It is conference championship weekend in the NFL, and I suspect many Cougs — myself included — will be rooting for the Seahawks as they look to win the season series against the Rams and advance to the Super Bowl for the first time since 2015, when Malcolm Butler intercepted Russell Wilson at the goal line. Whether you are a Seahawks fan or not, let’s take a look at which Cougs will be taking the field this weekend.
SEATTLE SEAHAWKS
OT – Abe Lucas
A fourth-round pick who won the right tackle job almost immediately, Lucas has turned in his best NFL season to date. He graded out as the best offensive lineman on the Seahawks this year, ranking 13th out of 44 tackles who played at least 800 snaps (according to PFF). Lucas has been especially dominant in the run game, where he ranks 11th out of 44.
Lucas was not as highly touted as Andre Dillard when he entered the league, but he has put in the work and has developed into one of the premier players at his position.
Honorable Mention – Eastern Washington
WR – Cooper Kupp
Watching Cooper Kupp tear up the Cougs and basically single-handedly beat us in college was not a great experience, but now that he is on our side, it is hard not to appreciate the former zero-star recruit from Yakima who turned himself into one of just five receivers since 1970 to win the Triple Crown (most receptions, most yards, and most touchdowns).
NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS
WR – Kyle Williams
Kyle Williams has started to earn occasional snaps for the Patriots — playing 10 or more snaps in four of the last five games — and for the most part has made the most of those opportunities. He had a tough drop last week against a feisty Texans defense but has flashed his big-play potential, scoring three touchdowns on 11 receptions this season while averaging 20 yards per catch.
Denver is just the latest defense in New England’s gauntlet on the road to the Super Bowl. Hopefully No. 18’s number gets called, and he answers the bell.
Honorable Mention – Eastern Washington
WR – Efton Chism III
Another Eastern Washington representative. Coming out of Monroe, Washington, Chism is yet another success story for the Eagles’ program.
LOS ANGELES RAMS
Practice Squad – CB Cam Lampkin
I don’t want to give you any reason to root for the Rams, and Lampkin will not be suiting up this weekend, but it is still notable that he has managed to stick around in the NFL.
DENVER BRONCOS
N/A
The only team playing this weekend without a direct WSU connection. I guess that means we have to root against them?
PREDICTIONS
I’m sure you don’t need my predictions, but since we’re here, why not?
Rams 28 – Seahawks 31 (OT)
Part three of the trilogy. The first two matchups were barn burners, and it’s hard to imagine this one being any different. I think these are the two best teams in the NFL this season, and whether the Seahawks’ defense can force turnovers against MVP favorite Matt Stafford may very well decide the game.
Patriots 24 – Broncos 17
Backup quarterback Jarrett Stidham comes off the bench for his first snaps in over two years. Sean Payton schemes up some early success, but Drake Maye, Kyle Williams, and company pull it out in the end.
SUPER BOWL
Seahawks 31 – Patriots 21
Redemption comes in the sweetest form — a rematch to avenge the devastation of 2015. The AFC could not have broken much better for the Patriots, but I don’t think they have the talent to keep up with this Seahawks team.
Super Bowl MVP: DeMarcus Lawrence
Lawrence has been on an absolute tear, forcing what feels like a turnover per game. Drake Maye’s ball-security issues resurface, and Lawrence forces a key fumble and takes it to the house.