With a 45-7 win over Nevada on Saturday afternoon, 18th-ranked Washington State is off to a 4-0 start for the first time since 2001, when the Cougars opened with seven-straight wins.

WSU almost notched its second shutout of the year, keeping Nevada (0-4) scoreless until late in the fourth quarter, when Maliek Broady finally scored on a 3-yard touchdown run.

Here are three first impressions from the game:

1. The defense did just fine without Peyton Pelluer.

2. The O-line is somewhat a concern.

3. Cougs let up in the second half.

Saturday marked the first time in three and a half seasons that the Cougars’ defense has taken the field without senior Peyton Pelluer at middle linebacker.

Pelluer broke his foot last week against Oregon State, and spent the game in the press box, helping the defensive coaching staff.

Against Nevada, WSU didn’t miss him. The Cougars’ defense had a field day against the Wolf Pack, with two interceptions from Jalen Thompson and one from Robert Taylor.

Nevada’s defensive line is not remotely as good as anything the Cougars will face in Pac-12 play, but they still managed to get to WSU quarterback Luke Falk.

Sure, Falk finished 36 of 47 for 478 passing yards and five touchdowns.

But, Nevada sacked Falk three times and came up with two quarterback hurries.

As for letting up in the second half, OK, when you’re up 35-0 by halftime, it’s probably human nature to coast a little, but if they want to compete for a Pac-12 championship, they need to put it all together.