4 WSU Spring Game Thoughts

Of course, I missed the final half hour of the game because the live internet feed cut out at 2:30, but that’s ok. I saw more than enough to make evaluations on a few areas of the spring development. So I’ll just jump right in with my 3 biggest thoughts (remember any stats are up to the 15 minute mark of the second half at which point the clock was running and I lost connection).

1: The Defense came to play – While they started slow, the WSU first team defense flew around and made plays. Tuel picked the secondary apart, but not for lack of effort, Tuel’s just that good. Several sacks, a forced fumble at the 1 yard line to save a touch and an interception highlighted one of the best defensive efforts in recent memory in the spring. Nice work by Logan Mayes with 3 sacks and Deone Bucannon came up with the pick. Mike Breske has these guys playing hard, if not always in good position.

2: There are big-time receivers everywhere – Dominique’s size and speed is the perfect compliment to Ratliff and Marquess. Go ahead and double #86, just go ahead! Oh and by the way Wilson caught everything that came his way for well more than 150 yards and an 84 yard td. Williams also caught a td in the 2nd half.

3: Tuel solidified his spot as #1 – As if there was any question, Jeff slung the ball around through a quarter and a half of football, going an almost perfect 19-21 for 285 and 2 touchdowns. He put the ball where it needed to be every time and there wasn’t a single throw that he didn’t make. Also he moved well in the pocket and really looked poised on the move.

4: O-line still struggling in pass game, run game looked good – Whether it’s the shuffling around or the new scheme, the o-line had a lot of problems picking up blitz packages again in the spring game which has been a theme throughout spring practices. However they were pretty stellar in the run game, which was a nice surprise. It seems the adjustment to the much larger splits on the line are having varying effects, but I’m fairly confident that more time in the fall will patch up some of the miscommunication.

Overall a well balanced game that kept the 10,713 in attendance entertained throughout. A great turnout by the way!