WSU Vs Oregon State Beavers: 5 Keys To A WSU Win

2. Win The Turnover Battle

September 7, 2013; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Washington State Cougars cornerback Damante Horton (6) intercepts a pass against the Southern California Trojans during the second half at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

It has been said and is a general rule of thumb in the game of football, you win the turnover battle you win the game. In last weeks win over California Washington State won the turnover battle 5-1 and we all know how that all turned out.

Winning the turnover battle this weekend will be especially hard for the Cougars. Mannion has only turned the ball over twice this season with his second interception coming in last weeks 44-17 victory over Colorado. The Beavers have fumbled the ball 11 times only losing the ball 3 of those times.

Washington State has turned the ball over 12 times this season having 9 interceptions and 3 fumbles. Connor Halliday will have to keep his turnovers down this game if the Cougars want to come away with a win. Putting the ball on the ground has not been a big issue for the Cougars so far this season so I don’t see that being a big issue.

One thing that is a HUGE help in the turnover battle is causing fumbles on special teams. Last weekend the Cougars were able to cause a fumble on special teams. This type of turnover is a big confidence booster for both the offense and the special teams, after just scoring and having the other team down and then putting the ball on the ground just kills any and all momentum they had, and sends the offense out there.