Cougars have created their own adversity

PULLMAN — Responding to adversity is an issue for the Washington State football team.

The losses to Stanford and Oregon State were made worse by the manner in which both games got out of hand so quickly.

“You’ve got to play a game 60 minutes, and there’s going to be adversity in games,” said Cougars head coach Mike Leach.

The Cougars have shown the ability to step up and punch an opponent, but the counterpunches have been of the knockout variety.

Down 17-3 early in the third quarter against the Cardinal, the WSU defense forced a stop and looked poised to make a game of it. But in the span of four minutes, Stanford returned two interceptions for touchdowns and scored on a 45-yard pass, casting the Cougars aside in less time than it took WSU to complete its first scoring drive.

A similar tale played out against the Beavers last week. Tied entering the fourth quarter, the game was a 45-24 rout before five minutes had passed off the clock. Turnovers by the offense gave OSU prime field position and the defense was unable to flip the script.

“We feed off each other to where if one side struggles, the other side collapses,” Leach said. “We’ve got to quit waiting for somebody else to make a play … In both of those cases we’ve created our own adversity.”

Sandwiched between those two lopsided losses was a counterpoint game. After surging to an early lead against Cal on the road, the Cougars gave up a pair of touchdowns.

The Cougars offense followed its first two scores with a punt, a safety taken, an interception, a punt, and a missed field goal. Rather than wilt, the Cougars pushed back. They took control of the game and walked out of Berkeley with a 44-22 win.

“We decided that game to actually come together, just settle down and forget everything that happened and make a play,” linebacker Darryl Monroe said. “Once we started doing that, when things got out of control and didn’t go our way we started to turn the table and get turnovers, force three-and-outs and whatnot.”

As the OSU debacle illustrated, responding to adversity against an outmatched opponent pales to the challenge of doing it against a peer. The Cougars are done with their easy games. The second half of WSU’s schedule is its toughest, and WSU won’t be able to win any more games by merely overpowering opponents.

“I just think we have to keep playing, it’s as simple as that,” Leach said. “There’s no magic formula.”

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Sports

Dennis Williams, head coach and GM of the Everett Silvertips, shakes hands with an assistant coach at the end of a season opening victory over the Vancouver Giants on Saturday, Sep. 24, 2022, at Angel of the Winds Arena in Everett, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
Coach, GM Williams leaving Silvertips for Bowling Green State

After seven successful season leading Everett, Dennis Williams is heading back to his alma mater. He’ll stay with the Tips through the WHL playoffs.

Everett’s Alana Washington poses for a photo at Everett High School on March 24, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
The Herald’s 2023-24 Girls Basketball Player of the Year: Alana Washington

The Everett senior upped her game in the postseason to help the Seagulls overcome injuries and claim their first state trophy in 41 years.

Left to right, Arlington’s Samara Morrow, Kamiak’s Bella Hasan, Everett’s Alana Washington, Lake Steven’s Nisa Ellis, Lynnwood’s Aniya Hooker, and Meadowdale’s Gia Powell, pose for a photo at Everett High School on March 24, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
The Herald’s 2023-24 All-Area girls basketball teams

A look at the top prep girls basketball players in the area from the 2023-24 season.

Silvertips players celebrate during a game between the Everett Silvertips and Tri-City Americans at the Angel of the Winds Arena on Sunday, Jan. 21, 2024. The Silvertips won, 5-3. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
Silvertips land No. 1 pick, chance to draft generational talent

Landon DuPont is the consensus top pick in next WHL prospects draft. Everett chief operating officer Zoran Rajcic said the team intends to select him.

Mountlake Terrace’s Jaxon Dubiel talks with head coach Nalin Sood during the 3A boys state basketball game against Todd Beamer on Wednesday, Feb. 28, 2024 in Tacoma, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
‘It was just time’: Mountlake Terrace basketball coach Sood steps down

Nalin Sood guided his alma mater to 381 wins and 15 state berths in 24 seasons as head coach. He spent over four decades with the program.

Stanwood High School student athletes during their signing day ceremony. (Courtesy of Stanwood High School)
Local class of 2024 athletes who have signed to play in college

A running list of 2024 high school athletes who are set to compete at the next level.

X
Prep roundup for Tuesday, March 26

Prep roundup for Tuesday, March 26: (Note for coaches/scorekeepers: To report results… Continue reading

Silvertips’ Kaden Hammell (47) enters the rink during a game between the Everett Silvertips and the Tri-City Americans at the Angel of the Winds Arena on Sunday, March 24, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
Patterson: Overachieving Silvertips had season worth celebrating

In a season when some thought the team’s playoff streak could end, Everett put together one of its greatest campaigns.

Washington State athletic director Pat Chun, center, watches players on the first day of NCAA college football practice, Friday, Aug. 6, 2021, in Pullman, Wash. (AP Photo/Ted S. Warren)
Washington hires AD Chun away from rival Washington State

UW quickly targeted its in-state rival’s athletic director after Troy Dannen’s sudden departure.

Seattle Mariners' Mitch Haniger hits a single against the San Diego Padres during the fourth inning of a spring training baseball game Monday, March 11, 2024, in Peoria, Ariz. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)
Why the Mariners could win the AL West, and what could hold them back

Starting pitching, a renovated offense and regression in the AL West are in Seattle’s favor, but injury issues, bullpen concerns and the Houston Astros could be a problem.

X
Vote for The Herald’s Prep Athlete of the Week for March 18-24

The Athlete of the Week nominees for March 18-24. Voting closes at… Continue reading

X
Prep roundup for Wednesday, March 27

Prep roundup for Wednesday, March 27: (Note for coaches/scorekeepers: To report results… Continue reading

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.