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

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

After scoring 14 points against Portland State, WSU failed to score more than seven points in the third quarter. Since then, the Cougs have been held scoreless in the third quarter three times (against San Jose State on September 20, Boise State on September 28, and San Diego State on October 26).

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

Fa’amoe’s return helped Wazzu, but the left defender continued to pose questions for the Cougars.

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

Mateer continues to create magical moments with his mobility and physique. Even with grass on his facemask, Mateer can escape pressure and run for 18 yards, as he did against San Diego State.

The Cougs have playmakers like Williams, Carlos Hernandez, Kris Hutson and tight end Cooper Mathers, and Mateer has the ability to get them the ball.

WSU’s running game continues to be up and down along with the success of its offensive line. True freshman running back Wayshawn Parker is a talented runner, but he’s come back to Earth since his breakout performance against Portland State and still goes on explosive runs when given enough opportunities.

Can the Cougar defense continue to clear the ball?

WSU has 15 takeaways, 16th-best in the nation with five fumbles recovered and 10 interceptions.

Ethan O’Connor’s leadoff Pick-6 against Fresno State won the Cougs, 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 passing the ball, and I suspect that won’t change as they face four teams that have committed a combined 55 turnovers.

“We set some benchmarks. I’m a big analysis guy,” Dickert said. “If you can get to 20 (defensive results) over the last five years, that’s more than eight wins, OK, and then on the other side, offensively – and it’s weird to say that – but if you average one per game and win 12, that’s great football. “I know it’s hard to think about it that way, so we’re hitting both of those criteria right now.”

When will Nick Haberer return to gambling duty?

Dickert said WSU punter Nick Haberer will be healthy and ready to play when the Cougars host Utah State on Saturday at 7:30 p.m. Haberer played in each of the Cougars’ eight games with a back injury, making a few appearances but never taking the field.

Kicker Dean Janikowski took over punting duties for the Cougars in Harber’s absence, eventually taking over kickoff duties in addition to his usual placekicker duties.

Haberer’s return is perfect timing because Janikwoski broke his hand on a late hit by an Aztec special teams player on WSU’s final punt in a 29-26 win over San Diego State. Janikowski received a physical personal foul related to the late hit, but Dickert said the injury occurred during the play and not during the brief postgame discussion.

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

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