After Play-Calling Switch, What Needs To Change For Washington State’s Offense?

NCAAF College Football News, Photos, Stats, Scores, Schedule & Videos...

Washington State head coach Kirby Moore and his staff met together in the late hours of Saturday night. The Cougars failed to score an offensive touchdown for the second time this season just hours earlier, falling 26-6 to Fresno State. Everyone knew the message: something needed to change.

I can’t wait to go to practice today,” Moore said in his Monday press conference. “Naturally, I will be on the offensive side the whole time.”

With six games to go, including their PAC-12 road opener next up, expect a different look for the Cougars come Saturday. But what specifically needs to change?

From Miller to Moore

It was announced that Kirby Moore will be taking over play-calling duties from Washington State offensive coordinator Matt Miller.

Miller has a decent coaching background, including stops at Boise State and FCS-power Montana State, but one thing is glaring: Miller has never held a sole offensive coordinator position at the FBS level.

The former college wide receiver was a play-caller for one and a half seasons in Montana, being elevated from WR coach after another coach was stripped of play-calling duties.

In five years at Boise State, Miller was a receivers coach, a passing game coordinator, and even a co-offensive coordinator. But he was never the main OC or play caller.

With the responsibility fully on his shoulders in Pullman, it looks like Miller’s lack of FBS experience became a pitfall through the first five games.

For Kirby Moore, he’s passed the test. His stellar work as an offensive coordinator with SEC’s Missouri in 2025, averaging over 30 points a game, helped him land the Washington State gig in the first place.

He has worked under names like Kalen DeBoer and Eliah Drinkwitz, and of course is the brother of New Orleans Saints’ coach Kellen Moore. 

Kirby Moore has the credentials. Let’s see if he can use them to reignite the Cougars offense.

Quarterback Situation?

Kirby Moore would go on to say that “everyone” will get reps at QB this week in Wazzu practice.

Caden Pinnick, the original starter, has 796 yards on three touchdowns and five interceptions. His quarterback rating of 28.2 leaves him at 133rd in the country.

Moore was able to revamp the Missouri Tigers’ offense when the dual-threat Beau Pribula came to town in 2025. However, Pinnick is 20 pounds lighter and two inches shorter than Pribula.

Enter: Julian Dugger. Wazzu’s QB2 sits at six-foot-three, 207 pounds, and is a dual-threat athlete as well.

If Moore wants to work with a clean slate, perhaps Dugger is the guy, having the talent and build while just needing the proper recipes to get cooking.

As of Oct. 6, this is what Wazzu’s QB depth chart looks like:

QB1: Caden Pinnick (RS SO/TR)

QB2: Julian Dugger (RS SO/TR)

QB3: Owen Eshelman (RS FR)

Addressing The Road Ahead

Moore and Washington State will have a chance to work out their new-look offense against a 1-4 Utah State team, but they will need to use the tune-up game to their advantage.

After the trip to Logan, the Cougars will take on Boise State and Oregon State, the two current favorites in the conference.

If WSU can’t put the wheels back on the wagon against the Aggies, it may be a grim rest of October for the folks in Pullman.

WSU vs. USU is set for Friday, Oct. 9, at 7:00 p.m. MDT.

Your Turn: What Needs To Change For Wazzu?

More at NCAAF College Football News, Photos, Stats, Scores, Schedule & Videos