Who/When/Where: The Apple Cup gets a never-before-seen September twist this year as defending national runner-up Washington hosts Washington State in Seattle at Lumen Field on September 14. The Cougars will be seeing their all-too-familiar foe in new digs this year as UW is now a bonafide member of the Big Ten. The Huskies, on the heels of a loss in last year’s title game, have said goodbye to a ton of star power but will still present a mighty challenge for WSU in Week 3.
Offense Players to Watch: Will Rogers (QB), Jeremiah Hunter (WR), Jonah Colemann (RB)
Defensive Players to Watch: Isaiah Ward (EDGE), Kamren Fabiculanan (S), Elijah Jackson (CB)
RELATED: How to Watch Washington State Cougar Football in 2024
Life in the post-Michael Penix era for Washington will be very different. The Dawgs will now have former Mississippi State quarterback Will Rogers (#7) as the likely starter and, while he won’t bring the same level of dynamic play to the position, he will be more than a serviceable signal-caller. Rogers threw for over 1,600 yards and 12 scores with the Bulldogs last year (over the course of eight games).
His arm is strong and he has no issue hitting the deep pass but also is solid in short-yardage throws. Rogers is very aware in the pocket, especially when there is trouble and has the ability to get out of traffic with his legs. That mobility often allows him to keep plays alive and let receivers have extra opportunities to get open. Washington State’s secondary will likely need to lock down pass-catchers for an extra few seconds more than usual.
Some of those targets that Rogers will look to often will be senior wideouts Jeremiah Hunter (#6) and Giles Jackson (#5). Hunter, a transfer from Cal, is expected to slide into a starting slot while Jackson will surely see an increased role after both of last year’s stars, Rome Odunze and Ja’Lynn Polk, are now in the NFL. Hunter brings with him over 30 games of experience (23 started) and 2,000 receiving yards while Jackson is fresh off a year in which he hauled in 14 passes for UW.
Hunter does well in coverage, especially one-on-one, and embraces contact while making the catch. WSU’s secondary will need to do more than simply be there when in coverage on the 6’2″, 212-pound receiver because he has the strength to win those battles. Jackson will be the speed guy and will look to find seams in the middle of the defense. If he has a step on slant or deep routes, he will make the Cougars defense pay with chunk plays.
Transfer running back Jonah Coleman (#1) will see a good portion of the carries. Last year with Arizona, Coleman averaged 6.8 yards per attempt, good for second best in the Pac-12. He’s a power runner who knows how to use his weight as an advantage. Coleman lowers his shoulder on almost every play up the middle and can carry a pile with him if he has enough traction.
Defensively, Washington will have some equally talented guys on the field, starting with pass-rusher Isaiah Ward (#91). Also a former Wildcat, Ward was productive last year at Arizona. He recorded five TFLs, four sacks and 30 total stops. He is strong off the snap and leverages himself well to get through blocks and pinch the pocket.
Where UW may really be dangerous, though, is in the secondary. Both Elijah Jackson (#25) and Kamren Fabiculanan (#13) return on the back end this year. The duo teamed up for two picks and seven PBUs last year. Fabiculanan has terrific vision and closing speed making him especially dangerous in shallow coverage. He can bring down pass-catchers behind the line if the blocking isn’t there and when he hits he hits hard. Elijah Jackson, meanwhile, is great at staying with his target regardless of route. He provides blanket-like coverage and almost every catch made on him is a contested one.
RELATED: Ranking Washington State Football 2024 Home Opponents
Final Analysis: On all sides, the Dawgs pose a big test for Washington State despite losing several big names from 2023. Rogers brings a lot to the table for their offense but they won’t be quite the lethal force they were last season. Giles Jackson and Hunter will be threats on the outside and Cougars DBs will need to have a plan to limit the damage from both. On the ground, the task is equally difficult for defenders. They’ll need to wrap up soundly against Coleman. Conversely, WSU pass catchers could run into frustrations with both Elijah Jackson and Fabiculanan. Easy yards and points will be at a premium.
Source link : https://www.si.com/college/washington-state/football/posts/washington-state-2024-opponent-scouting-report-washington
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Publish date : 2024-07-01 08:00:00
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