Sluggish first quarter starts have been a major issue for the Cougar football team this season. WSU has been outscored by the opposing team 121-3 in the first quarter through eight games. Head Coach Paul Wulff said having such a young team has been a key factor, with the young players being overly excited at the start of games.

Another key ingredient in the Cougars’ struggle this year has been injuries, and in last week’s loss to Notre Dame, the Cougars may potentially have lost junior safety Chima Nwachukwu for this week’s showdown against Arizona in Tucson.

Nwachukwu had a boot on his right ankle and did not practice on Tuesday. He is listed as questionable for Saturday. In his news conference Tuesday afternoon, Wulff said Nwachukwu would practice on Wednesday to test out his injured ankle. During Tuesday’s practice, redshirt freshman Jay Matthews spent the day practicing with the first team in place of Nwachukwu and said he’s looking for the opportunity to get his first start if he’s called on.

“It feels good to be out there,” Matthews said. “It came at an unfortunate situation for Chima, but I’m excited. And I’m going to seize the opportunity to the best of my ability.” On the other side of the ball, the offensive line has returned nearly all its injured players. On Tuesday, Wulff announced yet again that there would competition between redshirt sophomore Steven Ayers and redshirt junior Micah Hannam to get the start at right tackle against the Wildcats.

Meanwhile at left tackle, Wulff has already named redshirt freshman Tyson Pencer the starter over true freshman Alex Reitnouer. Reitnouer is listed at 260 pounds, and Wulff said that played a factor in going with Pencer.

“Alex is doing a lot right now,” Wulff said. “It’s hard for him to start every game in this conference with where he is physically.” Redshirt juniors Zack Williams and B.J. Guerra have been named the starters at left and right guard, respectively, and redshirt senior Kenny Alfred will continue to start at center for the Cougars.

The offensive line has gotten better over the past few weeks, but freshman quarterback Jeff Tuel is continually pressured as the Cougars are giving up five sacks per game, the most in Division I football. In addition, Arizona’s defense is one of the quickest in the conference, and Wulff said Tuel must be prepared for that on Saturday.

“We know that Arizona has excellent speed, and they’re going to get to the quarterback,” Wulff said. “If you’re going to play quarterback, you have to expect to get hit. That’s football. We just have to do the best we can to be smart schematically.” Tuel said that as his freshman season continues to go by, the experience he’s gained has all been positive.

“I feel I’m improving in learning, whether it’s the hits I’m taking or throws I’m making,” Tuel said. “No matter what’s happening, I feel like I’m able to taking something positive away from it.”