Washington State Football: Report card for Week 3 win over Houston

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HOUSTON, TEXAS – SEPTEMBER 13: Bryce Beekman #26 of the Washington State Cougars forces Marquez Stevenson #5 of the Houston Cougars to fumble the ball in the fourth quarter during the Advocare Texas Kickoof at NRG Stadium on September 13, 2019 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images) /

Defensive Line: C

Washington State’s defensive line had a mixed performance in the game, sacking D’Eriq King twice and hurrying him four times, but they gave up 239 rushing yards in the game, as they struggled to control King on the ground. With Utah, Arizona State and Colorado coming up on the schedule, they’ll have to improve defending the ground games against these talented offenses.

Linebackers: B

Linebacker Jahad Woods was one of the players of the game for the Cougars defense in this one, finishing with eight tackles a sack and a pass defense in the game. He helped deliver a complete performance in this one, and they held the Houston offense with just 142 yards in the second half, propelling the team to win.

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Defensive Backs: B+

I said Woods was one of the players of the game for the Cougars on defense, the other was Bryce Beekman, a safety. He led the team with 10 tackles, and forced a fumble late in the fourth quarter that allowed Washington State to increase their lead to two touchdowns. He and fellow safety Skyler Thomas were all over the ball in this one, combining for 16 tackles, and held Houston’s King to just 128 yards passing and a weak completion percentage in this one. A solid game for the secondary is a positive sign after losing star safety Jalen Thompson in the offseason.

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