Oregon football is still riding high after Saturday’s huge win over Washington. This puts the Ducks one step closer to a Pac-12 North title, while also putting the team in the AP Top 15 for the first time since 2015. Many have started proclaiming Oregon football as “back.” Still, Oregon needs to shift its focus for its upcoming road trip to Pullman against Washington State.

The Cougars have been one of the most underrated teams in the Pac-12 over the last few years and have had Oregon’s number. The Ducks have fallen to the Cougars three seasons in a row, including two games at Autzen Stadium. Oregon may have more talent on the roster, but Washington State has plenty of impact players looking to make a mark on this game.

James Williams

Not only is Williams leading the team in rushing, but he’s also been a threat on the receiving end as well. Williams is second on the team in receptions, and has been extremely effective on short yardage plays for the Cougars. It’s a good thing for Williams that he’s found a role in the receiving game, because the Washington State offense gives him fewer opportunities to succeed than most running backs.

Despite the low number of attempts, Williams has a solid average so far. He’s averaging 4.1 yards per carry, and has broken into the endzone off the rush five times. Adding his three receiving touchdowns makes him the roster’s leading scorer. He hasn’t been the biggest name on the roster this season, but he has the potential to be the one who takes down an opposing team quietly.

Darrien Molton

Overall, Washington State has a strong pass defense, currently ranked in the top 10 nationally, and Molton has been one of the top standouts. He’s one of five players on the roster to have intercepted a pass this season, while also leading the team in passes defended. The four year starter is one of the most experienced players on the roster, which definitely contributes to why he’s been so effective.

Washington wasn’t able to shut down Justin Herbert last week, but the Cougars will attempt to do so on Saturday. The pass defense will be essential for a Washington State because of the reliance Oregon has on Herbert’s arm. Molton will likely be tasked with covering Dillon Mitchell, who’s been Oregon’s leading receiver this season.

Gardner Minshew

There were a lot skeptics regarding how Washington State would respond to losing the Pac-12’s all-time passing leader Luke Falk to graduation over the offseason. A good quarterback is essential in making Mike Leach’s air raid offense work. It was obvious that East Carolina transfer Gardner Minshew would have big shoes to fill, but his tenure so far has been a success.

Through six games, Minshew is leading the country in passing yards, attempts and completions, while also ranking in the top 15 in touchdowns and completion percentage. These stats are equally impressive when noting that most of the other players around the top of the leaderboards have played seven games. This, along with the fact that he’s only thrown four interceptions, puts him among the top quarterbacks in the Pac-12. Oregon’s secondary will have to work extra hard this week to keep him down.

Peyton Pelluer

Another experienced member of Washington State’s defense has been arguably the Cougars’ best. The linebacker in his sixth year of eligibility is leading the team in tackles by far with 50, which is 14 more than the next highest player. He’s yet to force any turnovers this season, but he’s been an anchor to a defense that ranks in the top 15 nationally.

Pelluer has also had little trouble getting into the backfield with 2 sacks on the year, along with 4.5 tackles for loss. Oregon’s offensive line has been able to hold most teams at bay so far, but a player of his caliber could be tough for the team to contain.

Davontavean Martin

When a team runs one of the most efficient passing offense in the country, it’s sure to have some receivers with big numbers as well. Martin is second in the Pac-12 in both receptions and receiving touchdowns, while also ranking near the top in receiving yards as well.

Washington State does a pretty good job at distributing its passes, with five players on the roster with over 20 receptions so far, but Martin has clearly been the one to look out for. Oregon’s secondary has strung together a couple of solid performances in a row, and if the team can shut down Martin, that streak will likely continue.

Jalen Thompson

The junior safety has been one of the most versatile players on the roster. Just a season ago, he was the team leader in tackles, and is still among the top five this season. He’s also been the best player at forcing turnovers this year, as the only player on the roster to have at least one interception and a forced fumble.

He’s been a little behind pace with his sophomore statistics, but he’s still been one of the best defenders on the Washington State roster. He remains part of a secondary that is one of the best in the country and has the ability to shut down Oregon’s offense in multiple ways.