Washington State Cougars: 4 thoughts from disappointing 45-28 loss to Utah
Turnovers
Saturday’s game was an abject lesson about the effects of turnovers. A team turns the ball over; they fall behind. It’s simple. In the first half, Utah had three turnovers, and they went behind by three touchdowns. When WSU turned the ball over four times in the second half, they got crushed. As their quarterback gains experience, Wazzu’s turnover rate should drop significantly.
The windup
Jayden de Laura played well this season, especially considering he was a true freshman with limited time to prepare. As the amount of film grows on a quarterback, defenses get a better handle on how to play against him, and in de Laura’s case, wear him down.
During the first half, he looked like a confident young man leading an FBS football team. Until he didn’t. After the break, de Laura couldn’t get the Wazzu truck in gear and moving forward.
Part of the problem is de Laura has a big windup when throwing the ball. For the second time in three games, the Cougs opponent made halftime adjustments to take advantage of the hitch in his throwing motion. One of the reasons he fumbled in the fourth quarter was due to the big wind up. To be successful and take advantage of his receivers in the future, de Laura has to get the ball out his hand faster.
So far, de Laura showed some good instincts and nice arm strength. He seems to be coachable, so this issue should improve with time.
Washington State announced they wouldn’t play in a bowl game if invited, so this is it for 2020.