Thu Sep 19 00:46:54 UTC 2024: ## Washington State Cougars Defense Shines in Apple Cup Win, But Questions Remain

**PULLMAN, WA** – The Washington State Cougars earned a hard-fought 3-0 start to the season, defeating their arch-rivals, the Washington Huskies, in the 116th Apple Cup. While the Cougars defense allowed the Huskies to generate several big plays, they ultimately shined in the red zone, securing a crucial fourth-down stop to seal the victory.

The game highlighted the Cougars’ new defensive philosophy under head coach Jake Dickert and defensive coordinator Jeff Schmedding. While WSU has struggled with tackling and pass rushing, their ability to create turnovers and shut down opponents in the red zone has proven crucial.

The Cougars have allowed a national-best 67% scoring rate in the red zone, demonstrating their resilience in high-pressure situations. This strategy, however, relies on the team’s ability to limit big plays, which is an area that needs improvement.

The Cougars’ tackling woes, in particular, have drawn attention. They are ranked No. 127 in the nation for tackling grades and have missed 51 tackles this season. WSU will need to address these issues, particularly with challenging road games against Boise State and Fresno State on the horizon.

Despite these concerns, the Cougars’ ability to close out games in the red zone gives them a potent weapon in their arsenal. Their strong defense has been the foundation for their undefeated start, and while they still have areas to improve, they have proven they can be a force to be reckoned with.

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