The Cougars hit the practice field on Tuesday afternoon during their bye week to work on their upcoming matchup with Colorado.
Sophomore wide receiver Marquess Wilson said the team focused on playing through an entire game.
“It went pretty good; everybody was working hard,” Wilson said. “We were just grinding through. Our weakness was being tired, and (we were) working on playing through four quarters today.”
The Cougs are hoping they can use the extended break as rest for injured players.
WSU had a couple players sitting out practice with injuries or simply not suited up.
Starting defensive end Adam Coerper sat out off practice with a sprained knee, which will have him sidelined for two or three weeks. Junior Lenard Williams subbed in for Coerper at practice.
Along with Coerper, Daniel Simmons and Spencer Waseem both were riding a stationary bike for much of practice. Redshirt freshman Aaron Dunn also was on the bike with an injured quad; he is listed as questionable for the Colorado game.
Junior quarterback Jeff Tuel participated in some throwing drills, which is a good sign for WSU. Tuel was in shorts and a jersey, but his throws looked crisp and precise.
Redshirt freshman Rickey Galvin was also not suited up for practice because of a concussion.
Along the offensive line, the Cougs were without center Andrew Roxas, who sprained his ankle against UNLV and was inactive against San Diego State, he is listed as questionable for the Colorado game.
Redshirt sophomore Matt Goetz ran with the first squad at practice and looked strong in Roxas’ absence. He was constantly battling with linebacker C.J. Mizell and was holding his own.
During practice, junior wide receiver Gino Simone left midway through with ice applied to his lower back.
Wilson praised both offense and defense for working hard throughout practice.
“(We) just had great execution on offense and defense, both sides of the ball, and we got after each other and made each other better today,” Wilson said.
An unlikely target ended up making the best play of practice as redshirt junior offensive lineman Chas Sampson scored a touchdown during practice.
As redshirt sophomore quarterback David Gilbertson led the second team offense through a scrimmage with the defense, he bulleted a screen pass to his left intended for receiver Isiah Myers.
The ball was tipped and hung in the air for a second or two until it came down directly into the 300-pound lineman’s hand.
He proceeded to take the ball the distance of the field and scored as the rest of the offense erupted.
Before the Cougars closed practice with their two-minute drill, Head Coach Paul Wulff called the team together and delivered a passionate speech to his squad about finishing games and practices strong.
“(He was) just telling us that we have to push through the fourth quarter,” Wilson said. “I mean we got to learn how to play in the fourth quarter and get used to that and just be prepared for any game, we’re going to practice to not lose in the fourth quarter.”
