WSU vs Portland State – What To Watch For

The Cougars are playing host to the Portland State Vikings on Saturday night in the newly renovated Martin Stadium and what is also the first game of the season that is actually in Pullman.

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We have seen some really disappointing games recently and they looking to get the interest back in the fans and get everyone excited about Cougar football again. Coming into this game as favorites there is still the possibility that they could make mistakes like in previous games but it seems as if the coaching staff has all the kinks fixed and are ready to head into PAC-12 play after fixing the small details against Portland State.

I gathered 5 things that I think you should watch for this weekend.

Turnovers

Portland State had five turnovers in their first game of the season again Oregon State. The following game the Vikings turned the ball over another two more times.

Aug 28, 2014; Seattle, WA, USA; Rutgers Scarlet Knights tight end Tyler Kroft (86) is unable to hold onto the ball after the hit by Washington State Cougars linebacker Darryl Monroe (13) during the first half at Centurylink Field. Mandatory Credit: James Snook-USA TODAY Sports

The Cougars know that Portland State turns the ball over and they will do everything they can to take advantage of that. Connor Halliday has only turned the ball over 3 times on the season and one of those 3 interceptions was off of a tipped pass that was not his fault. I see the Cougars winning the turnover game which will propel them to their first win of the season.

The defense was known for big hits and big plays last year and they are trying to keep that tradition up this season. Mike Leach struggled with the defensive depth chart in the first game of the season but changed the roster before the game last week. The defense is mainly the same as it was last week besides some changes with the second team.

What to watch for… The Cougars taking advantage of the lack of ball security Portland State has

Early Lead

The Cougars are frustrated with the way the games have been going so far this season and I see them taking their frustrations out on the Vikings.

Aug 28, 2014; Seattle, WA, USA; Washington State Cougars running back Theron West (24) celebrates a touchdown against the Rutgers Scarlet Knights during the first half at Centurylink Field. Mandatory Credit: James Snook-USA TODAY Sports

I see Halliday and the Cougars taking advantage of them really early in the game and getting back in stride. A lot of the fans and students in Pullman have been upset along with the team. Coming out in their first actual game at home and putting up big numbers and really getting the fans into the game would be a huge boost for them.

The Vikings are a good team as they almost beat Eastern Washington last year in their final game of the season when they only lost by 1 point. They just aren’t “there” yet… The vikings are still a few years from becoming a team that can take on an FBS team head on.

The Cougars are in perfect position to utilize the disadvantages that Portland State has.

What to watch for… Putting up lots of points in the first two quarters.

Home Field Advantage

The Cougars are finally having a game in Pullman and it is coming at the perfect time. After starting the season 0-2 they are looking to get their first win of the season before heading into a game against Oregon next week.

Nov 16, 2013; Tucson, AZ, USA; Washington State Cougars mascot Butch celebrates during the fourth quarter against the Arizona Wildcats at Arizona Stadium. The Cougars beat the Wildcats 24-17. Mandatory Credit: Casey Sapio-USA TODAY Sports

If you have ever been to Pullman on a Cougar Football Saturday then you know exactly what I am talking about. There is a completely different atmosphere and the team is in need of that change. When they have been down and fighting to come back they haven’t really had the complete home experience.

If something goes wrong for the Cougars they will have the fans to back them up and get them back into the game. They have struggled so far this season and the fans are not the happiest right now and this is the type of game that will really change the attitude and get everything going.

What to watch for… It’s the first Cougar football Saturday. We all know what Pullman is like.

Lots of passes

Connor Halliday put up big numbers in week one. Big enough numbers that we are not even into the third game of the season and he is almost to 1,000 yards on the season.

Aug 28, 2014; Seattle, WA, USA; Washington State Cougars quarterback Connor Halliday (12) drops back for a pass against the Rutgers Scarlet Knights during the second half at Centurylink Field. The Knights beat Cougars 41-38. Mandatory Credit: James Snook-USA TODAY Sports

Portland State is undersized and the Cougars receivers are experienced enough that they should be able to take advantage of the defenders. There has always been an issue of Halliday forcing passes that don’t need to be thrown and a lot of that was because he didn’t have the complete protection he needed.

The Vikings defensive line is smaller and the Cougars offensive line has bulked up a lot since last year. The offensive line should be able to take advantage of the size mismatch and give Halliday the protection and time he needs.

What to watch for… Halliday to put some air under the ball and get down field.

Records Broken

Connor Halliday has been quickly making his way up the WSU record books since his debut for Washington State in 2011. Here is a look at some records he is close to breaking followed by the first place record.

Aug 28, 2014; Seattle, WA, USA; Washington State Cougars quarterback Connor Halliday (12) gets ready to go back onto the field against the Rutgers Scarlet Knights during the first half at Centurylink Field. Mandatory Credit: James Snook-USA TODAY Sports

Career Touchdown Passes – 64 (76)
Career Passing Yards – 8,352 (10,913)
Career Completions – 737 (848)
Career Attempts – 1,220 (1,451)

Halliday is becoming one of the best quarterbacks to ever step foot in Pullman and he doesn’t seem to be slowing down any time soon. We could be in store for Halliday to light up the score board and get some huge numbers against an undersized defense this weekend.

What to watch for… Halliday getting one step closer to being the best QB in Washington State history.