PAC-12 Football Power Rankings – Week Ending 10/10
5. Washington State Cougars (4-2, 1-2)
Last Game: USC 30 – WSU 14
Not many teams can go into Los Angeles Memorial Stadium and beat USC. Add the Washington State Cougars to that list.
The Cougs’ offense played a great first half but sputtered in the second. Quarterback Cameron Ward didn’t throw an interception on Saturday night, but the Washington State Cougars had a tough time getting anything going in the second half.
Ward finished the game 19 of 32 with 172 passing yards and two touchdowns. Receiver Renard Bell was injured in the first quarter, which seemed to take some steam out of the Cougs offense.
Jaylen Jenkins stepped in for injured Nakia Watson and excelled. The diminutive running back rushed for a career-high 130 yards on 13 carries and added 54 yards on two catches.
Middle Linebacker Daiyan Henley is a force. But even he was overwhelmed by the Trojan’s offense.
This Week at Oregon State, 6:00 PM, FOX
The Cougs showed resilience after they lost their first game. Expect Jake Dickert’s team to do it again after falling short against USC.
It feels like Washington State’s offense is due for an explosion. New starting running back Jaylen Jenkins could be the catalyst.
Quarterback Cameron Ward has been very effective in spreading the ball around. It will be a challenge for him to continue his good play without Renard Bell. Wazzu’s other receivers will have to step up.
The defense will need to tighten up a bit, but there is no reason to believe they won’t. Look for Henley to have a big game.
WSU Freshman RB Jaylen Jenkins totaled 184 yards against USC
He’s going to be a problem in the PAC-12 for a long time
— WestCoastCFB (@WestCoastCFB) October 10, 2022