WSU OC/QB coach Ben Arbuckle has transformed the Cougar offense in just his second season in Pullman. Led by the offense, the Cougars are 8-2 through 10 games in 2024, after finishing last season at 5-7. Arbuckle has molded RS-sophomore John Mateer into one of the top quarterbacks in the nation. Mateer, in his first season as a starter, leads the nation in touchdowns accounted for with 38, is fourth in TD passes (26), first in points responsible for (232 – ahead of second place Cam Ward who Mateer backed up last season at WSU), 17th in passing yards (270.7), 15th in rushing TDs (12), while also being the only quarterback nationally to pass for over 20 touchdowns and run for more than 10. Mateer has benefited from Arbuckle’s guidance and confidence in the young QB, leading WSU from a 14-point, fourth-quarter deficit before eventually defeating San Jose State in two overtimes. Mateer also led WSU to come-from-behind, fourth quarter wins at Fresno State and San Diego State. Arbuckle has encouraged Mateer to take advantage of his skill set, which includes both running and passing, and given him the freedom to make decisions based on what is given. Mateer is not the only reason, the Cougar offense has been producing at increased levels over previous years. In 2024, WSU is averaging 38.9 ppg, which ranks ninth nationally and is 7.2 ppg better than last season. The 38.9 ppg is currently second in program history, a program that in the past has been led by offensive masterminds such as Mike Leach and Mike Price. On the ground, WSU is rushing for nearly 100 more yards per game this season compared to last. Led by Mateer and true freshman Wayshawn Parker, the Cougars are rushing for 182.2 ypg this season, after posting 84.8 ypg in 2023. Mateer (695) and Parker (642) are leading the way as Parker has the sixth-most rushing yards among freshman nationally. Arbuckle has overseen the development of fifth-year senior receiver Kyle Williams, who leads the team with 51 catches for 872 yards and 11 touchdowns. Williams, who had 61 catches for 843 yards and 6 TDs last season, has improved in all facets and Arbuckle has put him in positions to take advantage of his explosiveness. Williams ranks second nationally in receiving TDs and 17th in receiving yards. WSU’s offense has scored 30-plus points in six games this season and ranks in the Top 20 nationally in scoring (9th-38.9 ppg), total offense (9th-461.6 ppg), passing yards/game (19th-279.4 ppg) and first downs (15th-23.9 pg). The offense is improved over last season in total offense (up 39.9 ypg), rushing yards per game (up 84.8 ypg), first downs per game (up 1.5 per game) and sacks allowed (down .53 sacks per game). The Cougar offense is doing all this after losing quarterback Cam Ward, who transferred to Miami prior to the season and is one of the front runners in the Heisman race.
