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Depth chart changes have been a fairly frequent occurrence this season for the Cougars and it appears they may not be done yet. According to Jacob Thorpe of the Spokesman Review, the Cougars moved a few players around at practice on Thursday, including one change on the offensive line.
Before we dig too far into the potential changes, it's important to note that changes made during a bye week practice don't necessarily mean they will stick. Several players weren't at practice on Thursday according to Jacob. Injuries could be a factor, but it's possible some are just getting some rest. WSU has, however, started more than 30 players this season, so the Cougar coaches aren't opposed to making changes.
One place there hasn't been any change is the offensive line where the same five players have started all seven games. That may change moving forward with Jacob Seydel getting first-team reps ahead of Gunnar Eklund at left guard. Eklund is the most-experienced player on the line and in his third year of holding down a starting job. He may still keep that position, but it's at least a question. Here is what offensive line coach Clay McGuire had to say about Seydel, via Jacob:
"He's practicing well right now and we're working and freshening these guys up," offensive line coach Clay McGuire said.
"It's too hard to tell right now," he added, when asked if Seydel could find himself in the starting lineup permanently. "He's practiced well and does some good stuff and he's fresh right now."
Seydel was an interesting recruit coming out of junior college and him playing wouldn't be a major surprise. At one point I had him penciled in to win a starting spot on the right side of the line. That didn't happen and he's instead played a backup role, getting some playing time when WSU uses 12 personnel with seven offensive linemen on the field. Lineups next week will be more telling, but the staff has never been shy about making changes. Last year before the bowl, Eklund and Joe Dahl flipped positions, despite Eklund having nearly two years of starting experience at left tackle. Whatever works.
Football:
WSU notes: Cougs revisit fundamentals during bye week - Spokesman.com - Oct. 16, 2014
The Cougars are resting their bodies during the bye week, but only when the coaches are off recruiting.
Director of Athletics Bill Moos Podcast - Washington State University Official Athletic Site
During his latest podcast, conducted Thursday morning, Director of Athletics Bill Moos discusses this weekend’s home events for swimming and soccer, including the Arizona swimming program's first appearance at Pullman, and the renovated Lower Soccer Field (pictured above during last week's game against Arizona).
Men's Basketball:
Basketball Single-Game Tickets on Sale Saturday - Washington State University Official Athletic Site
Single-game tickets for Washington State University men’s basketball’s 14 home games in 2014-15, go on sale Saturday, Oct. 18 at 10 a.m. Tickets can be purchased at www.wsucougars.com or by calling 1-800-GO-COUGS.
Soccer:
Soccer Hosts Oregon - Washington State University Official Athletic Site
Washington State (7-2-3, 2-2-1 Pac-12) plays host to Oregon (6-5-2, 2-2-1 Pac-12) in a single-match conference weekend…Cougars and Ducks will kick off at 1 p.m., Sunday, Oct. 19 at Lower Soccer Field