Seton Hall, and Auburn most notably.

            While the loss of center Richard Peters was a huge blow to the basketball program, more worries are possibly unfolding to realties. The best-rated recruit in the 2012 class, guard from Phoenix Arizona, Demarquise Johnson faces the same questions that Richard Peters had in academic eligibility for enrolling into Washington State University. Before committing to Washington State University, Demarquise Johnson was listed as a 3 star prospect on ESPN, and Scouts.com listed him as a 4 star prospect and was drawing interest to many schools throughout the nation, however the three schools that made the hardest push were UNLV, Gonzaga, and Washington.
           
            Recruiting changes are not the only things that are taking place. Head coach Ken Bone, who will be entering his fourth season at Washington State made a drastic coaching change in hopes to help strengthen the recruiting process. Jeff Hironaka a close friend of Ken Bone and a three time assistant coach for WSU has been demoted and will no longer be an assistant coach for Washington State University, however Hironaka will still have a role on the team. One of the reasons as to why Hironaka was demoted was because Bone wanted to add a recruiter who has contacts in places that other recruiters at WSU do not currently have. Before Hironka was demoted, WSU had three assistant coaches who essentially recruited most of their players in Australia and Washington; those are the two big pipelines that WSU recruiting feeds off of. While Ken Bone is looking for an assistant coach to fill Hironka’s vacant position, its fair to assume that whoever Ken Bone hires will surely help to diversify WSU basketball in recruiting areas that WSU has not been opened to.


            With recruiting and coaching changes taking place, what does this tell us about the state of the program? What does this tell us about Ken Bone? Is it time to think about cougar basketball without Bone as the head coach? After all Bone has had three full seasons to showcase his coaching abilities and let’s not forget that for two of those seasons he had Klay Thompson at his disposal to help lead the Cougar’s toward the NCAA Tournament and he has fell short all three seasons that has resulted in trips to the NIT and CBI Tournament. With the recent hire of Mike Leach, athletic director Bill Moos is not afraid to go big and make a change and although I personally think Ken Bone has this program heading into the right direction, this upcoming season, given the latest recruiting class blunders and coaching changes will give all Cougar fans a great indication of where the program is headed and if they are heading in the right direction, otherwise Ken Bone may have to be concerned about more then just recruiting changes and assistant coaching changes.