Washington State Cougars South Florida pair should have Sun Bowl impact
Washington State Cougars running back Deon McIntosh is from Pompano Beach, played at Cardinal Gibbons in Fort Lauderdale and is the brother of former Miami defensive tackle R.J. Cougars wide receiver Calvin Jackson is from Fort Lauderdale and played at Coral Spring Charter high school.
Jackson and McIntosh will have an impact on any success the Washington State Cougars will have offensively in the Sun Bowl. Limiting Jackson will be key for the Miami defense. Jackson led Washington State with 955 receiving yards and 15.2 yards per reception on 63 receptions with seven touchdowns.
McIntosh will receive the majority of the carries with Washington State starting running back Max Borghi opting out of the Sun Bowl. Backing up Borghi, McIntosh ran for 538 yards and three TDs with 14 receptions for 114 yards and one TD. McIntosh began his collegiate career at Notre Dame.
In 2018, McIntosh spent the season at East Mississippi Junior College, AKA Last Chance U. McIntosh was a JC All-American in his one season at East Mississippi. Jackson transferred to Washington State from Independence Junior College in 2018. Jackson has 101 receptions for 1371 yards and 10 career TDs.
Neither Jackson nor McIntosh were highly rated out of high school. This is the best season Jackson has had in his four years at Washington State. The best season for Jackson prior to 2021 was in 2018 when he finished with 26 receptions for 287 yards and one TD. McIntosh is also having his best season.
The previous best season for McIntosh was 368 yards rushing and a career-high five TDs with Notre Dame in 2017. McIntosh will run against the 47th ranked Miami run defense that allowed 139 yards per game. Jackson and the Washington State pass offense will go against Miami’s 101st ranked pass defense.
The Hurricanes allow 250.6 passing yards per game. McIntosh had his best game rushing this season with 10 carries for 73 yards against Arizona. Jackson had his best game of 2021 with eight receptions for 139 yards and a TD against Arizona State. Jackson scored two TDs this season against Arizona and California.
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How well Miami is able to limit Jackson and McIntosh should have a major impact on the outcome of the Sun Bowl. Washington State leading receiver Travell Harris will also be a key factor. Playing against South Florida players is common for Miami. Jackson and McIntosh should have extra incentive to perform well.