Washington State Football: Report card for Week 3 win over Houston
By Kyle Grondin
Quarterback: A
Anthony Gordon was the surprise choice as the starting quarterback to start the season, with many believing that FCS transfer Gage Gubrud would win the job handily after dominating at Eastern Washington. But the man who sat behind some record-setting quarterbacks has proven himself, as he had his third straight 400 yard passing performance. He finished with 440 and three touchdowns.
What was so great about his performance was his resiliency, throwing some great balls after throwing a first half interception.
What I liked the most about Gordon in this one was his ability to throw the vertical ball. Much of the air raid game plan is spreading the field and finding the underneath crossing routes, but to of Gordon’s touchdowns were on perfectly thrown post routes, both for 39 yard touchdown passes. Adding that throw to the arsenal of crossing routes will open up the playbook for the Cougs, and Gordon looks like a man who can easily walk in the shadows of Gardner Minshew and be great. Top marks for 18 in this one.
Running Back: B
Running backs are never going to have the biggest roles at Washington State, as they’re more used in pass protection and swing routes to keep the defense honest, but Max Borghi is one of the most important players for Washington State on offense. He had 101 yards on 15 total touches and a rushing touchdown, capping off a drive from one yard out. He was very impressive in both facets, and Borghi looks set to top his numbers from last season in rushing and receiving.
He’s been a huge asset for the Cougars thus far, and his biggest play was his first down on third and eight to ice the game. That sort of performance is exactly what the Cougars needed.
Wide Receivers: A+
Washington State receivers were open early and often in this one. Seven different receivers caught a reception in this one. They were able to catch the Houston secondary standing flat-footed for two long touchdowns to Dezmon Patmon and Easop Winston Jr. Houston’s defense is lackluster, to put it nicely, but the receivers were impressive again, led Brandon Arconado, who had nine receptions for 115 yards.
Offensive Line: C+
The offensive line struggled at times, allowing pressure from the Houston defensive line. Houston ended the game with two sacks, four quarterback hurries and four tackles for loss. They ended up playing well in the second half, and the run blocking was good as Borghi averaged 4.4 yards per carry, but the Washington State’s offensive line will have to improve in the coming weeks against better defensive lines.