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Washington State Football: Report card for stunning loss vs. UCLA

By Clayton Panzeri

PULLMAN, WASHINGTON - SEPTEMBER 21: Easop Winston Jr. #8 of the Washington State Cougars carries the ball against the UCLA Bruins in the second half at Martin Stadium on September 21, 2019 in Pullman, Washington. UCLA defeats Washington State 67-63. (Photo by William Mancebo/Getty Images)
PULLMAN, WASHINGTON - SEPTEMBER 21: Easop Winston Jr. #8 of the Washington State Cougars carries the ball against the UCLA Bruins in the second half at Martin Stadium on September 21, 2019 in Pullman, Washington. UCLA defeats Washington State 67-63. (Photo by William Mancebo/Getty Images) /
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Defense

A Mike Leach defense is never one that strikes people as very impressive. On Saturday night, the glaring issues on the defense finally came to the surface after giving up 67 points with 50 of those points coming in the second half. This dramatic meltdown for WSU was due in part to huge UCLA plays in the air.

Defensive Line: B-

One of the bright spots for Wazzu on their defensive was the line. Forcing constant pressure all throughout the game and buckling down in the first half to really force DTR into long third downs and bad decisions. The line ended with five tackles for a loss and added a sack in there as well. Overall, they played well enough to win the game.

Linebackers: C+

The linebackers flat out to not come out of the tunnel in the second half. After playing well in the first half, limiting mistakes and clogging the middle of the field, UCLA had a field day with the second and third levels of the Cougar defense. The linebackers could not contain the running ability of UCLA quarterback DTR and were left with numerous first downs brought by the speed and capability of Dorian-Thompson Robinson’s legs.

Secondary: F

The secondary was the weakest spot of the whole WSU team on Saturday. Giving up five touchdowns through the air in large part to huge plays downfield by the UCLA receivers. Pile those yards on top of a missed tackle after a missed tackle from the secondary, and you have a huge 32 point lead come to a screeching halt. This has to be the Cougars’ biggest concern going into Utah next week as they are even more balanced and have more talent on the outside.

Special Teams: D

The special teams for WSU were getting torched all night as well. If the secondary did not play as bad as they did for the Cougs, the special teams would highlight the loss as the unit that really hurt in this game. Two touchdowns for the Bruins in the second half came from a punt return and a kickoff return both for touchdowns. UCLA also added numerous 20+ yard returns and was in enemy territory all night to start off their drives.

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The Cougars will have to tighten up on the defensive and special teams side of the ball if they want to have a chance against better opponents in the Pac-12.

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