Cougar football is back, take 2

Washington State returns to the field on Saturday in what could be a pivotal game in determining how the season unfolds. Coming off a disaster of a season opener, the Cougars are on the road some 3,000 miles away trying to avoid an 0-2 start.

The Rutgers game always felt like a swing game on the schedule and that remains the case, it's just a different swing than many expected. Lose and an 0-2 start will feel like a colossal failure on what is already a lost season. A win however, and suddenly 1-1 isn't looking so bad. There are no must win games two games into the season, but today will be a pretty big factor in the 2015 season.

At the very least, hopefully WSU is able to get off to a better start than it did against Rutgers last season. Do anything better than allow a 78-yard touchdown on the opening play and we're making progress.

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Football:

Rutgers a run-first problem for Washington State | Bellingham Herald
Leonte Carroo’s first-play, 78-yard touchdown reception against Washington State in the 2014 season opener in Seattle became an iconic moment, not only for the 41-38 loss but also for the Cougars’ struggles defending passes all season.

Staff predictions for Rutgers-Washington State: 2 writers picking the Cougars | NJ.com
Well, now things get interesting. After Rutgers blew out Division 1-AA Norfolk State in the season opener, Washington State arrives at High Point Solutions Stadium on Saturday.

Cougars expect their best against Rutgers - Spokesman.com - Sept. 11, 2015
Tension exists in any press conference after a loss, and even more so when those in the room are fully aware that the loss will be remembered as historically embarrassing.

Cougars showing more interest in running game | WSU Sports | yakimaherald.com
Mike Leach’s Air Raid offense has always been synonymous with four wide receiver sets and video game passing yardage numbers.

Soccer:

Cougars Score Late Winner Against Cowgirls - Washington State University Official Athletic Site
With just over two minutes to play at Lower Soccer Field, Friday night, Washington State women’s soccer senior Cara Wegner chipped the Oklahoma State keeper to give the Cougars (5-0-0) a 2-1 victory over the Cowgirls (2-4-0).

Volleyball:

Another Sweep for Cougar Volleyball - Washington State University Official Athletic Site

The Washington State volleyball team moved to 6-1 on the season with a 25-19, 25-19, 25-15 win over Morehead State (2-6) at the Cougar Challenge tournament Friday afternoon in Bohler Gym.