WSU failed in the third quarter in games throughout the season, including road contests at Fresno State (Oct. 12) and San Diego State (Oct. 26).

Cougars quarterback John Mateer struggled throwing the long ball and the Cougs were unable to utilize perhaps their most talented offensive weapon, Kyle Williams, to the most ideal extent.

WSU hasn’t scored more than seven points in the third quarter since scoring 14 against Portland State. Since then, the Cougs have been held to a third-quarter draw three times (against San Jose State on September 20, at Boise State on September 28 and at San Diego State on October 26).

The Cougars offensive line continued to be a work in progress. Coach Jake Dickert benched longtime starter Christian Hilborn in San Diego in favor of Rodrick Tialavea, who started the year at left guard when Hilborn played right tackle while Fa’alili Fa’amoe was recovering from an injury.

The return of Fa’amoe helped Wazzu, but the left guard position continued to raise questions for the Cougars.

“Rod (Tialavea) is really good in the running game, and his physicality, Christian (Hilborn is) much better in the passing game,” Dickert said. “We just need to get Christian to fight with the ball and be a little more confident with his attack. With its attack points. Instead of worrying about what might happen, let’s make something happen.

Mateer continues to create magical moments with his mobility and physique. Even with grass in his mask, Mateer can shake off pressure and run for 18 yards like he did against San Diego State.

The Cougs have playmakers such as Williams, Carlos Hernandez, Kris Hutson and tight end Cooper Mathers to make things happen and Mateer has the skills to get them the ball.

WSU’s running game continues to fluctuate with the offensive line’s success. True freshman running back Wayshawn Parker is a talented runner, but he’s come back down to Earth since his breakout performance against Portland State, while continuing to go on explosive runs when given enough opportunities.

Can the Cougar defense continue to get the ball?

WSU has 15 takeaways, good for 16th best in the nation with five fumble recoveries and 10 interceptions.

Ethan O’Connor’s go-ahead Pick-6 against Fresno State won the Cougs this game and linebacker Buddah Al-Uqdah’s fourth-quarter interception against SDSU set up the Cougars’ go-ahead touchdown.

The Cougs have shown a knack for being ball hawks and I suspect that won’t change as they face four teams that have thrown a combined 55 turnovers.

“We have set criteria. I’m big on analytics,” Dickert said. “If you can get to 20 (defensive takeaways) over the last five years, that’s eight wins or more, right, and then on the other hand, offensively – and it’s weird to say that – but if you average it per game and you get 12, that’s fantastic football. I know it’s hard to think about it that way, so we’re hitting both of those benchmarks right now.

When will Nick Haberer return to punting duties?

Dickert said WSU punter Nick Haberer will be healthy and available to play when the Cougars host Utah State at 7:30 p.m. Saturday. Haberer had missed each of the Cougars’ eight games with a back injury, dressing multiple times but never taking the field.

Kicker Dean Janikowski handled the Cougars’ punting duties in Harber’s absence, eventually taking on kickoff duties in addition to his regular kicking duties.

Haberer’s return is excellent timing since Janikwoski broke his hand on his final punt of WSU’s 29-26 win over San Diego State on a late player hit Aztec special teams. Janikowski committed a personal physical foul related to the late hit, but Dickert said the injury occurred during the play and not during the brief altercation following the play.

WSU hosts Utah State at 7:30 p.m. at Gesa Field. The CW will broadcast the match.

Taylor can be reached at 208-848-2268, [email protected] or on X (formerly Twitter) @Sam_C_Taylor.