Cougars can rearrange defenders depending on the offensive situation
PULLMAN — The varying strengths of Washington State’s defensive linemen mean assistant coach Joe Salave’a can turn each defensive series into a game of chess.
The other team has its power back in during rushing situations? Big boys like Ngalu Tapa, Robert Barber and Destiny Vaeao were born to plug up rushing gaps.
It’s third-and-long against a quarterback who can fire downfield, run for a first down or turn a quick screen pass into a big gain? Smaller, speedier linemen like Daniel Ekuale and Reggie Coates can serve as the countermeasure.