WSU products faced a lot of adversity this week and showed up. Whether it was Cam Ward losing his head coach midseason or Abraham Lucas going up against an elite Texans defensive line. The best Cougar this week was Jaylen Watson, who bounced back from his Week 6 performance.
Frankie Luvu — Going up against the No. 1 offense in the league, the Cowboys were able to do whatever they wanted, especially when throwing in the middle of the field. Luvu finished with three solo tackles, three assisted tackles and two tackles for loss. The Commanders have struggled with their pass defense due to Luvu and Bobby Wagner being weaker in coverage. Luvu has struggled with pass coverage. PFF gave him a grade of 58.7.
OLIVER MCKENNA | DAILY EVERGREEN FILE
Senior and former linebacker Frankie Luvu, right, celebrates with then-redshirt senior linebacker Peyton Pelluer after Luvu sacked Boise State junior quarterback Brett Rypien during a game September 9 at Martin Stadium.
Chau Smith-Wade — With no Garrett Wilson for the Jets, Smith-Wade did not have much to worry about on the outside. He has the fourth-most tackles on the Panthers with three. The game did not involve many points as the Panthers won 13-6. There were a few chances for Smith-Wade to make plays, but with the conservative play of Justin Fields and Tyrod Taylor, his opportunities were limited. PFF gave him a 64.4 grade.
HAILEE SPEIR
WSU defensive back Chau Smith-Wade runs downfield after intercepting a pas during an NCAA football game against Arizona State, Nov. 12.
Jaylen Watson and Jaden Hicks — Going up against the Raiders, who were without some of their top pass catchers, Watson did what he was supposed to and more. The Chiefs dominated the game 31-0, sustaining many long drives to keep their defense off the field. But when they were on, they held Geno Smith to fewer than 67 passing yards. To start the game, Watson was everywhere — if a pass was broken up, Watson was around the area. Jaden Hicks came into this week looking for more playtime after a low snap count last week, but he seems to be in the doghouse with defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo. PFF gave Watson a grade of 73.9.
BRANDON WILLMAN
Jaden Hicks eyes Stanford’s Ashton Daniels looking to make a play, Nov. 4, in Pullman, Wash.
Cam Ward — Losing Brian Callahan to start the week, Ward was asked to deliver. In the first quarter against the Patriots, Ward looked like the No. 1 pick for the first time all season. It was short-lived, though, as turnovers and offensive stalls followed for the Titans. Ward had 255 passing yards with one touchdown and one interception. Things are getting worse in Tennessee with Tyler Lockett requesting his release from the Titans on Oct. 20. PFF awarded Ward a grade of 55.5.
BRANDON WILLMAN
Cam Ward talks with offensive coordinator Ben Arbuckle before taking the field, Nov. 4, in Pullman, Wash.
Daiyan Henley — The Colts’ explosive offense was too much for the Chargers’ defense, resulting in Henley’s worst game of the season. He was graded one of the worst Chargers players with a 35.0. Henley ended the game with only two assisted tackles, struggling to contain Jonathan Taylor, who had three rushing touchdowns and nearly 100 yards. After the game, Henley voiced his opinion on what is going on with the team.
“It just wasn’t good enough. Details, obviously. Little things turn to big things,” Henley said.
COLE QUINN
WSU linebacker Daiyan Henley rushes Arizona State quarterback Trenton Bourguet during an NCAA football game, Nov. 12.
Abraham Lucas — Tasked with blocking All-Pro defensive ends Will Anderson Jr. and Danielle Hunter, Lucas had his hands full all game — but you could not tell because he dominated on TV. PFF graded his run block at 87.5 and pass block at 71. Lucas and Charles Cross have been the best tackle duo in the NFL. Lucas uses his 6-foot-6, 315-pound frame to his advantage. Where he lacks the ability to get low, he makes up for it with strength and mass on his initial strike at the defensive player.
COLE QUINN
Washington State University linemen Abraham Lucas (72) and Cade Beresford (75) prepare for the snap during a college football game at Martin Stadium, Saturday, Oct. 9, 2021, in Pullman, Wash.
Kyle Williams –The Coug top draft pick this year finally got into the game for the first time in weeks but QB Drake Maye did not look his way, still a sign of more potential playtime for Williams. Offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels spoke about Williams and his limited opportunities.
“I keep saying, I feel like a broken record, the ball hasn’t quite found him on certain things yet, but if it does, then I think we’ll see what that looks like. I’m excited when he gets his opportunity. I really am. I’m looking forward to it,” Mcdaniels said.
BRANDON WILLMAN
Nakia Watson and Kyle Williams celebrate after a first-quarter TD, Oct. 21, in Eugene, Oregon.
A couple of other Cougars made plays, including Jalen Thompson, who held his own against an explosive offense with three solo tackles and one assisted tackle. Gardner Minshew had three snaps, all kneel-downs for Patrick Mahomes after a blowout win. An up-and-down week for the Palouse products overall.