WSU, Colorado look to end losing streaks

PULLMAN — After Colorado and Washington State opened the season at 3-0, the two teams have followed up their undefeated starts with 1-6 records in their last seven games. 

WSU’s last win was against Oregon State on Sept. 23, while Colorado’s last win was against Arizona State on Oct. 7. Both teams meet Friday night in Pullman.

“Everyone in the building’s disappointed, there’s no hiding that,” WSU head coach Jake Dickert said at a press conference Monday. “To not get the results you want after putting in the work is very disappointing, and we’re all working hard to change it. There’s still opportunities out there.”

The most recent loss for the Cougars was on the road against California last Saturday, falling to 4-6 in a 42-39 loss to the Golden Bears. Quarterback Cameron Ward turned the ball over four times against California, fumbling three times and throwing an interception on the game’s final play; two of Ward’s fumbles were picked up and returned for touchdowns by the Golden Bear defense.

“(Ward) understands that, turned the ball over twice that led to 14 points in the three-point game,” Dickert said. “He’s very aware of what the consequences are of not taking care of it. We’ve got to continue to address it.”

Under center for the Buffaloes is Shedeur Sanders, the son of Head Coach Deion Sanders, who has thrown for 3,144 yards, 26 touchdowns and only three interceptions in 10 starts. Out wide, Colorado receiver Xavier Weaver is sixth in the Pac-12 in receiving yards this year with 867. Fellow receiver Jimmy Horn leads Colorado with six touchdown catches, and Travis Hunter, a two-way player at cornerback and receiver, has caught 45 passes for 532 yards and three scores.

“I think they’re extremely talented at the skill position, the (Shedeur) Sanders kid at quarterback is a lot like Cam (Ward); a creator, a strong-arm player, elusive in the pocket and can do a bunch of different things with the ball in his hands. I think he’s an elite-level talent.”

On defense, the Buffaloes have surrendered the second-most passing yards per game in the Pac-12 (292) and the most total yards per game in the league (464.2). Opponents have scored just under 34 points per game against Colorado this season, though in the past three games the Buffaloes have dropped that number to 29.3 points allowed per game.

“They’re going to attack you in all different phases,” Dickert said. “They’re not a big drop-eight operation, they’re going to try and dictate to you and find different ways to be aggressive. I think you see a team that’s playing extremely hard, it’s a credit to coach (Deion) Sanders and what he’s building there, and what they’re fighting for as well.”

Both teams need a win Friday night to remain bowl-eligible; WSU travels to Seattle next week for the Apple Cup, while Colorado travels to No. 22 Utah.

Kickoff between the Cougars and Buffaloes is at 7:30 p.m. Friday night in Pullman. WSU will be honoring its 17 seniors before the game.

“It’s going to be two hungry, hungry teams Friday night in the Palouse, and we’re trying to send our seniors off the right way,” Dickert said. 

Ian Bivona may be reached at ibivona@columbiabasinherald.com.

    WSU wide receiver Josh Kelly, right, catches a touchdown pass against California last Saturday.
  

    Colorado quarterback Shedeur Sanders has thrown for 3,144 yards and 26 touchdowns for the Buffaloes this season, but has been sacked 48 times – the most in the country.