In the wake of two and a half years of losses, WSU head coach Paul Wulff is stockpiling some impressive recruits. The 2011 class already has 19 commits -- all while the losses continue to pile up for the Cougs. What he's doing on the recruiting front is nothing short of amazing.
We don't know how any of these kids will pan-out, nor do we know if they're any good at this point, but 19 commitments in October after picking up one win last year, and the same so far this year, boggles my mind. Remember, in December of Bill Doba's last year, the recruiting class was nearly empty.
Last night saw 6'4 wide receiver Dominique Williams commit to Wulff and company over offers from Fresno State, Boise State and Utah. Williams visited WSU for the Oregon game and, like many other have this year, decided on WSU shortly thereafter.
Williams was just the beginning, however. Stephan Nembot also verballed to Wulff over some serious offers from other Pac-10 schools. Nembot was a big target for the Cougs and I cannot state enough how much of a big deal this is.
How do they do it? I have no idea, really. Wulff and co. are getting kids to Pullman and selling them on the town, the team and the staff, despite going through a rebuilding process. The Lost Letterman took a look at the recruiting process through the eyes of a former big-time recruit today, which may give you some insight.
Nevertheless, the job this staff has done recruiting over the pass two and a half years has been great by Pullman standards and should be a big boost going forward.
On to the links.
WSU Football
Upon Further Review - Arizona @ WSU Highlights - WSU Football Blog brings the video highlights
It's not like we're all walking around, throwing furniture and cussing out our significant others, simply because we lost another game. It's just that it is starting to feel like it is time to, I don't know, WIN a football game?
WSU takes a last look at Arizona - SportsLink - Spokesman.com - Oct. 18, 2010
Checking other players who missed Saturday's contest or were dinged up during the 24-7 defeat, took a while. Punter Reid Forrest will have his injured shoulder check out this week, but Wulff said it's a problem he's had before and it is expected he'll be fine.
So Near, Yet So Far - WSU Football Blog
Now that the defense held someone down, the time to feel good about competitive performances is officially over. Its time for this group to step forward and win now, because they've shown they can be beyond "just competitive" with some of the best teams in the country.
WSU's loss to Arizona, the day after - SportsLink - Spokesman.com - Oct. 17, 2010
Funny, two years ago, being in the game in the second half with the No. 17-ranked team in the nation would have been enough. Heck, it would have been enough to be in the game in the second quarter last year. Maybe even a month ago. But not now, at least not to the small group of fans who booed WSU not attempting a play in the final seconds Saturday.
Cougars | Cougars tough road continues | Seattle Times Newspaper
That defeat is part of the nation's third-toughest schedule, at least according to Jeff Sagarin's formula given USA Today's seal of approval. "Not what I wanted to hear, is it?" WSU coach Paul Wulff said Sunday. "It doesn't surprise me, but I didn't know that. You look at, we've played (a lot of) Top 25 teams. ... It's a hell of a schedule; it's a hell of a run."
Other WSU News
Volleyball Swept by No. 2 Stanford - WASHINGTON STATE OFFICIAL ATHLETIC SITE
No. 2 Stanford continued its dominance with a 25-13, 25-15, and 25-10, win over Washington State Saturday night at Maples Pavilion before 2,658 fans. Stanford moves to 16-1 overall, 7-1 in Pac-10 and WSU drops to 6-11 overall, 0-7 in conference play.
Cougar Soccer Loses at California - WASHINGTON STATE OFFICIAL ATHLETIC SITE
California scored twice in the second half to defeat Washington State 2-0 in Pacific-10 Conference women's soccer, Sunday.
Mileisyte Wins Four Events at Pacific Invitational - WASHINGTON STATE OFFICIAL ATHLETIC SITE
Rugile Mileisyte led the Cougars, winning four individual events and was also a member of the first-place 200 freestyle relay team. The senior won the 200 freestyle and 50 freestyle, Friday, and topped the field in the 100 backstroke and 100 freestyle, Saturday.
Pac-10 News
Pac-10 Power Rankings: Week 8 - Pac-10 Blog - ESPN
10. Washington State: Over the past two years, every time I typed in the Cougars in last place, I always thought of Nigel Tufnel telling me that the power rankings should go up to 11. That was not the case today.
Pac-10 helmet stickers: Week 7 - Pac-10 Blog - ESPN
Tyree Toomer: The Washington State safety had four tackles for a loss -- two sacks -- and seven total tackles in the loss to Arizona.
Other Stuff We Like
Cal Football Photostories at USC: Wearing Trojans - California Golden Blogs
EDSBS'S BEST IN CLASS: WEEK 7 - Every Day Should Be Saturday