HOT COUGAR ACTION: What To Expect From Jeff Tuel

With the news of Jeff Tuel's medical clearance and the subsequent announcement he will play/start against Stanford, there is a growing buzz among the WSU fanbase. Jeff Tuel is a good player, and he may be the best one WSU has, but it's not as if he is going to come back and immediately throw for 500 yards. He's not Reid Forrest, he doesn't have super powers.

Instead, there are a few things I would like to see from Tuel if he does indeed return tomorrow.

Take a hit and get up.

It's inevitable at some point, Tuel is going to take a hit. Whether on a scramble or a sack the injured shoulder will be tested. When it happens, everyone watching will wait to see how he reacts. If he ends his first scramble the same way he ended this one, Martin Stadium will go nuts. Obviously, his shoulder needs to hold up throughout the game and the rest of the season, but we will all collectively hold our breath less as the game goes on.

Throw the ball accurately.

I don't think anyone is expecting Tuel to show up 100 percent rust free. His timing with receivers will likely be off and he may not have the same accuracy he displayed at times last season. However, if he can avoid drastic over or under throws, that will be a great sign. Tuel has completed close to 60 percent of his career passes, anything above 55 percent Saturday and I will be ecstatic.

Show off some arm strength.

I'll admit it, the first time Tuel throws one of those high arcing deep ball down the sideline to Marquess Wilson I'm going to smile whether it's complete or not. Wilson has been very good this season, but can he be better with Tuel's return? I don't know but I can wait to find out.

Tuel may start against Stanford - SportsLink - Spokesman.com - Oct. 13, 2011
Remember way back to this morning when I blogged this about whether Jeff Tuel or Marshall Lobbestael would start against Stanford … "This morning I would say don't bet on either guy right now. I'm not sure which guy will take the first snap against Stanford." Well, that was basically what Paul Wulff said today in his press conference. Read on.

Cougars in awe of Stanford quarterback - Spokesman.com - Oct. 13, 2011
PULLMAN – He’s been compared to Peyton Manning, John Elway and Grizzly Adams. Two great quarterbacks and one guy with a beard.

WSU medical staff clears QB Tuel to play - Spokesman.com - Oct. 13, 2011
PULLMAN – Washington State quarterback Jeff Tuel, who fractured his left clavicle Sept. 3, Wednesday was cleared to play this weekend by the school’s medical staff.

Pac-12 Confidential | Pac-12 picks, week 7 | Seattle Times Newspaper
Stanford (minus 21) at Washington State -- Conversely, does this line seem a little high? If it does, it's probably because the Cardinal is 5-0 against the spread this year. The Cougars' biggest problem here might not be Andrew Luck; it could be the Cardinal's beef on the offensive line and WSU's difficulty in getting to the quarterback (Stanford has allowed a national-best two sacks). For the Cougars, there's intrigue at quarterback. Although Marshall Lobbestael will start, according to coach Paul Wulff, Jeff Tuel will play, maybe early. If WSU gets solid quarterback play, it has the weapons to keep this entertaining. Pick: Stanford, 38-27.

Scout.com: HOOPS: Official practices begin Friday
PULLMAN – The national magazines are filled with predictions of doom and gloom for the Washington State men’s basketball team, but what’s new? WSU teams rarely get much love from the national media.

What-to-watch-101311 - Pac-12 Blog - ESPN
Lobbestael vs. Luck: It's fun to ha-ha at the absurdity of that -- Washington State's backup QB vs. the most talented QB in college football in a decade -- but that's what we've got Saturday in Pullman: The almost certain No. 1 overall pick in the NFL draft this spring versus a guy who has admirably filled in for starter Jeff Tuel but who may be seeing the last football of his career. There's some poetry there. By the way, Marshall Lobbestael is good enough to give Stanford's secondary some trouble if he gets time to throw.

Ryan Leaf Is Brutally Honest in First Book - SWX Right Now-Sports for Spokane, CdA, Tri-Cities, WA

Former Washington State and NFL quarterback Ryan Leaf kicked off his tour through Eastern Washington on Thursday, stopping by SWX to talk about his new book.

Washington State Cougars Official Athletic Site

PULLMAN, Wash. - The Cougar Athletic Fund (CAF), the fundraising arm of the Washington State University Athletic Department, announced plans to run the first calculation of its new Ticket Priority System (TPS) rankings, Tuesday, Nov. 15.

Five questions for three WSU seniors " Kitsap Sun

PULLMAN — The Washington State Cougars have not enjoyed great success on the football field in recent years, but B.J. Guerra, Dan Wagner and Alex Hoffman-Ellis have enjoyed plenty of good times on and off the field during their time on the Palouse.

WSU vs. Stanford: The Power of Positive Thinking - SB Nation Seattle

When a team as hot as the Stanford Cardinal comes rolling through town an opposing fan's first inclination is to start worrying about the outcome of the game. The Washington State Cougars have been chugging along until this point, though they'll face maybe their toughest competition of the season this coming Saturday in Heisman hopeful Andrew Luck and the No. 7 Cardinal. But never fret Coug fans, the glass is always half full. 

What to watch: Stanford-Washington State - Stanford Football Blog - ESPN

A few things to keep an eye on Saturday when No.7 Stanford travels to Martin Stadium to face the Washington State Cougars.

WSU News Center - WSU celebrates Homecoming with full slate of festivities

PULLMAN – It’s Homecoming weekend and Cougar alums and friends are invited to take part in a host of festivities as the Washington State University football team hosts the nationally ranked Stanford Cardinal in a Pac-12 Conference matchup beginning at 4:30 p.m. Saturday at Martin Stadium.

Washington State could be Stanford football's toughest test yet | Zack Farmer | Sports | San Francisco Examiner

No. 7 Stanford has not trailed in a game at any point this season, but may be facing its toughest test to date when the team travels north to take on Washington State on Saturday.

On This Week In 2008, Beavers Hammered The Dawgs - Jim Moore

The Seattle Times is honoring the 1991 co-national championship Washington team with constantly annoying weekly flashbacks to that forgettable season. Being the smart-ass that I am, I’m paying tribute to the Washington team that ran the table and posted a perfect 0-12 season in 2008.