Happy Homecoming, Coug fans. Your Washington State Cougars welcome the Colorado Buffaloes to Pullman in what should be a rainy, possibly windy affair with no defense. Points, baby! Let’s just hope WSU has more when the game ends. Also, what is it with Colorado visits to Pullman being weird weather games? There was the smoky air in 2012, the bitter cold in 2015, the pouring rain in 2017, and more rain and wind today. Yuck.

Anyway, make sure you read Craig’s preview of the Buffaloes. You should also listen to The CougCenter Hour to gain some insight from the other side, and Podcast vs. Everybody, if reading isn’t your thing. Jesse had a good look at Colorado’s Ace Tight formation and how WSU’s defense will need to be disciplined to stop it. Michael also pointed out how the home crowd needs to play a role after going nearly a month without a game at Martin Stadium.

This is a must-win for both teams. Lose, and the path to a bowl game is treacherous. Win, and postseason football is very possible. Feel better? Good.

Three Bold Predictions

1. The ESPNU broadcast team mentions Max Borghi leaving Colorado to come to Pullman no less than five times. I’m counting on viewers at home keeping track. Oh, and Borghi goes for at least 120 yards and two total TDs.
2. Brandon Arconado goes for no less than 140 yards and three touchdowns in his return from injury, and he is named Pac-12 Offensive Player of the Week. We need you, Brandon.
3. Davontavean Martin, after recording zero stats last week and only one catch for four yards against Utah, roars back with two touchdowns on at least eight catches.

I was way too optimistic last week in my bold predictions. I was feeling OK when WSU scored on its first possession and was driving on its second, only to settle a field goal and wash away any hopes of racing out to a 21-0 lead.

This week? The optimism remains, but only because we’re playing Colorado. We’ll see how I’m feeling against the Oregon Ducks.

The story angle of Borghi de-committing from Colorado and choosing WSU was told last year when WSU visited Boulder, but I’m betting the TV crew uses it again, especially if Borghi goes off. In addition, we may realize how valuable Arconado is to this team after tonight.

Lastly, what’s up with Tay Martin? Here are his catch totals for each game this season:

• New Mexico State: 5
• Northern Colorado: 3
• Houston: 5
• UCLA: 7
• Utah: 1
• Arizona State: 0

He had a touchdown catch against Northern Colorado and UCLA. WSU needs him to get going. Let’s hope it starts today.

Win today and a bowl is within reach, especially with Stanford and Oregon State still on the schedule. Lose, and we need to put on our ski masks and steal one. Go Cougs.

Links

Football

CU Buffs' Laviska Shenault: "I'm pretty much at 100" percent
CU Buffs junior wideout, Laviska Shenault, who caught four balls in a loss at Oregon last weekend, said he's over the worst of a core muscle injury suffered at Arizona State on Sept. 21.

Colorado Buffaloes vs. Washington State Cougars: Week 8 preview - The Ralphie Report
Two .500 teams scrapping for possible bowl game implications on Saturday night in Pullman

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

CU Buffs open second half of season at Washington State – BuffZone
Two weeks ago, the Colorado football team came into a sunny afternoon at Folsom Field with first place in the Pac-12 South on the line. On Saturday, the Buffaloes will attempt to climb out of last place.

Rooney: CU Buffs may be battered, but WSU trip a chance to kick reeling foe while down – BuffZone
Talk about a contrast in coaching styles.

CU Buffs vs. WSU Cougars scouting report – BuffZone

Volleyball

Volleyball Sweeps Away Arizona - Washington State University Athletics
Cougars post a hitting percentage of .298 in 3-0 victory.

Swimming

Ryan Falk Makes Waves for the Cougars in the win Against Idaho - Washington State University Athletics
The Cougars open homecoming weekend with a win against Idaho in front of many Alumni

Tennis

Cougars Complete First Day of ITA Northwest Regionals - Washington State University Athletics
Melisa Ates and Savanna Ly-Nguyen both reach third round of singles draw.

Cross Country

Ado Leads at Nuttycombe Invitational - Washington State University Athletics
The sophomore placed 20th overall to anchor the Cougars in Wisconsin.

Gambling in Oregon

Oregon Lottery to launch sports betting app Scoreboard
Oregon Lottery officials are expected to finally launch Scoreboard, the mobile app that will allow in-state users to bet on professional sports.