FRESNO, Calif. – With 12 full days between games, the Washington State Cougars will be focused on reflecting on their 45-24 loss to Boise State and fixing their mistakes before facing Fresno State. I had plenty of time to concentrate. Saturday.
The Cougars started the 2024 season 4-0, outscoring opponents by 17 points per game until a loss to Boise State highlighted their defensive struggles. Head coach Jake Dickert knew a change was needed and quickly addressed it during the break.
“Just going out and communicating with each other. It’s verbal, it’s nonverbal, it’s pre-snap, it’s identifying the FIB, ‘Motion’s coming,’ it’s spin alert. . Just doing a mature job, I mean, we’re in that position.” It’s Game 6 for our secondary now, they’ve all played a lot of games. Eliminate excuses, hold players and coaches accountable, and communicate better. ” Dickert said.
The Fresno State Bulldogs suffered a loss in the season opener against Michigan and lost to UNLV 59-14, but are now 3-2. The Bulldogs’ offense was the key to their victory, averaging 44 points per game in wins but just 12 points per game in losses. The key to defeating them was to delay their attacks.
The Cougs will aim to hold quarterback Mikey Keene to less than his season average of 271 passing yards per game on Saturday. Darena Mack is the Bulldogs’ top receiver, averaging 100 yards receiving per game.
The Cougs are 0-3 with a bye under head coach Jake Dickert and will look to turn the tide this week heading into Fresno.
“We’re not compromising anything. We’re looking at where this group can come together and go. And that’s the next step, but I think consistency on the offensive line is very important.” Dickert said.
Wide receiver Kyle Williams is looking for personal revenge after losing all three games against the Bulldogs while playing at UNLV from 2020 to 2022. He is the Cougs’ top receiver, averaging 92 yards and five touchdowns per game. When asked about his thoughts on Fresno State, he was quick to respond.
“I don’t like them,” Williams said.
Despite the loss to Boise State, Coug fans are still hopeful for a chance at the College Football Playoff. The All-State Playoff Projection gives Wazoo a 16% chance of making the playoffs and they need a win to get some help. They need to get through this big test before thinking too much about the future.
The Washington State Cougars (4-1) will take on the Fresno State Bulldogs (3-2) at 4 p.m. at Valley Children’s Stadium in Fresno, California. Highlights and game coverage will be posted on our website, SWXlocalsports.com, and on our app. .
