Aug. 11—PULLMAN — The Cougs will soon know who their leader is.
Both third-year quarterback John Mateer and senior transfer Zevi Eckhaus got equal opportunities to showcase their stuff in Washington State’s first fall scrimmage Saturday at Gesa Field. The two starting quarterback hopefuls threw multiple touchdowns, but only one will start come Week 1 and the Cougs will know who that is next week.
“I got a lot of positives. I’m ready for that guy to take the reins,” coach Jake Dickert said. “We will name a starter a week from today.”
Mateer completed 12-of-19 passes (63%) for 167 yards. He threw two touchdowns and did not throw an interception.
Eckhaus completed 9-of-16 passes (56%) for 145 yards. He connected on three TDs, but lofted a loose deep ball straight into the hands of cornerback Steve Hall.
Dickert said he saw Eckhaus walk up and down the sidelines in an attempt to rally the offense following an interception.
Eckhaus led the offense to three straight touchdown drives when he entered the scrimmage. Albeit, he started each of those drives from varying spots including the 12-yard line as WSU simulated various in-game situations.
Mateer was less successful than Eckhaus when he took the field first, running into a three-and-out before finding senior wide receiver Kyle Williams for 24 yards.
On Eckhaus’ first drive, he chucked a 34-yard pass to freshman wide receiver Chris Barnes. It would not be the last time Barnes would touch the ball as the freshman exhibited why the coaches are excited about him.
“Chris Barnes will get every opportunity to get into the rotation as we go forward,” Dickert said.
Freshman Barnes and senior Kris Hutson got ample opportunities in the Cougars’ first scrimmage. Barnes reeled in a TD pass from Mateer in the back on the end zone and impressed on the receiving end of one of Eckhaus’…
Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/wsu-closer-starting-qb-decision-121600773.html
Author : Lewiston Tribune, Idaho
Publish date : 2024-08-11 12:16:00
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