Cal Football: Justin Wilcox Has High Praise for WSU QB Anthony Gordon

Bears defense will have its hands full with the most recent director of Mike Leach's air attack

Washington State quarterback Anthony Gordon does not get the publicity that his predecessor Gardnew Minshew did, but if you look at the numbers and the comments of observers, you might wonder why.

Cal head coach Justin Wilcox knows it will be challenge to handle him when the Cougars come to Berkeley for a 4 p.m. kickoff on Saturday.

"He probably doesn't get enough attention," Wilcox said in the video.

The reason Minshew got more publicity than Gordon is rather simple: The Cougars had more success last year, climbing as high at No. 7 in the AP rankings and finishing tied with Washington for the best Pac-12 record at 7-2. Minshew, who is now with the Carolina Panthers, ended up being the Pac-12 Offensive Player of the year.

By comparison, Washington State this season is just 4-4 overall, including 1-4 in the Pac-12, and has lost four of its last five games. So Gordon's name has dropped out of the Heisman Trophy watch lists.

But look at the numbers.

Gordon averages 423.4 passing yards per game. Menshew averaged 367.6

Gordon has a passer rating of 163.8. Minchew's was 147.6

Gordon has 32 touchdown passes with at least four games left. Minshew threw 38 TD passes in 13 games, so Gordon is likely to supass Minshew's total.

Washington State is averaging 41.8 points per game this season. The Cougars averaged 37.5 points a year ago.

If WSU's defense was as good as it was last year, we'd be talking about Gordon like we did Minshew. Or would Gordon need a mustache to get the deserved publicity? 

Wilcox is a believer. Midway through the above video, after completing his discussion of the Cougars' pass protection, the Cal coach turned his attention to Gordon.

"That guy can spin it," Wilcox said. "He's a very talented thrower. He throws it from all different arm angles. He can find an open window if the D-line or the rush is coming. Sidearm it, throw it over the top. Go to his left, go to his right."

Wilcox notes Gordon can be patient in the pocket and let routes develop if he has time.

"Really quick release," Wilcox said. "He probably doesn't get enough attention. Honestly, I think he's a really talented player."