Washington State University Athletics - Official Athletics Site
Coug O-line opened holes, but the scoreboard didn't cooperate against SDSU
The offensive line did its job Saturday. The Cougs opened holes, gave the quarterback time, and generally did the dirty work you want to see in the trenches. Then the scoreboard happened. Against San Diego State, Washington State moved the ball well enough to win, but the points didn't follow. That's the frustrating part of this one: the physicality was there, the execution up front was there, and the result wasn't.
You can't blame the big guys for this loss. They created running lanes and kept the pocket clean. When the O-line does that, the offense should cash in. It didn't. Maybe that's a red-zone issue, maybe it's a turnover problem, maybe it's just one of those Saturdays where the ball bounces wrong. Either way, the protection wasn't the problem.
It's a tough one to swallow because the effort was obvious. The Cougs didn't get pushed around. They pushed back. But football doesn't award style points, and Pullman is left wondering what could have been if a few more drives ended in the end zone.
The good news? The season isn't over, and there's plenty of football left. If the line keeps blocking like that, the wins will come. For more on what's happening around the program, check out "Palouse Hoops Is Back: Cougs, Vandals Set Two-Year Series" for a look at the hardwood rivalry returning. For now, Cougs, this one stings, but the foundation is there. Go Cougs.
