Sure, it’s early signing day in Pullman. But it’s also gameday in Spokane.
After snapping their three game skid on Saturday against IUPUI, the Cougs will return to action tonight against Kansas State in their home away from home: Spokane Arena.
It’s the second straight year that Washington State will be heading north to play a game. Last year the team topped Oregon State in the Lilac City 75-62. The team also played a “neutral” site game against Kansas State at the Sprint Center in Kansas City, which they lost 70-56.
The Cougs started the year with a six game win streak against some high quality teams before losing three straight to some... Um... Not high quality teams. But Kansas State might be their toughest test yet. The Wildcats are 9-2, with their only two losses coming to the (now) 3rd ranked Arizona State Sun Devils and a tough Tulsa team. K-State boasts one of the toughest defenses around, with the 17th ranked scoring defense in the country and the 27th ranked defense against field goal percentage.
But, of course, the main story line in this one comes straight from the top: It’s the Kirk Schulz bowl in Spokane. President Schulz spent seven years as president at Kansas State before coming to Washington State. Now, he’s hoping to cheer on his new school to victory.
Tip off set for 8 PM from Spokane Veterans Memorial Arena. If you can’t make it to Spokane, you can watch live on ESPN2.
Here is video from Tuesday’s open practice, courtesy of Theo Lawson from the Spokesman Review.
Basketball
Kansas State brings tough-as-nails defense into neutral site game against Washington State | The Spokesman-Review
At 9-2, KSU could very well be the most talented team the Cougars have seen during the nonconference season. And all the evidence suggests they’ll certainly be the toughest to score on.
Memories of past seasons loom in Washington State’s fast start | Columbia Basin | ifiberone.com
The Washington State Cougars men’s basketball team got off to a hot start, sprinting out to a 6-0 start before dropping three games.
Football
We’ll be back later today with full coverage of the first ever early signing day. Until then, catchup with our signing day primer!
WSU football recruiting: Early signing day primer - CougCenter
The WSU fax machine is expected to be busy tomorrow.
Behind Enemy Lines: Michigan State
First look: Michigan State’s youngsters led to big turnaround from 2016 | The Spokesman-Review
The food was better at this year’s Michigan State football banquet. So was the morale.
Holiday Bowl Odds: Michigan State vs. Washington State Betting Pick, Analysis | Bleacher Report
The Michigan State Spartans are 4-1 both straight up and against the spread over their last five bowl games.