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Around SBN: An Explanation For Some Of The Perplexing HOF Snubs

OPEN GAME THREAD: WSU vs. No. 25 Notre Dame

Washington St. Cougars at Notre Dame Fighting Irish, Oct 31, 2009 4:30 PM PDT


Wsund-1-1_medium

via i839.photobucket.com (thanks spencer peaty!)

Game coverage from around SBN: Here

Time: 4:30 p.m. PDT

The place: The Alamodome (San Antonio, Texas)

TV: NBC

Radio: Find your local station here. You can also listen to it via streaming for a fee at wsucougars.com.

The line: Notre Dame minus-27.5 (Fun fact! The Cougs have covered in four of their past five games.)

When the Cougs have the ball ...

WSU

ND
Pos. Name (# = Redshirt)
Pos. Name
X Jeffrey Solomon (6-0, 195, #Jr.)
DE Kapron Lewis-Moore (6-4 270 So.)
F Gino Simone (5-11, 174, Fr.)
DT
Ethan Johnson (6-4 280 So.)
LT Alex Reitnouer (6-5, 253, Fr.)
NT
Ian Williams (6-2 295 Jr.)
LG Zack Williams (6-4, 293, #Jr.)
DE
John Ryan (6-5 255 Sr.)
C Kenny Alfred (6-2, 300, #Sr.)
SLB Darius Fleming (6-1 240 So.)
RG B.J. Guerra (6-3, 318, #So.)
MLB Brian Smith (6-3 240 Jr.)
RT Micah Hannam (6-4, 284, #Jr.)
WLB Manti Te’o (6-2 244 Fr.)
TE Tony Thompson (6-2, 241, #Sr.)
CB Gary Gray (5-11 190 Jr.)
Z Jared Karstetter (6-4, 203, So.)
S
Kyle McCarthy (6-1 210 Sr.)
QB Jeff Tuel (6-3, 207, Fr.)
S
Sergio Brown (6-2 205 Sr.)
RB Logwone Mitz (6-1, 229, #So.)
CB Robert Blanton (6-1 185 So.)

 

When Notre Dame has the ball ...

ND

WSU
Pos. Name

Pos. Name (# = Redshirt)
X
Golden Tate (5-11 195 Jr.)

LE Casey Hamlett (6-3, 250, Jr.)
LT Paul Duncan (6-7 315 Sr.)
DT Bernard Wolfgramm (6-3, 291, #Jr.)
LG Chris Stewart (6-5 330 Sr.)
DT Dan Spitz (6-6, 268, #Fr.)
C Eric Olsen (6-4 305 Sr.)
RE Travis Long (6-4, 247, Fr.)
RG Trevor Robinson (6-5 305 So.)
SAM Andy Mattingly (6-4, 255, Sr.)
RT Same Young (6-8 320 Sr.)
MIKE Alex Hoffman-Ellis (6-1, 233, #So.)
TE Kyle Rudolph (6-6 260 So.)
WILL Jason Stripling (5-11, 225, #Sr.)
Z Duval Kamara (6-5 219 Jr.)
LCB Brandon Jones (5-9, 178, #Jr.)
QB Jimmy Clausen (6-3 223 Jr.)
SS Xavier Hicks, Jr. (6-0, 211, #Sr.)
FB James Aldridge (6-0 225 Sr.)
FS Chima Nwachukwu (5-11, 201, Jr.)
TB
Armando Allen (5-10 200 Jr.)
RCB Terrance Hayward (6-1, 186, #Fr.)

 

Special Teams ...

WSU

ND
Pos. Name (# = Redshirt)
Pos. Name
K Nico Grasu (6-0, 221, Jr.)
K Nick Tausch (6-0 190 Fr.)
P Reid Forrest (6-2, 193, #Jr.)
P
Ben Turk (5-11 193 Fr.)

 

Keys to the Game Competing

1. Tackle. The most fundamental aspect of football took a vacation on the Cougs last week. The baffling thing is that this is one area where the Cougs have been particularly sound since early in the Hawaii game. Notre Dame possesses a lot of the same explosiveness as Cal, although more in the passing game than in the running attack. The most obvious contributor to that is Tate, who is as good a college receiver as there is in the country. Washington showed what happens when you don't make sure to tackle him. The Cougs will give up some completions, but they can't afford the big play because of not wrapping up.

2. Step up in special teams. Again, this hadn't been an issue since week one, but it cropped up last week. If this team is going to stay competitive, it's going to need to be better in this phase. But you know what would be really nice? A big special teams play. Maybe a reverse on a kickoff return? An unexpected onside kick? Any kind of big play here would go a long way towards the Cougars potentially being able to do the unthinkable.

3. Protect Tuel. Notre Dame's defense is statistically worse than the one that Tuel lit up for 354 yards last week. They blitz a ton, and consequently will give up some big plays. Tuel has shown that he and Johnny Forzani can connect for some big plays; if the offensive line can do a better job -- which it ought to be able to do after getting some more talent back this week -- then there should be some plays to be had.

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Just looking at that roster comparison

Our team is very young, hopefully they just go out there and have some fun with this game. It would be nice to be competitive to open the game as well. I think we will get some scores, but our D has an enormous challenge ahead.

by MattPD on Oct 31, 2009 4:06 PM PDT reply actions  

Oh my goodness

The helmets have a goofy looking Vandal face on them. Awesome…

by Grady Clapp on Oct 31, 2009 4:11 PM PDT up reply actions  

They have the ball

I’m rooting for them to. Why not?

by BornCoug on Oct 31, 2009 4:25 PM PDT up reply actions  

Their fans got cocky when they beat us last time

2000 I think? Idaho has no place talking trash to anyone ever

by Trident M on Oct 31, 2009 4:28 PM PDT up reply actions  

Let them have their fun...

Everyone knows that they don’t get much of a chance to trash talk.

by GoCougs on Oct 31, 2009 4:29 PM PDT up reply actions  

Just faked a punt

down around the 15 yard line of La Tech.

by BornCoug on Oct 31, 2009 4:30 PM PDT up reply actions  

FAKE PUNT!

Fake punts, the Wildcat… Akey is hardcore

by Grady Clapp on Oct 31, 2009 4:30 PM PDT reply actions  

Sorry if I missed this earlier

Why was San Antonio chosen? Are we trying to reestablish that good ol’ Texas Pipeline?

by johnnycougar on Oct 31, 2009 4:35 PM PDT reply actions  

I believe ND is trying to start one...?

It’s weird, but like people have said, closest thing to a Bowl game for us this year

by Grady Clapp on Oct 31, 2009 4:36 PM PDT up reply actions  

It's a "barnstorming" tour

I don’t really get it but it put $1.5 million in the bank for us so a good deal.

by BornCoug on Oct 31, 2009 4:38 PM PDT up reply actions  

How much better would Weiss look if he dressed like a monk?

I can’t stand those pants, but he could be like a mystic symbol with a coarse brown robe, a meditative genius.

by johnnycougar on Oct 31, 2009 4:36 PM PDT reply actions  

Haha we're getting booed

Nice showing from the crimson faithful

by Trident M on Oct 31, 2009 4:38 PM PDT reply actions  

Booo all-whites

This game deserves the gray-white-gray uniform

by Grady Clapp on Oct 31, 2009 4:42 PM PDT reply actions  

WSU drinking game

Take a shot every time we’re scored on.

Surprise! Everyone dies of alcohol poisoning.

by Grady Clapp on Oct 31, 2009 4:49 PM PDT reply actions  

Offensive PI!!

Wow… how is that not called?

by Trident M on Oct 31, 2009 4:52 PM PDT reply actions  

Who is this MLips person?

I thought she died, since she hasn’t been around this site in … um …

by Jeff Nusser on Oct 31, 2009 4:53 PM PDT up reply actions  

HEY!

I’m always here :)

…just laying low due to who signs my paychecks…

by MLips on Oct 31, 2009 4:55 PM PDT up reply actions  

How about that?

I’ll take it. Paulus didn’t look comfortable with the defenses look at all. Could have called offensive PI there as well

by BornCoug on Oct 31, 2009 4:52 PM PDT reply actions  

You mean Clausen?

I wish Greg Paulus was still their quarterback …

by Jeff Nusser on Oct 31, 2009 4:55 PM PDT up reply actions  

Paulus?

Wow, talk about a typo! Ooops

by BornCoug on Oct 31, 2009 4:56 PM PDT up reply actions  

Market research

According to these ads, WSU and ND fans need…

…insurance
…beer/tailgating equipment
…asthma medication
…baby back ribs

by Grady Clapp on Oct 31, 2009 5:01 PM PDT reply actions  

And there's the difference between us and big time college football

Our middle linebacker – who was squared up – just got taken for a ride by the running back.

by Jeff Nusser on Oct 31, 2009 5:05 PM PDT reply actions  

HEY! LOOK EVERYONE!

It’s 3-0. And we’re going to have ridiculous field position. Could we actually take a lead?

by Jeff Nusser on Oct 31, 2009 5:07 PM PDT reply actions  

Here's our shot

to stick around in this game.

by BornCoug on Oct 31, 2009 5:07 PM PDT reply actions  

Touchback?

This is Heisman coming out party and he is ruining everything.

CougCenter WSU's second main blog

by Craig Powers on Oct 31, 2009 5:14 PM PDT up reply actions  

Another drinking game

Take a shot whenever WSU doesn’t convert a 3rd-down.

by BornCoug on Oct 31, 2009 5:13 PM PDT reply actions  

For those of you scoring

Oregon is in Green helments, green shirts, and black pants this week.

by BornCoug on Oct 31, 2009 5:14 PM PDT reply actions  

Those feathers on the shoulders....

…..are about the ugliest thing on any uniform. Nike keeps coming up with new ugly uniforms for Oregon you think at one point the school would like to be known for something else besides having ugly uniforms.

by spokanecougar on Oct 31, 2009 5:17 PM PDT up reply actions  

Brandon Jones is way better than Aire Justin

But gets juked out of his shoes so often I still feel embarrased to have him in

by Trident M on Oct 31, 2009 5:18 PM PDT reply actions  

DARNIT!

If he underthrows that just a little bit, it’s a completion.

by Jeff Nusser on Oct 31, 2009 5:28 PM PDT reply actions  

I get mad at our offensive line...

I’m seriously tired of seeing our QB get mauled.

by james_WSU on Oct 31, 2009 5:28 PM PDT reply actions  

At this point

I’m pretty sure our kitten batting at the TV can break through our O line

by Grady Clapp on Oct 31, 2009 5:29 PM PDT reply actions  

this stadium is garbage

70% of the coug section is obstructed view.

Best $150 I ever spent

by BigWood on Oct 31, 2009 5:30 PM PDT via mobile reply actions  

That blows.

At least you’re watching a reasonably close game.

by Jeff Nusser on Oct 31, 2009 5:31 PM PDT up reply actions  

I have a feeling that won't be the case soon.

Why does our offense have to make bad defenses look good so often?

CougCenter WSU's second main blog

by Craig Powers on Oct 31, 2009 5:31 PM PDT up reply actions  

Why did Xaiver go after Clausen there?

Stay on the damn receiver! Clausen doesn’t run much!

CougCenter WSU's second main blog

by Craig Powers on Oct 31, 2009 5:34 PM PDT reply actions  

What beer are you on Grady?

You are on fire tonight.

CougCenter WSU's second main blog

by Craig Powers on Oct 31, 2009 5:36 PM PDT up reply actions  

None yet

Although I’m technically 3 shots behind in the WSU drinking game

by Grady Clapp on Oct 31, 2009 5:38 PM PDT up reply actions  

I f*cking hate New Mexico

ABC is showing the Texas game, and since we’re next to Texas ESPN2 is just a blank screen instead of showing the Oregon game. Unf*cking believable

by johnnycougar on Oct 31, 2009 5:39 PM PDT reply actions  

"All about the Benjamins"

Good job, Jimmy, on being 10 years behind that reference.

by Jeff Nusser on Oct 31, 2009 5:45 PM PDT reply actions  

Next highlight

“It’s the return of the Mac!”

“Thanks, Jimmy (sigh)”

by Trident M on Oct 31, 2009 5:46 PM PDT up reply actions  

That "all about the benjamins" comment

May be the whitest thing I’ve ever heard ever

by Grady Clapp on Oct 31, 2009 5:45 PM PDT reply actions  

Pre-snap reads

1. Find Golden Tate.
2. Find Golden Tate.
3. Find Golden Tate.

What didn’t we do on that screen? Uh …

by Jeff Nusser on Oct 31, 2009 5:47 PM PDT reply actions  

UO TD

QB sneak into the end zone.

by PDXCoug on Oct 31, 2009 5:47 PM PDT reply actions  

Idaho came back to win?

Looks like it on channel surfing. Good Vandals

by BornCoug on Oct 31, 2009 5:48 PM PDT reply actions  

holy cow

I closed espn360 10 minutes ago cause I gave up

by Grady Clapp on Oct 31, 2009 5:52 PM PDT up reply actions  

yer kidding

Nwachukwu is injured after that run?

by PDXCoug on Oct 31, 2009 5:57 PM PDT reply actions  

oh my goodness

I could’ve been at that Idaho game.

Instead I’m watching my Cougs get steamrolled by ND.

I hate obsessive fandom.

by Grady Clapp on Oct 31, 2009 5:57 PM PDT reply actions  

Yes!

We didn’t suck always! Thank you NBC. It is Ten bowl appearances by the way.

CougCenter WSU's second main blog

by Craig Powers on Oct 31, 2009 6:00 PM PDT reply actions  

WOOOOO

A tight end did something!

CougCenter WSU's second main blog

by Craig Powers on Oct 31, 2009 6:01 PM PDT reply actions  

He can catch

If our line can block, he can go out into patterns. But that’s been the issue — he’s had to block.

by Jeff Nusser on Oct 31, 2009 6:02 PM PDT up reply actions  

WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO

OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO

CougCenter WSU's second main blog

by Craig Powers on Oct 31, 2009 6:03 PM PDT up reply actions  

"A consistent receiver for two years"

Except for that first year.

CougCenter WSU's second main blog

by Craig Powers on Oct 31, 2009 6:03 PM PDT reply actions  

Details

They’ve actually done a pretty good job overall of knowing about WSU. I expected a lot worse.

by Jeff Nusser on Oct 31, 2009 6:05 PM PDT up reply actions  

fair point

I expected less as well.

Then again, these guys have had plenty of experience looking up facts for obscure schools given Notre Dame’s schedule the last few years.

by johnnycougar on Oct 31, 2009 6:06 PM PDT up reply actions  

Hey!

We are not obscure. We are in the Pac 10!

I wish that were true.

CougCenter WSU's second main blog

by Craig Powers on Oct 31, 2009 6:07 PM PDT up reply actions  

#55

One of our best defendors today

by BornCoug on Oct 31, 2009 6:07 PM PDT reply actions  

He was struggling.

He was also irritated because he was just informed there would be no bacon in the halftime locker room. Stupid neutral site game!

CougCenter WSU's second main blog

by Craig Powers on Oct 31, 2009 6:16 PM PDT up reply actions  

It's nice to see that even with all that Nike money

Oregon still gets the “sweat square” on their jerseys

by Grady Clapp on Oct 31, 2009 6:19 PM PDT reply actions  

Don't worry.

It still ends in an “e”

CougCenter WSU's second main blog

by Craig Powers on Oct 31, 2009 6:22 PM PDT up reply actions  

In my research on the Air(e) bud series of movies I have come upon this fact:

The 6th Air Bud movie will be call “Air Bud: Aussie Rules” and be about Rugby… Sad but true.

by GoCougs on Oct 31, 2009 6:31 PM PDT up reply actions  

Wait...

When did they make three through five?

CougCenter WSU's second main blog

by Craig Powers on Oct 31, 2009 6:32 PM PDT up reply actions  

Three was "World Pup"

Four was “Seventh inning Fetch” and Five was “Spikes back” (Volleyball). I saw a total of 0 of those movies…

by GoCougs on Oct 31, 2009 6:35 PM PDT up reply actions  

Breaking news:

Justin is wearing his Aire Force Ones tonight

by Grady Clapp on Oct 31, 2009 6:32 PM PDT up reply actions  

In related news.

“Nike buys out contract with WSU. Petitions for restraining order against WSU athletic teams from wearing Nike products.”

CougCenter WSU's second main blog

by Craig Powers on Oct 31, 2009 6:33 PM PDT up reply actions  

TD UCLA

2 point conversion ties it. 2 minutes left.

by Cougar999 on Oct 31, 2009 6:24 PM PDT reply actions  

yup, but

UCLA db “just” dropped an easy pick that he probably could have walked into the endzone with.

by BornCoug on Oct 31, 2009 6:29 PM PDT up reply actions  

I can't take the suspense!

If only there was some way to skip to the end

by johnnycougar on Oct 31, 2009 6:29 PM PDT up reply actions  

Tony Dungy is breaking down why we suck!

That’s the closest good coaching has come to our team all year.

/kidding
//kind of

by Grady Clapp on Oct 31, 2009 6:24 PM PDT reply actions  

WOW.

You missed FOUR WSU touchdowns!

CougCenter WSU's second main blog

by Craig Powers on Oct 31, 2009 6:41 PM PDT up reply actions  

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