- Cougs jump Arizona early, then watch a 14-point lead dissolve
It was a dream start for Washington State against its old Pac-12 foes from Arizona. The Cougars built a two-touchdown lead in the first quarter after a stellar opening possession and a pick-six.
But the Wildcats rallied, and WSU began to lose steam in the second half. Arizona contained the Cougs’ offense, and too much was asked of the WSU defense, which eventually faded. The Wildcats scored on their final four drives to close out a 34-24 win over WSU on Saturday at Gesa Field in Pullman.
A long time between TDs
WSU’s first drive of the game was inspiring. It surely had fans wondering if the Cougars had found the recipe for offensive success after the unit struggled in its first two games against FBS opponents.
The Cougs coasted downfield with precision, scoring on quarterback Caden Pinnick’s 11-yard keeper to cap a 10-play, 71-yard drive. The passing game was fluid, with quick throws to the sideline most effective. The tempo game was working.
But the Cougs couldn’t maintain that level of flow offensively. Not by a long shot. The Cougars’ first five drives of the second half resulted in 22 net yards on 20 plays. WSU punted four times and Pinnick lost a fumble on a sack during that stretch. That allowed Arizona to gradually build its lead.
WSU’s offense didn’t score another touchdown until a prayer was answered midway through the fourth quarter – a 46-yard touchdown pass on a fourth-and-10 to Branden Ganashamoorthy, which cut the Arizona lead to 31-24 and gave WSU life after it appeared the game was out of reach.
Before WSU’s last two possessions, the team had barely surpassed 200 total yards.
The Cougs’ ground game was largely ineffective (3.1 yards per carry on 30 attempts). Arizona’s blitzing became more impactful as the game wore on, and Pinnick seemed like he was constantly under pressure. Does that explain the Cougs’ offensive fall-off after the first series? Whatever the case, WSU showed that it can have a capable offense. It just needs to find a way to sustain it for more than one drive.
Credit to the defense
Star Arizona quarterback Noah Fifita was gifted short fields on the Wildcats’ first two possessions of the second half – lousy punt return coverage by WSU set up Arizona at the WSU 33, then Pinnick lost a fumble at his own 32.
The Wildcats didn’t score on either drive. WSU’s defense stuffed two runs and came up with an open-field tackle to force a three-and-out on the first one, and Arizona missed a 42-yard field goal. The Cougars showed more impressive open-field tackling on the next Arizona series, and a low kick on a 43-yard field goal try was blocked by WSU’s Damarjhe Lewis.
The Cougs’ defense accounted for seven of WSU’s 17 first-half points – Jackquintin Bal made a heady interception and returned it for a touchdown – and the unit kept the game in reach as WSU’s offense continued to stall.
Finally, as the fourth quarter approached, WSU’s defense couldn’t hold any longer. The group had just been on the field too much and was clearly getting tired.
Fifita, as a fifth-year player should do, started to find the cracks, and Arizona scored 20 points over its final four possessions – though it should be noted that the Cougar defense came up with a big stand on Arizona’s final drive, stuffing three consecutive runs to force a 51-yard field goal attempt. But the kick sailed through, dashing WSU’s hopes of tying the game on its final drive.
Some positives for WSU’s defense: It held Arizona to less than 3 yards per carry through three quarters before the Wildcats amassed 93 yards on the ground in the fourth; Fifita, one of the nation’s top passers, was thrown off his game on six of Arizona’s 12 possessions and completed a season-low 61% of his passes, and the Cougs’ pass rush got home for three sacks.
Otherwise, just a few too many explosive plays allowed. Fifita and receiver Tre Spivey, who had a career day in the first half alone with 125 yards and two TDs, connected for four passing plays of 18 or more yards before halftime. When WSU’s defense adjusted and covered Spivey up, Fifita found Caleb Smith on back-to-back deep balls of 41 and 38 yards. There were some clear miscommunications in the secondary for WSU.
More of these games, please
It’s uncertain whether WSU, now effectively relegated to the Group of Six, can bring more former Pac-12 rivals to Pullman for nonconference games in future seasons. But if at all possible, the Cougars should make it happen.
These games feel important, giving the Cougars a chance to show that they’re still more than capable of competing with Big 12/Pac-12 legacy programs like Arizona.
For the most part, it was an entertaining and well-matched game, and evoked some feeling of “Pac-12 After Dark” nostalgia, though it – thankfully – didn’t kick off at 8 p.m.
Certainly, the WSU/Arizona matchup was one of the three most highly anticipated games on the Cougs’ schedule, alongside the Apple Cup and the Oct. 24 home game against Boise State.
- Another Late Night Letdown as Cougs Can't Finish the Job at Gesa
PULLMAN — Linebacker Keith Brown lowered his head and raised his fist, another third-down stop firmly in his Washington State team’s grasp. It was getting late in Saturday night’s affair, a legacy Pac-12 matchup between WSU and Arizona at Gesa Field, and the Cougars had just forced their guests into a short field goal. Music blared. Fans bellowed.
Could the Cougs’ offense, now down seven points, take advantage?
WSU quarterback Caden Pinnick and his unit certainly made things interesting, scoring on a long touchdown midway through the fourth quarter, but it wasn’t enough for the Cougars to avoid a 34-24 loss to the Wildcats, who iced this win with a long field goal with about two minutes to play.
All things considered, it was the best effort of the season for WSU, which concludes nonconference play with the 1-3 record it was expected to, but Arizona won the second half, 20-7. Pinnick completed 24 of 41 passes for 241 yards, one touchdown and one interception for WSU, which scored twice outside of its opening series, a field goal from kicker Jack Stevens and a touchdown pass from Pinnick to receiver Branden Ganashamoorthy, who took advantage of an Arizona defender who had fallen down.
Pinnick also lost a fumble, giving him five turnovers in his first four games at WSU. The Cougars have now lost seven total turnovers this fall, a key reason behind many of the struggles of offensive coordinator Matt Miller’s unit.
The Cougars, who managed 154 total yards in the second half, still had a chance in the fourth quarter. At one point, Arizona scored on three straight drives to take a 31-17 advantage, seemingly putting the game away. But about halfway through the frame, Pinnick dropped back and spotted Ganashamoorthy, who sprung open thanks to a stumble from his defender. The Cougs drew within seven with seven minutes to play.
But with a chance to get a stop and give their offense the ball back, the Cougars’ defense couldn’t push the Wildcats out of field goal range for kicker Michael Salgado-Medina, who nailed one from 51 yards. That gave Arizona the final margin with a shade under two minutes to play.
All told, the Cougars were undone by their offense’s inability to adjust to the Wildcats’ pass rush. For the game, Pinnick took three sacks, giving him 10 on the season. WSU also managed just 94 rushing yards, and if you pare that down to production from running backs, the number drops to 59. In the end, the Cougars ran out of answers on that side of the ball.
WSU looked sharp to open the game, capping a flawless opening drive with an 11-yard touchdown rush from Pinnick, who looked to be in control of his offense. Then moments later, transfer safety Jackquintin Ball jumped in front of a pass from Arizona QB Noah Fifita and returned it 25 yards for a touchdown, giving his team a 14-0 lead in the opening minutes of the game. Gesa Field roared its approval.
From there, though, WSU couldn’t generate the same level of production. Fifita — who completed 22 of 36 passes for 297 yards, four touchdowns and the one interception — easily led the Wildcats to back-to-back touchdown drives to tie the game back up at 14-14. His favorite target was receiver Tre Spivey, who hauled in both of those scoring passes en route to a big night: Seven catches for 129 yards and the two scores.
It was a forgettable night for the Cougars’ secondary, which was gashed for seven passes of 15-plus yards, including a 44-yard completion and a 41-yarder. WSU safety Jaylen Thomas has blossomed into one of his group’s best players, but chalk this one up as a learning moment for the redshirt sophomore.
In this one, WSU kicker Jack Stevens made his first field goal since the Sept. 6 Apple Cup, cashing in from 33 yards. But thanks to shoddy blocking on his first attempt, he missed one earlier, making him 2-for-7 on the year.
WSU returns to action next Saturday for the beginning of Pac-12 play, hosting Fresno State. It’ll be the teams’ first meeting in Pullman since 1994.
BOX SCORE
First quarter
9:57 - WSU 7, ARIZ 0: Caden Pinnick keeps the ball and rushes for an 11-yard touchdown.
Pinnick totaled 51 passing yards on the Cougars’ opening drive.
2:57 - WSU 7, ARIZ 0: Pinnick is flushed out of the pocket and is intercepted by Cam Chapa on an attempt deep down the field.
2:05 - WSU 14, ARIZ 0: Cougars take the ball right back as Jackquintin Bal intercepts Noah Fifita and runs 25 yards for a touchdown.
0:08 - WSU 14, ARIZ 7: Tre Spivey lunges for the end zone to complete a 28-yard touchdown reception.
Spivey had a 44-yard reception earlier in the drive and is up to 103 yards.
Second quarter
7:42 - WSU 14, ARIZ 14: Fifita finds Spivey for a 4-yard touchdown to even the game after the PAT.
Spivey now has six catches for 125 yards and two touchdowns.
3:36 - WSU 14, ARIZ 14: Jack Stevens’ 39-yard field goal attempt is blocked.
Arizona takes over at its own 21.
0:22 - WSU 17, ARIZ 14: Stevens makes a 33-yard field goal to give Washington State the lead right before halftime.
Halftime
Washington State, playing as underdogs, holds a 17-14 lead over visiting Arizona.
The Cougars built a 14-0 lead behind a rushing touchdown from Pinnick and an interception returned for a touchdown.
The Wildcats rallied to tie the game due in large part to the performance of Tre Spivey. The Arizona wide receiver has 125 yards and two touchdowns so far.
Jack Stevens shook off a blocked field goal earlier in the half to make a 33-yarder, giving WSU the lead back.
Third quarter
8:16 - WSU 17, ARIZ 14: Pinnick fumbles while being sacked and the Wildcats recover at the Cougars’ 32.
6:09 - WSU 17, ARIZ 14: Arizona kicker Michael Medina has a 43-yard field goal attempt blocked by Damarjhe Lewis.
4:02 - ARIZ 21, WSU 17: Arizona grabs its first lead of the game when Fifita finds Caleb Smith for a 38-yard touchdown.
Fourth quarter
12:49 - ARIZ 24, WSU 17: Medina makes a 27-yard field goal to extend Arizona’s lead.
9:07 - ARIZ 31, WSU 17: Isaiah Mizell comes down with an 11-yard touchdown reception.
Fifita is up to 288 yards and four touchdown passes.
7:15 - ARIZ 31, WSU 24: Pinnick burns Arizona’s blitz and finds Branden Ganashamoorthy wide open for a 46-yard touchdown pass.
1:57 - ARIZ 34, WSU 24: Medina makes a 51-yard field goal to give the Wildcats a two-possession lead.
Pregame
Washington State will engage in some nostalgia this weekend, hosting fellow Pac-12 legacy program Arizona.
Senior quarterback Noah Fifita and the Wildcats are 2-1 this season. Arizona has comfortable wins against Northern Arizona (35-7) and Northern Illinois (42-17), but lost an early-season test against ninth-ranked BYU (28-17).
The Cougars (1-2) are fresh off their first win of the season, a second-half domination of Duquesne 48-7. They will try to carry that momentum into a primetime game against Arizona, the Cougars’ final tuneup before Pac-12 Conference play starts on Oct. 3.
For Washington State to find success, quarterback Caden Pinnick will have to execute against Arizona, especially from play-action. Paul Hutson and the rest of Washington State’s defense will try to slow down Fifita and the rest of Arizona’s offense.
The game is scheduled to kick off at 4:30 p.m. on CBS.
Series history
Washington State is 19-28 all-time against Arizona. The Wildcats won the last matchup 44-6 in Pullman on Oct. 14, 2023.
Notable stat
Arizona quarterback Noah Fifita has faced pressure in the pocket on 23% of plays. Fifita has completed 7 of 12 passes for 67 yards and one interception in pressure situations so far this season.
Game preview
More on the Cougs
- Second-half snaps tell the story of WSU's defensive breakdowns
PULLMAN – A few minutes after halftime began and Washington State players filed into their locker room, the sparkly new crimson and black lair that was remodeled over the summer, linebacker Keith Brown turned to a teammate with a question.
“What’s the score?” asked the sixth-year linebacker.
It was Saturday evening, and WSU had just taken a three-point lead on visiting Arizona into halftime, but Brown was none the wiser, according to his retelling. Brown and the Cougars’ defense had yielded a pair of scoring drives, and because quarterback Caden Pinnick had thrown an interception, that unit had to be on the field for one extra drive.
As the rest of the game unfolded, the Cougs lost one more turnover, a fumble from Pinnick on a play where he was trying to throw the ball away as he was getting tackled. That was the seventh turnover WSU’s offense has committed this season, which has spawned all kinds of other problems, perhaps this above all: The Cougars’ defense has been tasked with playing tons more snaps, lots more drives, putting them at risk of tiring themselves out when they shouldn’t have to.
For his part, Brown says it isn’t much of a problem.
“I don’t even think about it, man,” Brown said. “As a defender, you’re so excited to go out there and play, no matter what. … We just go out there every single series, and that series right there is the only thing I’m worried about. I don’t care if I just came off the field or the offense has been out there for a while. I’m excited to go out there and play.”
That may be the case, but it also means WSU defenders are playing heavy amounts of snaps. Check out some of the total snap counts from the Cougars’ loss to the Wildcats last weekend. Cornerback Khamari Terrell led all defenders with 72 snaps. Then came Brown, who logged 69, followed by defensive backs Jackquintin Bal with 67 and Jamarey Smith with 61.
That was the second time at least three WSU defenders played at least 60 snaps each, joining the team’s earlier loss to Kansas State: defensive backs Kai Rapolla, Jaylen Thomas and Smith all cleared the 60-snap mark.
Headed into WSU’s next game, a home matchup with Fresno State to kick off Pac-12 play, two defenders have hit the 200-snap threshold: Thomas leads the team with 225 snaps while Brown is on his heels with 222. Several others are in the area, including Smith at 199, linebacker DJ Warner at 196 and safety Jeremiah Bernard at 192.
Does that add up over time? Or does it all come out in the wash for a bunch of 19- to 22-year-olds?
“It adds up in fact that you’re going against a really good quarterback,” WSU coach Kirby Moore said, referring to Arizona’s Noah Fifita, “and we were very aggressive on defense, and you saw that in the first half. Over time, he’s gonna make some plays. He’s gonna create some passes downfield, and they had the quick drive right there, and just keeping our guys fresh because the coverage and the front, it’s all gotta work together. If the front is tired and we’re not getting the rush that we want to, well, that’s affecting the back end. That’s what we gotta get solved there in the third quarter, and it really starts playing complementary football.”
Perhaps no single stat illustrates the point better than this: WSU’s defense ranks in the top half of the country in points allowed in the first quarter, permitting just 4.3, which ranks No. 57 nationally. In the fourth quarter, the Cougars are allowing an average of 11.3 points, which ranks No. 123 nationally, only about a dozen spots up from last in the country.
Think about the way WSU’s defense was operating in the first quarter against Arizona. Defensive end Linus Zunk earned a sack on the first play of the game. Bal snagged that pick-six. Then later in the first quarter, defensive tackle Jirah Leaupepele got home for another sack. “Just doing my job,” he said about that play.
The Cougs (1-3) couldn’t replicate that level of production in the second half. The Wildcats won the second half to the tune of 20-7, averaging nearly 7 yards per play, keeping Fifita clean the rest of the game.
In other words, WSU defenders wore down as the game unfolded, which is partially to be expected of a group headed out onto the field so often. The Cougars have lost seven turnovers on the season, remember? Only 18 other teams in the country have committed more. That sets up defensive coordinator Trent Bray’s unit with more and more series, and while the Cougars could certainly be doing more on defense – their inability to get much pressure on Fifita in Saturday’s second half loomed large, as did a long touchdown rush K-State broke off earlier this month – check out their high snap counts and you start to understand the root of the issue.
So what’s the solution? Play more defenders? That isn’t feasible in all of WSU’s position groups. Cornerback Jalil Tucker, a starter in Week 1, has missed the last three games with an injury. Linebacker Nylan Brown was out last week. Defensive ends Malachi Wrice and Mike Hughes were too, and they figure to be out this Saturday against Fresno State. The Cougars could get more out of young safety Kyle Peterson, for example, but after he made an early mistake that led to an Arizona touchdown, he didn’t see the field again.
What about other players on the roster? Could the Cougs give more looks to guys like defensive lineman Josh Wedel (73 snaps) or defensive end Ben Beatty, who has played just 67 snaps? The latter seems possible, but in an interesting development, WSU coaches have never separated starters Zunk and Matyus McLain. They have both played 184 snaps, indicating that coaches like them best when they’re on the field together.
With that in mind, it’s possible that the best respite for this WSU defense is an improved offense, an offense that can sustain drives. The Cougars figure to have an easier time doing that against the likes of Fresno State than they did against Power Four foes like Washington, Kansas State and Arizona. If they can hold onto the ball against the Bulldogs – whose defense ranks sixth nationally with a plus-seven turnover margin – the Cougs won’t just be doing their offense a favor.
They’ll also be doing a favor to their defense.
