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Sep. 2—PULLMAN — Here’s a first look at Washington State’s home game against Texas Tech on Saturday.
What is it? For the second straight season, Washington State is hosting a nonconference game against a power conference opponent, welcoming the Big 12’s Texas Tech to Pullman for an evening kickoff. The Cougs will try to make it two straight wins after toppling the Big Ten’s Wisconsin last fall.
It’s also a meeting of the two programs that the late coach Mike Leach impacted most, coaching Texas Tech from 2000-2009 and WSU from 2012-2019.
Where is it? Gesa Field at Martin Stadium in Pullman.
When is it? Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. local time.
Where can I watch it? Fox 28 will broadcast the game.
Who is favored? As of Monday afternoon, WSU was around a 1.5-point favorite in most sportsbooks.
How did the Cougars fare last week? In a 70-30 season-opening win over FCS Portland State, WSU scored quickly and efficiently. Quarterback John Mateer turned a slow start into an 11-for-17 passing effort, totaling five touchdowns through the air and one on the ground, helping the Cougars run off eight straight touchdown drives at one point.
WSU also enjoyed a sterling showing on the ground, where true freshman Wayshawn Parker logged 96 rushing yards, the most by a WSU running back in two years. Mateer added 55 rushing yards and running back Leo Pulalasi chipped in with 54, bringing the Cougs’ rushing total to 224, the program’s most in a single game since a win over FCS Northern Colorado last season.
At the heart of that effort was Washington State’s run-blocking, which received a Pro Football Focus grade of 85.4, the Cougs’ highest in a single game since 2018. It may not be wise to draw big conclusions from a win over an FCS opponent, but that was a real struggle all of last season, and WSU appears to be headed in the right direction in…
Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/first-look-washington-state-hosts-020100853.html
Author : The Spokesman-Review, Spokane, Wash.
Publish date : 2024-09-03 02:01:00
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