Washington State Cougars: 8 thoughts from 43-29 loss to Oregon

Ed Stein   |  

Nov 15, 2020

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Saturday night, the Washington State Cougars lost to Oregon 43-29 in the 2020 home opener. Here are eight points to ponder about the game.

Saturday night, the Washington State Cougars came back to earth. Actually, their fall started in the second quarter. Wazzu got off to a good start. Touchdowns the first two times they had the ball contributed to a 19-7 lead 24 seconds before the break. A long kickoff return followed by a 59-yard completion allowed Oregon to get back in the game as they scored with three seconds left to cut the margin to five.

That ending sparked the Ducks in the second half. Oregon had five possessions in the half, which resulted in four touchdowns and a missed 37-yard field goal. Washington State couldn’t keep up with the onslaught, ultimately losing by a 43-29 score.

Here are eight thoughts about the game

1. The Bell Tolls

Renard Bell had a heck of a game. Last week the 5-8 wideout played co-star to Travell Harris. This week, he was the main attraction. Bell caught 10 passes for 158 yards and a touchdown. The highlight was a 45-yard catch on a fade route down the right side. That catch set up a four-yard touchdown pass to none other than Bell.

2. Red Zone Efficiency

Against a talented and deep team like Oregon, the Cougars couldn’t afford to waste their opportunities. Unfortunately, that’s what happened. There were three different occasions when Wazzu had the ball inside the UO 20 and came away with just field goals. That has to change. 

3. QB Consistency

It’s not surprising that Jayden de Laura, a true freshman struggled with his consistency against a good team. He came out of the chute on fire, completing five of his first six passes for 106 yards and a pair of touchdowns. Unfortunately, the freshman was 6 of 15 for 64 yards over the Cougs next six possessions.

De Laura got some of his mojo back in the fourth quarter. But by then, his team went from a 13-7 lead to a 28-19 deficit. Give Oregon credit for making some adjustments. Going forward, the young signal-caller must learn to make adjustments of his own.

4. Can’t afford Defensive Lapses

Every middle school defensive back knows receivers can’t beat them deep down the field. It happened twice on Saturday night. The biggest mistake the Washington State Cougars made, happened with time running down in the first half.

Due to a coverage gaff, Oregon receiver Jaylon Redd got behind Wazzu defensive back George Hicks III for a 59-yard completion to the WSU three-yard line with 12 seconds left. Oregon punched the ball in one play later closing within five points to end the half.

5. Where did he come from?

Any Wazzu fans who weren’t familiar with the name Ayden Hector before the game (and why should they), know it now. It’s rare for a true freshman to play extensive minutes in this league. Even rarer is playing a walk on. A true freshman walk on is almost unheard of.

Hector made the most of his opportunity, Saturday night. Over three consecutive possessions, the Seattle native recovered two fumbles and picked off UO quarterback Tyler Slough on the other. Someone get this kid a scholarship.

6. Cash in opportunities

When a good team gives them chances to take control of the game, Washington State must capitalize on them. Going back to Hector’s three takeaways, the Cougs had the ball at the WSU 47, UO 38, and WSU 44, respectively. Despite the great field position, Wazzu only converted the turnovers into six points. Two field goals and a three-and-out.

That can’t happen against anyone in the Pac-12, let alone it’s top team. Instead of a 19-14 half time lead, the Cougs should have been ahead by at least 23-7.

7. Prime Time 2.0?

How about “Neon” Deon McIntosh. He seized his opportunity in Max Borghi‘s absence, and run with it, literally. Last week he had 147 yards and a touchdown. Saturday night, the Pompano Beach, Florida native picked up 121 total yards and another score.

8. Better than they think

Yes, the Washington State Cougars lost by two touchdowns. The game didn’t feel out of hand, though. Wazzu played Oregon hard. Even in defeat, the Cougs showed the rest of the conference that they aren’t to be taken lightly. As the abbreviated season goes on, this team and especially their quarterback will get better.

What are your thoughts about the game? Let us know in the comments section below or on social media.