Pass vs. Run

Washburn running back RaShawn Mosely cuts up the field.

Courtesy of Washburn Sports Information

Washburn running back Ra’Shawn Mosely cuts up the field.

This week’s marquee game comes from Topeka, Kan. The Truman State Bulldogs head west to take on the Washburn Ichabods.

The Ichabods are coming off of a win last week in the Turnpike Tussle with Emporia. In that game, on top of the 96-yard performance of star running back Ra’Shawn Mosely, Brandon Walker, the backup runner went for 153 yards and two touchdowns on just 10 carries.

That will be the key to this game. How good will Truman be against this running game? Sophomore linebacker Kyle Supianoski will have to have a good game defensively for Truman to have a chance. Senior safety Jesse Cooper will need to be solid in run support as well. Truman may spend a majority of this game with eight in the box.

In a game that seems like it could be such a one-sided affair, the reason that it is our game to watch this week is the offensive firepower that Truman brings to the field.

Junior quarterback Matt Ticich is one of the MIAA’s best offensive players and the Bulldogs like to throw first and ask questions later on offense. However, the Bulldogs were shut out last Saturday against Pittsburg State. This was the first time they have been held scoreless all year. Truman is 4-0 when allowing less than 27 points this year.

Defensively, the Ichabods will be running sideline-to-sideline in this game more than they have all season. Sophomore linebacker Zach Watkins and the Washburn linebackers will have a lot of opportunities to make plays as the leading receiver for Truman is senior running back Jake Cunningham. The Ichabods run a 4-4 defensive set. That is four defensive linemen and four linebackers with only three defensive backs. This is an unconventional but effective defensive formation for two reasons. First, there are always eight men in the box. Second, usually in passing situations, one linebacker will blitz while the other three drop back into coverage, and the quarterback never knows which one is coming. Look for Washburn to have good pressure on Ticich in this game and, as such, win this game by more than a touchdown.