Cougars Struggle on Key Downs | Spokane News

Washington State’s Apple Cup loss to Washington highlights a critical offensive flaw: their inability to convert on first and second downs. Despite averaging seven yards per first-down play, penalties and negative plays forced them into tough second-and-long situations, where they averaged just 2.4 yards per play — crippling their ability to sustain drives. Third-down conversions were equally ineffective, averaging under two yards. Head Coach Kirby Moore emphasized the need for explosive plays early to avoid third-and-long scenarios against a stingy Husky defense. With a Power Four opponent looming, fixing this efficiency gap is paramount for WSU’s next win. Listen in comfort:Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:[email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to [email protected]. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/b36f139b6c3bb7dc