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Better defense and special teams has WSU coach Mike Leach punting more, but will that continue after a rough night against Cal?

Related Topics: American football position

WSU's punters had a tough time against Cal. But was that more exception or norm? How they bounce back this week will be telling

In its loss to Cal last week, Washington State imploded in every phase of the game, and special teams was no exception.

Mitchell Cox had a cringe-worthy 1-yard punt, the punt team allowed a 31-yard return on a 38-yard punt, normally reliable kicker Erik Powell missed one field goal and Renard Bell’s opening kickoff return for a touchdown was called back on an illegal block.

“It was kind of a strange night,” WSU special teams coach Eric Mele said Thursday.