The Apple Cup has come and gone and it looks like the hopes of the Wazzu faithful have fleeted, as the opportunity for a final place in the CFP ranking are gone. It isn’t for a lack of effort though. The Cougs played their hardest through what felt like a blizzard for the majority of the game.
While the regular season is over, the team’s season is far from over as they look ahead for bowl season. Our prospects will get one last shot to improve their draft stock in a live game. Stay tuned as I give my final bowl projection for the Washington State Cougars.
James Williams – RB
Rushing: 11 carries, 65 yards, 5.9 YPR, 2TD
Receiving: 7 receptions, 30 yards, 4.3 YPC, 0TD
Snow usually means a miserable day on the gridiron for many, but Williams really seemed un-phased by the cold. He found more success on the ground than through the air, but the weather made it difficult for the Cougs to pass all night. Two scores on the ground really showed the toughness that he can play with. We have seen his finesse and elusiveness most of the season, but we saw a new wrinkle to his game. That is his Grit.
Williams was the Offensive Player of the game in this one.
Game Day Grade: A+
Current Draft Stock: 5th Round
Davontavean Martin – WR
Receiving: 3 reception, 13 yards, 4.3 YPC, TD
You never want to make excuses, but the weather really was a factor in the Wazzu passing game. With a season-low, 152 yards passing, there wasn’t much going the way of the receivers. Martin’s stats were low, but he accounted for almost 10% of the yardage in the passing game, so you have a little insight into how little production there was across the board.
I do not slight Martin for this, but there will be times you play in the snow in the NFL, hello Green Bay. I think this can be a great learning experience for Martin to grow and develop from. Poor game conditions are something to try and fight through.
Game Day Grade: D-
Current Draft Stock: 6th Round
Andre Dillard – OL
Only allowing 2 sacks as a unit is really something against one of the best defensive lines in the PAC-12, with Utah being the other to make that claim. With that being said, Dillard did an excellent job run blocking, which is something that you do not often get a huge sample of in this offense.
It was great to see more of his skill set, which will help separate him from the competition in April on draft day.
Game Day Grade: A+
Draft Stock: 2nd Round
Peyton Pelluer – LB
Tackles: 7 solos, 3 Assisted, 1.5 for loss
This was a huge game for Pelluer. It was senior night and it was Apple Cup. For a 4th generation Coug, emotions had to be running high. His performance was outstanding and showed us more of the grit that was new to the Wazzu team in many ways. Pelluer was there to put people on the ground and cover his assignment. He did an amazing job all game and is my defensive player of the game for the Speed D.
Game Day Grade: A+
Draft Stock: 6th Round
Jalen Thompson – S
Tackles: 6 solos, 1 Assisted
Washington was able to pass more than the Cougars are used to allowing. It is odd that the weather seemed to hamper both teams through the air, but the Huskies seemed to play through it better. Thompson continued playing the way he knows how and tried to cut off half of the field like he has done so many times this year. He is still one of my favorite Safeties in this next draft.
Game Day Grade: A-
Draft Stock: 3rd Round
Bowl Prediction
Valero Alamo Bowl vs The University of Texas, December 28th
Let me know which bowl you think the Cougs will be invited to in the comments!