Three bold predictions for WSU vs. San Jose State

Good morning Coug fans. Time for three beautiful words: It’s game day.

Your Washington State Cougars are 1-0 and welcome woeful San Jose State, a team that lost to a baaaaaad FCS school that was a D-II school just 10 years ago in U.C. Davis. I know, I know....let’s not get too cocky.

But, seriously, it’s San Jose State.

First, let’s recap this week’s coverage:

• Peyton Pelluer is this week’s Most Important Player
• Coaches Corner looked back at WSU’s performance at Wyoming
• A call to be unafraid in talking about Tyler Hilinski
• A stats-based look at San Jose State and oh man I’m salivating

All caught up? Good.

Three Bold Predictions

Last week I laid a goose egg, which in hindsight is good because I was quite pessimistic about WSU’s chances. This week, I’m all-in:

1. WSU will use three quarterbacks
2. A linebacker will record a pick-six
3. Clay Markoff will score a touchdown

Using three quarterbacks usually means things have gone horribly wrong or you’re completely dominating. The latter was the case in 2005 at Nevada when Alex Brink, Josh Swogger and Gary Rogers all took snaps (Rodgers didn’t attempt a pass). The former was the case in a 66-3 loss to Cal in 2008 (Rogers, Kevin Lopina and Marshall Lobbestael) and in a 48-9 win over Portland State in 2008 when Rogers and Lopina both were injured and Lobbestael filled in.

Let’s hope I get one bold prediction correct this season.

Tyler Hilinski

If you see anybody in this group, give them a hug:

Hike to honor Tyler Hilinski set for Saturday morning - KXLY
Tyler Hilinski's family, along with the Hilinski's Hope Foundation, will host a hike Saturday morning to honor the late WSU quarterback.

ESPN to air College GameDay feature on tragic bond between Ivan Maisel, family of ex-Washington State QB Tyler Hilinski | The Spokesman-Review
The emotionally charged segment will air during Saturday’s show, which runs from 6-9 a.m. PDT on ESPN’s primary network and can also be viewed on the web at WatchESPN.com.

Football

For Washington State’s Patrick Nunn and San Jose State’s Leki Nunn, a long journey comes full-circle Saturday night | The Spokesman-Review
At Trinta Park in San Mateo, California, Vika Sinipata would station herself in the middle of the two baseball diamonds, planting a lawn chair behind one home run fence but not too far from the other.

WSU Cougars vs. San Jose State: What you need to know | The Seattle Times
On paper, Saturday's home opener should be an easy win for Mike Leach and his team, if the Cougars can keep the Spartans in check and avoid a lull.

Mike Leach says DL Misiona Aiolupotea-Pei will play on Saturday | CougFan.com
With NCAA paperwork issues cleared up, Cougar nose tackle to debut vs. SJSU.

Two minute drill: Keys to victory for Washington State against San Jose State | The Spokesman-Review
Keys to a potential Washington State victory Saturday against San Jose State at Martin Stadium.

New-look Washington State O-line takes first step in right direction – The Athletic ($$$)
With three new starters in 2018, WSU's offensive line was supposed to be a weak spot, but thanks in part to some snow, shorts and shouting last winter, the group appears to be coming together nicely.

College Football

The Rise of a Rivalry: How USC-Stanford became a premier Pac-12 matchup after decades as an afterthought – The Athletic ($$$)
Long a series dominated by the Trojans, the annual cross-division rivalry has become one of the most highly-anticipated matchups of the Pac-12 season.

Kyler Murray, Tua, Herm Edwards and more Week 1 overreactions | SI.com
Which of the conclusions drawn over Labor Day weekend won't hold up as the year wears on?

Butler-Youngstown State is the greatest CFB upset no one saw | SI.com
Without any scholarship players, Butler's football team one-upped its basketball team and turned in the latest contender for upset of the century.

Volleyball

Washington State volleyball standout Taylor Mims living the dream | The Spokesman-Review
Jeff Carroll first met Taylor Mims when she was a seventh-grader attending his volleyball camp. Carroll, who retired two years ago after a 31-year career at Billings Senior High, asked Taylor what her dreams were.