While Washington State defeated San José State on Friday night, Cougars coach Jake Dickert was his own toughest critic after the game. Photo Credit: James Snook-Imagn Images Sep 20, 2024; Pullman, Washington, USA; Washington State Cougars head coach Jake Dickert looks on during a game against the San Jose State Spartans in the first half at Gesa Field at Martin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: James Snook-Imagn Images

We are often our own toughest critics. That was the case with Washington State head coach Jake Dickert shortly after Friday night’s wild game against San José State.

Shortly after the Cougars stopped a game-tying two-point conversion attempt by the Spartans, Dickert was interviewed on the field. Reporter Camryn Irwin brought up the “grit” the Cougars showed to escape with the 54-52 win. Dickert responded by criticizing himself. He also complimented Ken Niumatalolo and by extension, the rest of San José State’s coaching staff.

“They had to make up for their coach’s mistakes,” Dickert said of his team. “I got completely outcoached tonight. These guys picked me up.”

A double-overtime game will likely provide any coach plenty of chances to second-guess himself. One big mistake that Dickert made came in the first overtime period.

San José State started the first overtime with the ball. On the second play of the possession, Cougars cornerback Ethan O’Connor intercepted Spartans quarterback Emmett Brown — putting Washington State firmly in the driver’s seat. Now, the Cougars needed only a field goal to win.

The first place of Washington State’s possession was a two-yard run by Wayshawn Parker. After the run, analyst Michael Bumpus laid out what he thought the Cougars should do.

“If I’m Wazzu, I’m just running the rock,” Bumpus said. “Keep it in [Washington State quarterback] Mateer’s hands. Keep it in Parker’s hands. Try to pick up a first down. Get as close as you can for your field goal kicker. You might just break one.”

The next play was a pass — and a risky one. Mateer was intercepted by San José State’s defensive back DJ Harvey.

“Don’t understand the call there,” Bumpus said after the interception.

“It was the very opposite of what you just said, Bump,” play-by-play man J.B. Long added.

“Run the football,” emphasized Bumpus. “High percentage plays. No reason to throw the rock there. Hand the football off, keep it in Mateer’s hands, kick a field goal and see if [kicker Dean Janikowski] can keep it rolling.”

It was a questionable call in the moment. Fortunately for Dickert and the Cougars, Washington State overcame the miscues and won anyway — moving to 4-0.

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