Greg Ward Jr. and the Cougar offense will need to protect the ball after turning it over three times last week. | File Photo/The Cougar
After getting a crack at conference play, the Cougars will travel to San Marcos to take on the Texas State University Bobcats in a non-league game Saturday.
Through three-and-a-half quarters last week, the Cougars struggled offensively in many areas, but will look to gain an early advantage on Bobcats defense that has given up 1,097 yards overall in its first two games.
The Cougars will have to get redshirt sophomore running back Duke Catalon going in the first half — especially against a run defense that is allowing 231.5 yards per game. On the Cougars’ first offensive drive, Catalon broke for a 12-yard run, before only managing 18 yards on 8 carries for the rest of the half.
The Cougars will also have to do a better job protecting the ball and the quarterback when they line up against Texas State. They were in uncharacteristic form last week as they turned the ball over on three occasions and also had three other fumbles that the team was able to recover.
Senior quarterback Greg Ward Jr. was hurried on many plays as the still-developing offensive line struggled to manage their blocking assignments.
Due to the defensive pressure, Ward threw two costly interceptions, but still had a 66.6 percent completion rate and a season-high 326 yards through the air.
The Bobcats have recorded one sack this season and have yet to grab an interception. Ward should have time and won’t be forced to make throws that are not there.
On the defensive side for the Cougars, senior cornerback Brandon Wilson will sit out due to an ankle injury. Depending on the match up against the Bobcats, either sophomore linebacker Emeke Egbule or sophomore safety Garrett Davis will step up.
Heading into the game, the Cougars feature the No. 1 rush defense in the country and will capitalize off of a team that is averaging just 1.88 yards per carry.
The Cougars’ biggest struggle will come when they try to protect against the pass. The team’s secondary has allowed 219.3 yards per game, while the Bobcats’ offense has thrown for 261.5 yards per game.
Sophomore cornerback Howard Wilson is coming off of a strong game against the University of Cincinnati Bearcats and will be asked to step up again. He had two picks and almost had another early in the game.
With three games down, the Cougars will need to stay focused and keep playing like they are looking for their first win.
