Watching for fun

I got to see some good football this weekend. The EWU Eagles played Southern Utah in a game that started at noon local time. Since the game started that early and as long as Eagle games normally last I still got back home in time to watch the WSU – OSU kickoff at 6:00.

In Cheney the word had gotten out that starting All-American QB Gage Gubrud was not going to play. Gubrud’s leg was in a boot and he wasn’t suited up. He had coaching headphones on and was talking with his replacement Eric Barriere between series.

It didn’t take long and the Eagles were on the board against the defending Big Sky co-champions from a year ago. The Thunderbirds had possession of the ball five minutes longer than EWU but you wouldn’t know by the end of the game as the Eagles blasted SUU 55-17.

Barriere is an athletic kid that really showed his talent in the first half of play by dropping back to pass and finding no one open he took off for an 85 yard TD run. It was fun watching the play unfold. The California kid looked like a speeder weaving in and out of traffic getting a couple of blocks and outrunning the defenders. That is what is in store for next year after the graduation of Gubrud.

The WSU Cougars were in a real battle in Corvallis against the Beavers. By the way Oregon State’s only win this season was against Southern Utah.

The defense played well at times but it seemed like the Beavers were able to make key first downs on fourth down plays which had to be disheartening for the defense, coaching staff and the offense. Nothing is worse than helplessly watching and not being able to lend a hand.

Sometime in fourth quarter the Beavers showed why they have only won one game this year. With holding penalties taking points off the board or canceling out long gains and some key fumbles ending long drives. I guess you could say that OSU ‘Beaved it!” Sort of like how WSU was famous for ‘Couging it!”

Oregon State is getting better each week but they’ve had their share of injured players and those injuries continued Saturday night. If Coach Jonathan Smith can get some players and get them to buy into what he believes in there is a good chance the Beavers will start winning ballgames like last night.

WSU QB Gardner Minshew continues to impress. He was under pressure on Saturday but his ability get out of trouble and avoid sacks has been a huge asset and led to a 5-1 record, 2-1 in the Pac 12 north.

On Sunday the Seahawks hosted the Los Angeles Rams in an important NFC West Divisional game. The Rams would hold on for a 32-30 victory.

Two former EWU Eagles DE Samson Ebukam and receiver Cooper Kupp are starting for the Rams. I enjoy watching the Rams play and have been enjoying the success that Kupp has had receiving and scoring TDs making a big impression on a Thursday night game two weeks ago.

Ebukam also plays on special teams and his name was called out on a tackle he made covering a punt. This kid has a motor that doesn’t quit and he should have a really good professional career.

Kupp made some key receptions in the first half with one of them finishing off with him scoring a TD. Unfortunately, Kupp didn’t come out for the second half after being diagnosed with a possible concussion. Let’s hope he can come back soon because he is having a great second season as a pro.

I enjoyed watching some big games this weekend. Football really is a great sport especially when your favorite teams or players are successful.