Three bold predictions for Washington State vs. Stanford

Good morning Coug fans. I sense a lot of negativity around these parts, and sure—having two members of the secondary booted from the team this week sure didn’t help. And last week’s showing at Cal doesn’t either. And don’t get me started on the officiating error (that’s putting it lightly) we were the victim of last weekend.

But it’s time to shut up about all that. The Cougs welcome the Stanford Cardinal today in a matchup of two teams really needing a win to approach bowl eligibility. Stanford will be extra angry, seeing that it lost to lowly Colorado last week, 16-13. Plus, the Cardinal have all sorts of injury issues, including at quarterback.

But you already know about that, because you read Craig’s preview. You probably also heard about it after listening to The CougCenter Hour and Podcast vs. Everybody. You also now about the Cardinal players’ academic pursuits, thanks to Emma’s research. And Michael says all eyes will be on the Cougar secondary. Lord help us.

Despite the 4-5 record, Washington State is 3-1 at home, with that one less being....well forget about that, let’s move on. Will Stanford shorten the game and focus on the run? Or will it test our weak secondary and focus on the passing game? Nobody knows! That’s why they play the games.

I know I said it last week, but today is another must-win for both teams. Let’s hope for a better result this time around.

Happy Dad’s Weekend, everybody. Be safe.

Three Bold Predictions

1. Stanford will indeed shorten the game and focus on the run, resulting in WSU snapping the ball just 57 times, which is well blow its average of 72.1 (via).
2. Anthony Gordon will throw an interception before he throws a touchdown, and both will take place in the second quarter.
3. The Washington State defense will sack Davis Mills exactly six times.

Testing the WSU secondary seems like a good strategy, but with the injuries on Stanford’s defense, perhaps the Cardinal want to keep Anthony Gordon off the field as much as possible. I don’t know, I’m not a coach. Does 57 seem too low?

As for no. 3, that’s my optimism showing, as well as the fact that Stanford is starting an inexperienced offensive line due to injuries.

We’ll see what happens. It’s not like I haven’t been wrong before.

Football

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Those who’ve kept up with Washington State’s efforts on the recruiting trail during the Mike Leach era may recall the team’s pursuit of a small, swift linebacker from Helix High School in San Diego five years ago, while Alex Grinch and Roy Manning were working diligently to build a defense that placed a premium on speed rather than size.

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Three weeks ago, after Washington State wrapped up a Wednesday practice at Rogers Field, Cougars coach Mike Leach talked tight ends, his philosophy on them and why you’re probably more apt to see a palm tree in Pullman than you are a tight end in Leach’s vaunted Air Raid offense.

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The keys to a potential victory for Washington State against Stanford Saturday at Martin Stadium.

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Stanford Cardinal turns to backup quarterback and patched-up secondary against Mike Leach and the Cougars' top-ranked Air Raid passing offense.

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The SportsLine projection model has a pick for the clash between Stanford and Washington State. Here are the results:

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Can Davis Mills lead Stanford to victory? - Rule Of Tree
The Cardinal have not beat the Cougars since 2015

Soccer

Moving On - Washington State University Athletics
A second half strike by Makamae Gomera-Stevens sent the Cougs into the second round.

Volleyball

Cross Country

NCAA West Regional - Washington State University Athletics
Amir Ado, Zorana Grujic lead the way for the Cougs at Colfax.