WSU Football
Grading the game

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THE GOOD: Plenty to choose from in this mismatch against one of the youngest and weakest Division I teams in the country. The Cougars improved in every area they had faltered in against Colorado — rushing, blocking, throwing and receiving. Of course, Idaho is several notches below Pac-10 caliber competition, but the roll call of good stats is a long one: No sacks allowed, no drops, 286 yards rushing (6.2 yards a carry), 509 yards of total offense, four touchdown passes by Josh Swogger, no interceptions thrown and only two penalties (one was declined).

Running back Chris Bruhn had a breakout game with 129 yards on 16 carries.

In addition, coaches were able to unload the bench. That helps morale and can lead to better practices.

THE BAD: Starting quarterback Swogger suffered a knee injury and might miss Saturday's game at Arizona. Backup quarterback Alex Brink fumbled for the second straight game. The defense showed some inconsistency against the run.

WHAT NOW? The Cougars play at Arizona on Saturday at 12:30 p.m. in an ABC game. The Wildcats under new coach Mike Stoops are 1-2 after losing at home to Wisconsin 9-7 in a game delayed 88 minutes by lightning.

GRADING THE GAME

OFFENSE: The 286 yards rushing and 12 first downs on the ground represented dramatic improvement for a team that entered the weekend ranked last in the nation. The Cougs had a total of only three first downs rushing in their first two games. Jason Hill had a second straight sensational week, catching three passes and each was for a touchdown — 10, 19 and 76 yards. The line had its best game of the year but there remains uncertainty at the guard positions. Grade: A minus.

DEFENSE: Idaho finally scored against Cougars reserves with 17 seconds to play to prevent a shutout. The Cougars forced six fumbles and recovered three of them and had an interception. Idaho was held to 276 total yards and got 68 of those on the final TD drive against reserves. Still, two Vandals running backs — Jayson Bird and Rolly Lumbala — averaged more than 5 yards a carry. Grade: B plus.

SPECIAL TEAMS: Punter Kyle Basler needs to recover his Holiday Bowl touch for planting punts inside the 10-yard line. Freshman punt-returner Michael Bumpus took coaches' advice to avoid fielding punts on the bounce to heart too much and made a foolish lurch at a ball. He fumbled it but the Cougars fell on it. Kickoff coverage allowed a 36-yard return. Grade: B minus.
 
Craig Smith