WSU prepares for roadtrip to the mountain schools

Washington State had its three-game winning streak snapped on Saturday, but the Cougars still sit at 3-2 in conference play. If they are going to improve on that mark, they will have to win on the road, including a very tough test on Wednesday. The Cougars will travel to face Colorado and Utah with a matchup at the Utes up first.

Utah hasn't exactly been a kind place for Washington State to play. The Cougars lost 62-60 in overtime to a very bad Utah team in 2012. The Utes controlled the game last year, blowing WSU out 81-63. While WSU hasn't had success on the road, it has beaten Utah twice since the Utes joined the Pac-12. Those were different Utah teams, however. The current edition is ranked No. 12 in the country a drop of a few spots after losing to Arizona. Coming out of Salt Lake with a win would be one hell of a feat.

WSU will wrap the road trip in Boulder where it will face 9-8 Colorado. The Buffaloes have been up and down this season, losing several close games during the non-conference schedule. Colorado opened Pac-12 play with wins against UCLA and USC, but things have gone downhill since. The Buffs are riding a three-game losing streak heading into their game against Washington on Thursday.

The Cougars recent surge took a minor dip against Oregon State. A split on the road would help keep things moving in the direction. A sweep would be utterly terrific while a winless stretch would grind back to square one a bit.

The next test is coming soon, we'll see how Ernie Kent and company fare.

*****

Men's basketball:

Ernie Kent Q&A: the versatile Brett Boese | The Spokesman-Review
Washington State's most improved player is Josh Hawkinson and it's not up for discussion. The sophomore forward has made one of the biggest jumps of any player nationally scoring 14.2 more points per game and hauling in 9.4 more rebounds per game than he did last season.

WSU Returns to the Road to take on No. 12/11 Utah - Washington State University Official Athletic Site
After having its three-game winning streak snapped Saturday, Washington State University men’s basketball (9-8, 3-2) looks to get back to its winning ways as it travels to Salt Lake City to take on No. 12/11 Utah (14-3, 4-1), Wednesday, Jan. 21 at 6 p.m. PT/7 p.m. MT.

Football:

Season review: Washington State Cougars - ESPN

Overall: A season removed from being bowl eligible, the Cougars took a big step back as they only managed to win three games in 2014. At the beginning of the season there was serious talk about Wazzu going 3-0 leading into that big matchup with Oregon. Yes, the Cougars picked up big wins over Utah and Oregon State, giving the fan base something to cheer about. But it wasn't nearly enough. This team had a lot of talent. Yes, there was a lot of youth, specifically on the defensive side of the ball, but expectations were higher and this season was a big disappointment. Grade: C-

Report: Idaho football hires new defensive coordinator | Idaho Vandals Sports | Idahostatesman.com

MOSCOW - Former Washington State defensive coordinator Mike Breske will take over the same position on the Idaho staff, according to a report in the Moscow-Pullman Daily News.

Pac-12 way-too-early bold predictions for 2015 - ESPN

we're obviously opining that two of Oregon, Oregon State, UCLA, Washington and Washington State will start a freshman, true or redshirt. Considering the impressive, late-season showing by redshirt freshman Luke Falk for the Cougars, this really comes down to the other four schools.

California offensive lineman gives verbal commitment to WSU | The Spokesman-Review

Offensive lineman Joseph Price of California's Redlands East Valley High will play at Washington State next season, according to his coach.