TUESDAY MORNING QUARTERBACK: WSU coach Kirby Moore to assume offensive play-calling duties. Will it matter?

Two days after suffering a 26-6 defeat to Fresno State, Washington State head coach Kirby Moore announced he would take over offensive play-calling responsibilities for the upcoming games. The team's struggles were evident even before the season kicked off, as they were ranked near the bottom-10 in multiple offensive categories.

During a scrimmage in August, offensive coordinator Matt Miller acknowledged the need for improvement, stating that everyone needed to examine themselves closely and grow from the experience. With new coaches, players, and a new conference, Moore and Miller were optimistic about their inaugural season together. However, the Cougars' offense has continued to underperform, ranking low in points per game and yards per game.

Their defense has also been a concern, allowing a high number of sacks and failing to convert many third downs. These factors led Moore to make a change heading into the next game against Utah State, seeking a more creative and dynamic approach to the offense. Sophomore running back Maxwell Woods saw limited playing time, and the run game was largely neglected in the second half of the previous match.

Moore emphasized the importance of the process and the need for corrections, especially in protection. The team is also considering the quarterback position, with current starter Caden Pinnick's performance having been inconsistent.