‘It’s huge for us’: The numbers and the approach behind WSU’s success on the turnover front

Oct. 22—PULLMAN — On the sideline in real time and watching the tape later on, Washington State coach Jake Dickert could tell Jamorri Colson could have given up on the play.

It was early in the second quarter of WSU’s 42-10 win over Hawaii last weekend, and after the Rainbow Warriors completed a pass over the middle, Colson wasn’t involved in the play. The Cougars’ cornerback was on the other end of the field, guarding a different receiver, and his teammates looked to be in position to make the tackle.

Instead, Colson left his assignment, surged toward UH receiver Nick Cenacle, lowered his shoulder and delivered a hit to jar the ball loose. WSU nickelback Kapena Gushiken leapt on the football, recovering the fumble. The Cougars took over around midfield.

“What a hit that was,” Dickert said. “You get yourself in a position where the ball finds you if you play with tons of energy. I think lately, you really feel that. Great team football for our offense to score those. So that was huge in this last football game.”

That hit resulted in one of the Cougars’ three takeaways in the game, including a forced fumble courtesy of linebacker Parker McKenna and an interception from fellow linebacker Buddah Al-Uqdah, his first of the season. It brought WSU’s takeaway total to 14, tied for No. 6 nationally, underscoring how much Dickert and the Cougars pay attention to forcing turnovers.

WSU has nine interceptions and has recovered five fumbles. Redshirt freshman Ethan O’Connor leads the way with three picks, safety Tyson Durant has two, and Gushiken, Al-Uqdah, cornerback Steve Hall and linebacker Kyle Thornton have one apiece.

Five players have recovered one fumble apiece: Al-Uqdah, Gushiken, Durant, linebacker Wesley Steiner and defensive tackle Bryson Lamb. The Cougars have forced eight fumbles, recovering five.

Dickert said…

Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/huge-us-numbers-approach-behind-020100489.html

Author : The Spokesman-Review, Spokane, Wash.

Publish date : 2024-10-23 02:01:00

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