Washington State Football: 3 Takeaways from Cougars win over EWU

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PULLMAN, WA: Travell Harris #5 of the Washington State Cougars carries the ball against Nehemiah Shelton #23 of the San Jose State Spartans in the second half at Martin Stadium on September 8, 2018. (Photo by William Mancebo/Getty Images) /

WSU can beat you in different ways

We know that Washington State has a stout defense. We also know that Mike Leach’s offense can put up points. Yesterday, the Cougars flexed their muscle on special teams.

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Kicker Blake Mazza nailed a 44-yard field goal early in the final quarter to put WSU up by 14. It was his only chance at a three-pointer because Washington State scored eight touchdowns, of which he converted all eight extra point opportunities. On the young season, Mazza has been successful in four of his five field goal attempts in addition to 17 for 17 in extra point opportunities.

Another special teams player from Texas excelled against Eastern Washington as well. Sophomore transfer punter, Oscar Draguicevich kicked the pig out of its skin once again. Even though Wazzu scored 59 points, they still had to punt three times. Draguicevich maximized his chance and averaged 47.3 yards per punt. Since none of his kicks were returned, that was his net average as well.

Last night, I started following/listening/watching the game just after the start of the second quarter. I picked a good time to jump in. Shortly after, Travell Harris fielded a kickoff from his own goal line and went 100 yards, virtually untouched, for six points. Senior Kyle Sweet took the Cougars only punt return of the night back 18 yards. That raised his season average to over eight yards per return.

Next. Our football predictions for September 15-17. dark

When all three facets of the team are clicking, WSU is hard to beat.

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