Arizona’s Homecoming game against Washington State is set for next month, but the excitement is already building in Pullman, Washington. After a 48-7 victory over an FCS opponent, the Cougars (1-2) are looking to prove they belong in the Big 12 and to avenge past Pac‑12 defeats.
Offensive spark in the second half
According to Nate Dahl of the Coug Center, the Cougars showed a noticeable shift after halftime in their recent win over Duquesne. “It took a half for the Cougs to really begin to separate from Duquesne and to differentiate themselves offensively from their prior two games,” Dahl said. He pointed to Kirby Vorhees’s 58‑yard touchdown run at the end of the third quarter as a sign of the explosiveness the team has been seeking.
Quarterback Caden Pinnick’s dual threat
Pinnick has thrown for 403 yards in three games, completing 77.3% of his passes when given time. Dahl praised his athleticism, noting that his ability to run the option keeps defenses honest. However, the analyst warned that Pinnick must improve his pocket presence and avoid premature scrambles, especially given his height challenges when looking over the offensive line.
Key skill players to watch
Running backs Vorhees and Maxwell Woods will share the load, while wide receivers Daniel Blood and Darrius Clemons have each recorded ten catches this season. Freshman Brandon Ganashamoorthy is emerging, and the speedster Tank Hawkins, who scored a punt‑return touchdown against Duquesne, could become a game‑changing weapon if the offense can get him the ball in space.
Defensive outlook against Noah Fifita
WSU’s defense has shown promise, anchored by transfers Matyus McLain and Linus Zunk, and veteran linebacker Keith Brown returning from injury. Secondary playmaker Jaylen Thomas already has two interceptions, including a pick‑six against Kansas State. Dahl emphasized that to contain Arizona’s power runner Noah Fifita, the Cougars must generate consistent pressure and increase their sack total, which remains low after three weeks.
Coaching and staff assessment
Head coach Kirby Moore’s first offseason was productive, bringing in talent like McLain, Zunk and Hawkins, and hiring former Oregon State head coach Trent Bray as defensive coordinator. While Dahl noted growing pains typical of a first‑time head coach—such as clock management and fourth‑down decisions—he remains optimistic about Moore’s trajectory.
Prediction
Initially forecasting a close loss, Dahl has revised his outlook after the Duquesne win. He now predicts Washington State will edge Arizona 24‑20 in a tightly contested game, citing improved offensive execution and a defense capable of limiting the Wildcats if it can apply the necessary pressure.
The matchup will be a test of the Cougars’ ability to compete in the Big 12 and a chance for Arizona to maintain its dominance in Pullman. Fans can expect a spirited atmosphere as both teams vie for early‑season momentum.
Original reporting: Arizona Desert Swarm (Tucson Sports) — read the source article.
