Washington State Cougars Game Day Grades – Week Three
James Williams–RB
Rushing: 6 Carries, 19-Yards, 3.1 YPR, 3TD
Receiving: 4 Receptions, 40-Yards, 10 YPC, TD
Williams seemed to have a big role in the short Yardage situations on the ground. While 19 yards does not look flashy, half of his carries resulted in a touchdown. That is some great productivity that anyone would want from a running back.
His yardage was a little better through the air, but he only found the end zone once. Ultimately, points win games and Williams seems like a lightning rod for plays resulting in a touchdown. I liked his performance better in this week’s game better than last week.
Game Day Grade: B
Current Draft Stock: 6th-7thRound
Preview Against The University of Southern California
USC has really struggled against the run game this year. Because of this, I see Williams playing a big role in the offensive game plan. I see Williams getting close to the 100-yard mark on the ground with 1 TD and another 50-yards receiving with 1 TD. I expect a breakout game in Southern California.
When the Pac-12 play heats up, the Cougs will need Williams to step up.
Davontavean Martin–WR
Receiving: 13 Receptions, 149-Yards, 11.4 YPC, 1TD
Martin accounted for just over 26% of the yards gained for the Cougars in Pullman on Saturday night. When you have a receiver you can rely on, that takes a lot of pressure off of the offense. While only scoring once, it was a 21-yard reception.
Being able to strike from long distances is something that can help you get ahead of a tougher opponent or come back from a late-game deficit. At any rate, look for the outstanding sophomore to play a huge role in the offensive scheme in Los Angelas.
Game Day Grade: A+
Current Draft Stock: 5thRound
Preview Against The University of Southern California
USC has done better against the pass than the run, but they allowed three of the Texas receivers to have 20+ yard receptions. Martin will have another big day with a little over 100 Yards. I don’t think he will have a lot of receptions though, so watch his yards-after-catch stat in this one.
Andre Dillard-OL
The offensive line broke the streak and gave up two sacks against Eastern Washington. They still won the game, but sacks can be critical as the Washington State Cougars march into PAC-12 Conference play. This is a little disappointing for it to come in this game, but expect the O-Line to rise to the occasion against the Trojans.
Game Day Grade: A-
Draft Stock: 5thRound
Preview Against The University of Southern California
Dillard will continue to be solid, but he will have his work cut out for him. Expect USC to get some pressure in this one. They put a lot of pressure on Texas, so look for this as a key matchup on Friday.
Nnamdi Oguayo–EDGE
Tackles: 1 Sack
1 QB Hurry
Oguayo finally scratches that itch and gets his first sack. Sometimes you just need the first one to get on a role and I expect that here. He seems to be the victim of some blocking schemes where two or more blockers come his way, whether it is a double-team or with a skill player chipping.
This might create a big challenge, but NFL teams want players who can shed blocks. This is an area of improvement we need to see in coming weeks. Much better performance and I expect to see Oguayo improve on this game.
Game Day Grade: C
Draft Stock: 7thRound
Preview Against The University of Southern California
USC does a good job protecting Daniels, so look for Oguayo to try and close the pocket to force bad decisions. While he may not get a lot of stats in this one, expect his presence to be known. Look for him to get a few tackles in the backfield in this one.
Jalen Thompson–S
Stats: 6 Tackles, 1TFL, 1 Interception
Thompson came with his game-face on. Picking up his first interception of the season, Thompson proved he does not mess around. When the ball is in the air, he circles like a hawk. When players have that kind of vision, you know that they will be playing on Sundays. No issues as Thompson continues to impress each week. Eastern Washington only had 231 passing yards, which is very good, considering that they run a form of an Air-Raid offense.
Game Day Grade: A+
Draft Stock: 4thRound
Preview Against The University of Southern California
Daniels threw 2 interceptions against Stanford, as well as one to Kris Boyd (CB) against Texas. When USC throws downfield, that is when they tend to throw these interceptions. Look for Thompson to patrol the deep ball again this week. Daniels and the USC offense will likely throw away from Thompson. I expect another interception this week from Thompson.
Let me know what you think about these prospects and my predictions in the comments!