REPORTS: Texas Tech Football 2024 Opponent Scouting Report: Some Key Defections And Losses
One of the two PAC-12 teams left without a new home, Washington State is entering one of the most uncertain and exciting periods in its history. With no secure conference future, the Cougars face a manageable schedule featuring eight Mountain West opponents, but it’s uncertain if this will satisfy the fan base.
If the Cougars handle the teams they are expected to beat, they could achieve at least nine wins, a significant improvement from their 5-7 record in 2023. However, to make this season truly impactful, they need to capitalize on the few opportunities to defeat well-known opponents. With no PAC-12 schedule this year, games against in-state rival Washington, Oregon State, and Texas Tech are especially important.
Washington State must make the best of a challenging situation caused by conference realignment. They aim to gain attention by winning double-digit games. Their week-two home game against Texas Tech is an early opportunity to prove they still play high-caliber football and deserve major-conference consideration. However, there’s a risk they might overlook the Red Raiders, with a high-stakes game against the Washington Huskies just seven days later.
Washington State has experienced significant losses this offseason. Texas Tech fans are aware of the key wide receiver Josh Kelly’s transfer to Lubbock. Last season, Kelly led WSU with 923 yards and eight TDs. However, the biggest departure was quarterback Cam Ward, now with the Miami Hurricanes, who threw for 3,736 yards and 25 TDs in 2023. Additionally, top receiver Lincoln Victor, who caught 89 passes for 860 yards and 5 TDs, has graduated, leaving the Cougars short on playmakers.
On defense, both starting corners are gone, along with key edge rushers Brennan Jackson and Ron Stone Jr., who combined for 13.5 sacks last season.
Despite these losses, former UNLV transfer Kyle Williams stands out on offense. Last year, he caught 61 passes for 843 yards and six touchdowns. In the backfield, Djouvensky Schlenbacker and Dylan Paine return, but they combined for only 296 yards and one score last season.
Defensively, Kyle Thornton and Tariq Al-Uqdah form a solid linebacker duo. Thornton led the team with 87 tackles (4.5 for loss), and Al-Uqdah added 40.
A major concern for WSU is their offensive line. While returning four starters provides continuity, the line struggled in 2023, allowing the fourth-most sacks in the PAC-12 (38) and managing just 84.8 rushing yards per game, ranking 127th out of 130 teams.
The quarterback position is unsettled, with 2023 backup John Mateer and Bryant transfer Zevi Eckhaus competing for the job. Mateer has limited experience with only 19 career pass attempts, while Eckhaus, the 2023 Big South Offensive Player of the Year, has a more extensive resume from the FCS level.
A key addition is super-senior wide receiver Kris Hutson, who transferred from Oregon. Though he caught only one pass for eight yards last year, he has two 400-yard seasons from 2021-22 and could help offset the loss of Kelly and Victor.
Washington State’s program suffered after the PAC-12’s collapse, ending last season with seven losses in their final eight games. This year’s easier schedule, thanks to the Mountain West, offers some hope, with a goal of reaching six wins and a postseason appearance.
A victory over Texas Tech in week two would almost guarantee this goal and signal that the Cougars remain a viable program. For the foreseeable future, WSU must fight for every opportunity, and winning games like the one against Tech is crucial in changing their program’s perception. However, Texas Tech, with its greater talent, should expect to win this game, even on the road.
