Washington State fell to Oregon State in the first chapter of the two-game series being played this year. So what went wrong? It can be pinned on four major issues: The failure to convert on third downs, the two interceptions thrown by quarterback Zevi Eckhaus, the offensive line’s failure to protect Eckhaus and the inability to stop Beaver’s running back Anthony Hankerson.
Third down aversionsÂ
The Cougs faced a third-down situation 13 times and flubbed all but two chances, with the only success coming in the first half. This was thanks to wide receivers Tony Freeman and Joshua Meredith whose catches combined for 36-yards. The Cougs saw no more successful third-down conversions for the rest of the game. The collapse in conversions in the second half led OSU to score early in the fourth quarter.Â
Turnovers for breakfastÂ
Fan favorite Zevi Eckhaus continued his streak of two-interception games for the third week in a row. Eckhaus struggled to throw the ball accurately at home versus Toledo, going 10/22. This negative momentum followed him to Corvallis as he threw 13/24 and had under 150 passing yards. Eckhaus now has a touchdown to interception split of 9-8,which is worrisome as the quarterback has only started six games this year.
Leaks in the damÂ
The offensive line didn’t make Eckhaus’s life any easier, allowing six total sacks to OSU and back-to-back sacks in the first quarter for Beaver linebacker Shamar Meikle. Fellow Beaver linebackers also took part in the sack frenzy with Taylor, Wallin, and Sullivan all collecting sacks themselves. Last time the Cougar line allowed more than one sack was in Oxford versus Ole Miss, where Rebel defenders met Eckhaus on four occasions. Line inconsistency has been a major factor in losses; every loss has seen the quarterback go down three or more times, while in wins, the quarterback has only gone down once.
Hank the TankÂ
The Cougar defense had no answer for the tank that is Anthony Hankerson, who rushed for 134 yards on 25 attempts, averaging 5.4 per attempt. Not being able to stop Hankerson came back to bite. As he was the one to not only bring the Beavers into scoring position, but also claim the touchdown that put OSU ahead for the rest of the game. Hankerson exceeded two key averages this week. Those being his yards per game, which sits at 94.4, and his rushing yards per attempt being 4.5. Hankerson brought his positive performance against FCS Lafayette to the game against Washington State, seeing his two best games of the year happen in a row.
If Washington State wants to see success in two weeks’ time against Louisiana Tech, Zevi must execute his throws, which can only happen if the offensive line gives him the time and protection to do so. Louisiana Tech is a strong defensive team, only allowing seventeen touchdowns while holding opponents to an average of eighteen points. Both of these stats are top twenty in the country. The Bulldogs average more points for and fewer points against compared to WSU. That being said, they get into penalty trouble enough to average more than WSU. If the Cougars can trick Louisiana Tech just enough, then a win is very much possible.
The Cougars faltered this week, but with the bye to reflect and prepare for the final three weeks of regular-season college football, winning out to secure a bowl game is probable.
