WSU coach: Time to rank Ward among top QBs

Kyle Bonagura,

• ESPN Staff WriterSep 24, 2023, 12:56 AM ET Close Covers the Pac-12.
• Joined ESPN in 2014.
• Attended Washington State University.PULLMAN, Wash.– Washington State is the unofficial Pac-2 champion.In a match of the only groups left in conference limbo following the collapse of the Pac-12, the Cougars ended No. 14 Oregon State’s seven-game winning streak with a 38-35 triumph behind a dazzling effort from quarterback Cameron Ward. “I believe Web cam should have to be discussed with the very best quarterbacks in the nation,

  period,” WSU coach Jake Dickert stated.”I believe he continues to reveal that, and I believe nationally we underestimate him and what he’s doing.” Ward, in his 2nd year with WSU after transferring from FCS Incarnate Word, completed 28 of 34 passes for 404 backyards and 4 touchdowns without an interception as the Beavers had couple of responses for first-year offending organizer Ben Arbuckle’s innovative playcalling.Editor’s Picks 2 Associated “The playcalls are fantastic,”Ward said, crediting Arbuckle and quality assurance coach John Kuceyeski.

  “They understand how to

  search various methods the challenger that we play. I’m more ready going into each and every game– way more than what I was a year earlier.”Through 4 games, Ward has actually thrown for 1,390 lawns(347.5 per game )with 13 touchdowns and no interceptions. The Cougars are balancing 45.8 points and have actually silently asserted themselves as a contender in the conference-title race.A large part of Ward’s success Saturday was because of the play of transfer receivers Josh Kelly( Fresno State)and Kyle Williams (UNLV). Kelly made numerous highlight-reel catches and finished with eight catches for 159 backyards and 3 ratings. Williams had 7 catches for 174 lawns with a touchdown.It was No. 21 WSU’s 2nd triumph against a ranked opponent this season, following its 31-22 win against then-No. 19 Wisconsin 2 weeks earlier. Washington State’s

  Cameron Ward has tossed for 1,390 yards with 13 goals and no interceptions in four games this season. AP Photo/Young Kwak Oregon State(3-1, 0-1 Pac-12)had enabled simply 4 touchdowns in its three previous games, all of which can be found in the fourth quarter, but the Cougars (4-0, 1-0 )immediately set the tone for a much different kind of game when Ward struck Williams for a 63-yard score on the game’s second play from scrimmage.There wasn’t much slowing down from there.” I’m informing you, [Oregon State] is a top-15 group in this country, “Dickert said.”How physical they are– [the win] just takes us to a new level. It just actually does, and I think I’m truly pleased with that locker room and what they have actually given.

  “WSU had a chance to put the game away up 38-28 with

  3:58 left, however a pass from Ward fell insufficient on fourth-and-goal from the 2-yard line. The Beavers answered with a touchdown drive however did not recover the occurring onside kick needed to keep their opportunities alive.”Simply too little, too late,” Oregon State coach Jonathan Smith said.It was a deflating defeat for the Beavers, who entered into the season with conference-title aspirations but are entrusted to little margin for error after beginning Pac-12 have fun with a loss.