Analysis: In WSU’s win over Hawaii, QB John Mateer played his best game by playing his simplest game

Oct. 20—PULLMAN — The beauty in John Mateer, Washington State’s burgeoning quarterback, is in how much room he has to grow. He’s still only a redshirt sophomore, all of 20 years old, and in his first year at the controls, coaches are still figuring out how to make the most of him.

Is he best throwing deep balls? Not yet. Can he make plays scrambling from the pocket? Some, but not all. Can he make quick and accurate passes closer to the line of scrimmage? Without a doubt.

The best thing Mateer showed in WSU’s 42-10 win over Hawaii on Saturday, though, was that he’s willing to accept all of that. He stayed within himself, kept things simple and didn’t try to evade a thousand tackles on scrambles. He let his receivers make catches and rack up yards after the catch, which they’ve shown they’re some of the best in the country at.

Above all, Mateer seemed to understand that for as much potential as he has, he has work to do to reach it. For a guy of his experience — in his first year starting, playing just his seventh game as the guy for the Cougs — that speaks volumes. In his most mature game of his career, Mateer looked happy to simplify his game, taking things as they come, not forcing them.

Mateer completed 23 of 27 passes for 295 yards and three touchdowns. For the first time this season against an FBS foe, he didn’t throw an interception. Some of the best plays he made were the easiest: Two designed QB keepers for touchdowns. A quick throw over the middle to receiver Carlos Hernandez, who took it to the house. A flip to speedy wideout Kris Hutson, who zoomed into the end zone from short distance, and a laser of a touchdown pass to tight end Cooper Mathers.

That was no coincidence. Headed into this game, WSU coach Jake Dickert said, coaches “narrowed the menu down a little bit, to things he’s really confident…

Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/analysis-wsus-win-over-hawaii-020200790.html

Author : The Spokesman-Review, Spokane, Wash.

Publish date : 2024-10-21 02:02:00

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