Washington State Cougars Game Day Grades – Week Two
James Williams– RB
Rushing: 10 Carries, 36-Yards, 3.6 YPR, 0TD
Receiving: 4 Receptions, 34-Yards, 8.5 YPC, 1TD
Williams seemed to take a step back in week two. He received a lot of praise for his play through the air after the victory over Wyoming. Although he was able to get in the end zone once on a 3-yard pass, it was towards the end of the game.
I was surprised to see that Williams did not perform at the level I know he can play at. Leach was quoted after the game as saying that he could get a “fast seventh-grader to hit the hole as fast as they (his running backs) did.” Hopefully, this ignites a fire under Williams and he will bounce back next week.
Game Day Grade: C+
Current Draft Stock: 6th-7thRound
Preview Against Eastern Washington
Eastern Washington is a great FCS team each year, however, they are still an FCS team, so expect Williams to have a big day. Players usually respond well to Coach Leach when he makes comment about his player’s toughness and effort. I expect another passing touchdown and receiving touchdown in this game minimum. I expect to also double-digit receptions, just like against the Cowboys.
When the Pac-12 play heats up, the Cougs will need Williams to step up.
Davontavean Martin– WR
Receiving: 6 Receptions, 68-Yards, 11.3 YPC, 2TD
Martin displayed a Tale of Two Halves if you will. In the first half, he scored both of his touchdowns and most of his receptions and yards came here as well. Then, he seems to disappear in the second half.
Coach Leach said his entire receiving corps needs to play with more toughness, but he called Martin out specifically. Saying he has all the talent in the world, but he seemed to take the second half of the night off, and Leach did not like that.
I feel that Martin is showing more and more of what he is capable of each week. He is explosive and can make some plays anywhere on the field.
Game Day Grade: First Half, A+; Second Half, C+
Current Draft Stock: 5thRound
Preview Against Eastern Washington
This game will help him improve his draft stock and show he can impact the game in all 4 quarters. Expect him to stretch the field against Eastern Washington. I expect double-digit receptions and a possible 3 Touchdowns. This may seem like a lot, but he really is something special.
Andre Dillard- OL
The offensive line is still yet to give up a sack through 2 games. Dillard is still a big key to this. Now, they did have 4 QB Hurries, which might help bring clarity to the two interceptions that Minshew threw. NFL Scouts want to know that you will give their QB time in the pocket to make the best decisions for the offense. Overall, Dillard still put on a great performance and helped on every down with a lot of effort.
Game Day Grade: A-
Draft Stock: 4thRound
Preview Against Eastern Washington
Expect Dillard to handle his business early and often. He has a great technique to get after the defenders he lines up against. Expect this to be the third game in a row that a sack is not recorded on the offensive line.
Nnamdi Oguayo– EDGE
Tackles: 0
Oguayo was MIA in this one. He had no stats and this could be due to SJSU trying to work away from him, it is still not an excuse. He has such a great motor to get after blockers and the quarterbacks, that I expected more from him in this one. I hope he picks it up next week to boost some stats.
Game Day Grade: D-
Draft Stock: 7thRound
Preview Against Eastern Washington
Look for Oguayo to play angry. He will get after Eastern Washington and I expect him to get his first sack of the season. They say that the first is the hardest to get in anything and the rest comes easy. This will be the start of his terror on the quarterbacks for the rest of the season.
Jalen Thompson– S
Tackles: 4, 1TFL
Pass Deflections: 1
Pullman, WA was a no-fly zone for San Jose State University. They were only allowed 100-yards through the air, which is a testament to the secondary. With only an average YPC of 3.6-yards, the deep ball was not an option at all that night, thanks to Thompson.
He seems to impress each week. He has a natural instinct and seems to always know where the ball is going. There is always a spot for players on NFL Rosters of players who are always in the right place, at the right time. Another great performance.
Game Day Grade: A+
Draft Stock: 4thRound
Preview Against Eastern Washington
The theme will continue and I feel that Thompson will get his first pick of the season in this game. Eastern Washington airs out the ball a lot historically, so expect them to attempt the deep ball a few times. Then expect Thompson to make them pay for sending the ball his way.
Let me know what you think about these prospects and my predictions in the comments!