Press Article: Cougars Fall to Lobos in Defensive Struggle
PULLMAN — Washington State University’s hopes for a postseason resurgence took a hit after a narrow 38-35 defeat against New Mexico on Saturday night. The loss was particularly disheartening for the Cougars’ defense, which struggled to contain Lobos quarterback Devon Dampier, who showcased his dual-threat capabilities with an impressive performance.
Veteran linebacker Kyle Thornton acknowledged that WSU had done its due diligence in preparing for Dampier, who rushed for a staggering 193 yards and three touchdowns. "He was exactly as advertised," Thornton remarked, highlighting Dampier’s remarkable ability to execute designed quarterback keepers with precision. However, Thornton’s praise also raised questions about the Cougars’ defensive execution. Despite knowing what to expect, the Cougars failed to adapt and respond effectively, allowing Dampier to accumulate 156 rushing yards on 22 quarterback keepers.
As the game unfolded, it became apparent that New Mexico was comfortable with its offensive strategy, relying heavily on Dampier’s rushing prowess rather than attempting to diversify its attack. Head Coach Jake Dickert pointed to a lack of adjustments on defense as a critical issue. “We gotta get more aggressive and try to just get the ball out of his hands,” Dickert noted, underscoring the need for a shift in strategy.
With New Mexico amassing 360 rushing yards at an average of 7.3 yards per carry, the Cougars’ inability to force a change in game plan was glaring. Dampier barely needed to rely on his passing game, completing only 11 of 25 attempts for 174 yards—a testament to the Lobos’ ground dominance.
As WSU heads into a challenging matchup against Oregon State, the coaching staff will need to address these defensive shortcomings to prevent further setbacks in their quest for a successful season.
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