Half-way into the 2011 campaign the Cougars, at 3-3, are a win short of where I had them pegged in our preseason predictions. I love the way our offense has played and our defense has actually shown some real improvement.
Being 47th in the nation against the run is light years better than what we were the past three seasons. If Chris Ball can figure out any way to get pressure on the quarterback in the final half of the season I truly believe we will go bowling.
Quick Hits: Much has been said about OC Todd Sturdy and his playcalling. Personally, I’m still on the fence. Part of me sees the yards we have been racking up and thinks he has been doing a great job. However, the nega-coug in me thinks he calls poor plays in the red zone and panics too often when the game is on the line. Sturdy would take a huge step towards securing his job by putting together a game plan that exposes OSU’s weak secondary and poor defensive front this Saturday.
– Last week I had the opportunity to interview Ryan Leaf for a profile for the Daily Evergreen’s sports section. I was relatively nervous, but I have to say Leaf was incredibly honest and likable. He was talkative and answered every question I asked him very well. I’m almost done with 596 Switch, and I have to say it might be the best book I’ve read about Cougar football.
Leaf has a self-deprecating sense of humor that shines through. In addition, his relationship with the WSU coaching staff was pretty interesting to read about.
– Expect a huge game for Tuel this Saturday against the Beavers. Their secondary is VERY poor. As long as Barton and Karstetter figure out how to combat making mental errors, they should each have big days.
Final Score: Cougars 35 Oregon State 21
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