Washington State heads into Maverik Stadium on Friday night needing a spark. Sitting at 1-4 overall and desperate to salvage their season, the Cougars are implementing major offensive changes against Utah State. With a struggling offense averaging just 11.8 points per game, head coach Kirby Moore is stepping in to take over playcalling duties from offensive coordinator Matt Miller.
The Offensive Shake-Up and QB Question
Moore’s promotion to playcaller is just the beginning. The bigger question surrounding the program is who will line up under center for the opening snap.
Starter Caden Pinnick has struggled significantly during the first five games, leading the country in quarterback-fault sacks (10) while tallying six total turnovers. This has left WSU with a dismal minus-5 turnover margin, ranking 122nd nationally.
With Moore evaluating all options in practice, the Cougars could pivot away from Pinnick. Alternative options include Owen Eshelman, who boasts a strong arm suited for stretching the field, and Julian Dugger, who offers a jolt of athleticism and ground playmaking.
A Battle of Struggling Offenses
Friday's matchup features two teams searching for answers on offense. Utah State (1-4) has also stumbled out of the gate under coach Bronco Mendenhall, averaging 13.3 points per game and throwing a nation-worst 10 interceptions between quarterbacks Grady Brosterhous and McCae Hillstead.
While the Aggies boast a solid defense—ranking fifth in the Pac-12 by allowing 25 points per contest—their offense has proven vulnerable, taking 17 combined sacks this season. This sets the stage for a potential field day for WSU pass rushers like Linus Zunk and Matyus McLain.
What This Means for the Rest of the Season
A win on Friday night could keep Washington State's hopes of bowl eligibility alive, preserving a proud streak that has seen them reach a bowl in 10 of the last 11 full seasons. A loss, however, drops them to 1-5 with daunting upcoming matchups against surging Oregon State and No. 23 Boise State looming on the horizon.
Whether Moore’s new playcalling and potential personnel shifts can jumpstart the Cougars will be answered under the Friday night lights in Logan.
