Kirby Moore addresses WSU’s quarterback change

The first year of the Kirby Moore era has gotten off to a rocky start on the Palouse, but the WSU Cougars are hoping a change at quarterback can help ignite their struggling offense.

Moore announced Monday that redshirt freshman Owen Eshelman would be taking over duties as the starting signal-caller from Caden Pinnick when the 1-5 Cougars face a surprising 4-2 Oregon State squad that is among the Pac-12 favorites on Saturday at Reser Stadium in Corvallis, Ore.

Moore discussed the quarterback switch when he joined former WSU wide receiver Michael Bumpus on the latest edition of Cougs Weekly on Seattle Sports.

“He’s been an accurate passer, has the ability to extend plays similar to some of the other quarterbacks, and we’re excited about him having this opportunity,” Moore said of Eshelman. “He was in it throughout the offseason. I think he’s prepared like he’s the starter. So, excited to get to work with him here this afternoon.”

Eshelman, a three-star recruit coming out of Norman North High School in Norman, Okla., was in a quarterback competition coming into the season, though Pinnick was the favorite after transferring in from UC Davis following a standout freshman season for the Mustangs at the FCS level in the Big Sky Conference. Pinnick was officially named the starter in late August.

In his six games as the starter, Pinnick completed 61.8% of his passes (110 of 178) for 952 yards, three touchdowns and five interceptions. He added 194 yards and three TDs rushing.

“Naturally, you’re disappointed, and you should be, right? As a competitor, you want to be on the field and you want to be the guy who’s number one,” Moore said of Pinnick learning he was losing the starting role. “At the same time, we all gotta make choices and we’re a part of the team, and you got to support your teammates and be there for them and prepare like you’re the starter as well. And if your opportunity calls, be ready to be in that position.”

Moore said he and the coaching staff were still working through what sort of changes would come with Eshelman as the starting quarterback.

“You kind of find your rhythm, and the things we execute in practice should get off the call sheet early in the game,” Moore said. “That’s going to be the big emphasis is making sure he’s got confidence in what’s getting called, because he’s gotta make those throws at Reser Stadium.”

Eshelman’s first start won’t be a soft landing. Oregon State has won four straight and its only two losses were against teams currently ranked among the Associated Press Top 25 Poll (No. 10 Texas Tech and No. 20 Houston).

The Beavers are allowing the fewest yards per game (326.3) and second-fewest points per game (22) among Pac-12 teams this season.

“They’ve been aggressive, they’ve kept the ball in front of them, they’ve had leads. So, they’ve played very complementary from an offense-defense standpoint,” Moore said.

Cougs Weekly with WSU Cougars head coach Kirby Moore airs Tuesdays during Seattle Sports’ Bump and Stacy. Hear the full conversation at this link or watch the video at the top of this post. 

WSU Cougars coach name new starting QB

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