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Know Your Opponent: UCLA Football vs. Washington State

By Mike Regalado

October 8, 2016; Stanford, CA, USA; Washington State Cougars wide receiver River Cracraft (21) catches a touchdown pass against Stanford Cardinal safety Zach Hoffpauir (10) during the fourth quarter at Stanford Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
October 8, 2016; Stanford, CA, USA; Washington State Cougars wide receiver River Cracraft (21) catches a touchdown pass against Stanford Cardinal safety Zach Hoffpauir (10) during the fourth quarter at Stanford Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oct 1, 2016; Pullman, WA, USA; Washington State Cougars quarterback Luke Falk (4) throws a pass against the Oregon Ducks during the second half at Martin Stadium. The Cougars won 51-33. Mandatory Credit: James Snook-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 1, 2016; Pullman, WA, USA; Washington State Cougars quarterback Luke Falk (4) throws a pass against the Oregon Ducks during the second half at Martin Stadium. The Cougars won 51-33. Mandatory Credit: James Snook-USA TODAY Sports /

Washington State Offense

Washington State Head Coach Mike Leach has one plan, throw the damn ball. He will run it, but not much. The goal of the Washington State offense is to get the ball down field through the air in a variety of ways. Cougar QB Luke Falk is the next to lead the air attack and so far he is turning heads.

Falk is second in the Pac-12 in passing yards per game with 370.4. He knows his receivers and has great chemistry with them which allows the team to efficiently pick up big yards.

Related Story: UCLA vs. WSU: 3 Keys to Victory

On top of that, he has some pretty athletic recovers to choose from. For example, River Cracraft made a spectacular grab in the 4th quarter against Stanford last week. With the Cardinal defenseman all over him, Cracraft never took his eyes off the ball and had the upper body strength to position himself to catch the ball while falling into the end zone, while pass interference was being committed. It is insane how good these receivers are.

Gabe Marks is another circus performer who has some of the best hands in the Pac-12. He is currently leading the Cougar receivers in yards per game, but not by much. There is a lot of sharing of the ball.

Follow me now… nine players average over 20 receiving yards per game. Five players have long catches of 40 yards or more. Three players average over 58 receiving yards per game. They are not only going to attack UCLA’s secondary, they are going to swarm it.

And it gets even better…

In previous years, the Cougars have not had the greatest rushing game (mostly because of the focus on the passing game), but now that Washington State is in a position to dictate the pace of their offense, they are able to implement a solid run game.

This season, Wazzu has 13 rushing touchdowns to 16 passing touchdowns. Balance, anyone?

Just like the passing game, Washington State is spreading the love amongst a committee of running backs. The carries per game are evenly divided amongst Jamaal Morrow (8.6), Gerard Wicks (8.0) and James Williams (7.4). To add, all of them are averaging 4.9 yards per carry or more. PER CARRY!

Then there is the solid offensive line, the great open field blocking and the keep-you-on-your-toes play calling that will basically have the UCLA defense’s hands full.