We've periodically taken a look at WhatIfSports.com's prediction machine with regards to the Cougs, and it's not surprising to find that their simulator doesn't much like WSU this weekend against USC.
In fact, it only give the Cougs a 5 percent chance of victory on Saturday. While you might think, "Hey, that's better than zero percent, right?" don't get too excited -- 5 percent is as low as their probabilities go. Although, you might take solace in the fact that the predicted score is "only" 39-16.
But then again, if you're a pessimist, you'll note the fact that the predicted USC score is right in the same ballpark as the predicted Oklahoma State score. For whatever that's worth.
I will say this: Given USC's shaky performances this year, I can't help but shake the feeling that this Saturday is going to be a heck of a lot closer than what everyone around the country will expect. I don't like where the Trojans' heads are at, and I can seem them coming up to Pullman thinking it's a walkover. Conversely, this WSU team seems to have some fight in it. I'm genuinely interested in how it plays out.
On to the links!
WSU News
WSU gets back on field - SportsLink - Spokesman.com - Sept. 20, 2010
There was one big guy missing and that was freshman Toni Pole. His calf injury got infected last week and he underwent surgery to clean it out. He’s out of the hospital already. Though there is no official word, I’m guessing the true freshman defensive tackle will now redshirt.
First Look: USC at Washington State - Spokesman.com - Sept. 20, 2010
The USC Trojans are undefeated but unimpressive, especially by their exacting standards.
Mizell makes impact on Cougar defense - The Daily Evergreen Online - Sports - College
After freshman linebacker C.J. Mizell's dreams of playing at Florida State were shattered, the talented first year player had no idea where he would end up. Pullman certainly wasn't on his mind.
Cougars Set to Host No. 20 USC - WASHINGTON STATE OFFICIAL ATHLETIC SITE
The Washington State University football team (1-2) returns to Martin Stadium Saturday (Sept. 25), to play host to USC (3-0) for each team's Pacific-10 Conference opener. Kickoff between the Cougars and Trojans is scheduled for noon, and the game will be televised live by FSN Northwest.
Sanders Leads Cougars at Kikkor Golf Husky Invitational - WASHINGTON STATE OFFICIAL ATHLETIC SITE
Washington State University junior men's golfer Trent Sanders is in the top 10 after the first two rounds of the Kikkor Golf Husky Invitational.
Cougar Women in Hunt at Home Tournament - WASHINGTON STATE OFFICIAL ATHLETIC SITE
The Washington State University women's golf team is in second place after the first round of the Cougar Cup, held Monday at the Palouse Ridge Golf Club.
Volleyball Begins Pac-10 Action - WASHINGTON STATE OFFICIAL ATHLETIC SITE
The Washington State University volleyball team (6-4) begins the Pacific-10 Conference action this week...Cougars take on the No. 15 Ducks (12-0) at Eugene (Mac Court) Friday, Sept. 24 and then head to Corvallis (Gill Coliseum) to meet the Beavers (7-7) Saturday, Sept. 25...both matches begin at 7 p.m.
Pac-10 News
Inside The Pac-10: Arizona Makes Its Statement In Win Over Iowa - SBNation.com
After the third week of Pac-10 action, strategist Carl Von Clausewitz sums up the results which included the triumphant Wildcats, the heartbroken Arizona State Sun Devils, the victorious USC Trojans, UCLA Bruins, and Stanford Cardinal, along with the beaten California Golden Bears and Washington Huskies.
Quick previews: Pac-10 Week 4 - Pac-10 Blog - ESPN
Here's a quick look at Week 3 in the Pac-10.
Sports: Home | Around the Pac-10: The good, the unproven, and the ugly | The Register-Guard | Eugene, Oregon
So what have we learned so far? Oregon is a very good offensive team. ... (And) USC isn’t the old USC.
TV Schedule Week 4 - CougCenter (FanPost by selahcoug)
Pac-10 league games starting this week. UW and Colorado both have a bye. Big game for the Beavs and late enough we can watch it after our game. Let's hope the Beavs are in late season form rather than early season form.
Pac-10 rewind and look ahead - Pac-10 Blog - ESPN
The aftermath of "Measuring Stick Saturday."