10-27-2018, 10:58 PM
Yes, this is not the defense we have grown used to during the Harbaugh/Shaw era. Whether by recruiting negligence, poor player development or a lack of Stanford-caliber athletes in front-seven positions throughout the nation, we have lost the once elite defensive side of the ball that has been our true strength during this stellar run. If we had the old party-in-the-backfield squads of the 2010-2014 years, Minshew would have been scrambling for his life, and the result would have been different.
Which leads me to believe that WSU is not actually that good. Once the Cougs face a really strong defensive front, their air-raid will sputter and potentially crash. If we had had a Harrison Phillips or Solomon Thomas (or both) in the front line, we likely win this contest. Utah nearly pulled off the upset in Martin Stadium; USC had just enough to beat them in the Coliseum. Otherwise, Wazzu really has not faced a truly physical defense yet. Clemson or Bama would eat them alive. But in a Pac-12 that currently does not boast strong defenses, they are riding high.
Which leads me to believe that WSU is not actually that good. Once the Cougs face a really strong defensive front, their air-raid will sputter and potentially crash. If we had had a Harrison Phillips or Solomon Thomas (or both) in the front line, we likely win this contest. Utah nearly pulled off the upset in Martin Stadium; USC had just enough to beat them in the Coliseum. Otherwise, Wazzu really has not faced a truly physical defense yet. Clemson or Bama would eat them alive. But in a Pac-12 that currently does not boast strong defenses, they are riding high.