7 Takeaways from Washington State Cougars 28-9 win over Cal
Lamarr Fields
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The Washington State Cougars responded nicely to last week’s first loss of 2022 with a 28-9 win over Cal at Martin Stadium. Here are our 7 biggest takeaways.
After a tough loss to Oregon last week, the Washington State Cougars rebounded nicely with a 28-9 win over Cal. Both teams went scoreless in the first quarter before running back Jaylen Jenkins ran it in from the two-yard line to give Washington State a 7-0 lead.
The Cougars took a 7-3 lead into halftime. In their first drive of the second half, quarterback Cameron Ward connected with former Incarnate Word teammate Robert Ferrel for a 17-yard touchdown pass to give WSU a 14-3 lead.
Washington State went on to score two more touchdowns and won comfortably.
Takeaway #1 – Cam Means Points
Ward completed 27 of 40 passes for 343 yards and three touchdowns while connecting with ten different receiving targets. Generally, he was efficient and did a great job spreading the ball around.
One of the most impressive things he did on Saturday was to roll out of the pocket. Ward looked equally comfortable moving in either direction to find an open receiver.
Cam Ward strike to Robert Ferrel for the 17 yard TD! #Wazzu pic.twitter.com/hY5Spb92Ee
— ?????? @???????? (@FTBeard7) October 1, 2022
Takeaway #2 – But Cam Needs Maturity
However, in the future, Ward must do a better job of taking care of the ball. The QB was picked off twice in the end zone on balls he didn’t need to throw.
Ward needs to accept that sometimes the best option is to throw the ball away instead of unnecessarily forcing it. He can’t afford to waste opportunities like that and expect to win games.
Promising #WSU drive ends with an interception.
Cameron Ward tried to force one into double coverage toward Lincoln Victor.#Cal safety Daniel Scott is there for the pick in the end zone.
Cougs went 46 yards on the drive, advanced inside the Bears' 30. https://t.co/4iidRWJJDN— Colton Clark (@SpokesmanClark) October 1, 2022
Takeaway #3 – Sometimes it’s like their stuck in 2nd Gear
Washington State’s running game continues to be a weak spot. Lead back Nakia Watson had 52 yards on 14 carries, which was a little better than he did last week.
As a team, the Cougars averaged 2.9 YPC, which also includes a few kneel downs. If the Washington State Cougars can improve the rushing attack, they could take their offense to the next level and open up more passing lanes. As it stands now, defenses don’t have to honor the Cougs run game.
#WSU with its two longest runs of the day, back to back.
Nakia Watson finds room for a 23-yarder, then Jaylen Jenkins breaks off a 20-yarder.
Two plays ago, the Cougs running game had produced just 23 yards.
Up to 66 now.— Colton Clark (@SpokesmanClark) October 2, 2022