Three bold predictions for WSU’s Crimson and Gray game

Good morning, fellow Coug fans. We’ve waited 126 days since the last WSU football game, and we’ve waited a whopping 735 days since the last time WSU hosted its annual Crimson and Gray Game. Nick Rolovich already has one “season” under his belt at WSU, but this is his first Crimson and Gray Game.

There was some hope that fans would be able to attend, but alas, that’s not going to happen, which isn’t surprising. If you’d paid attention to Whitman County’s COVID numbers in the past month and a half or so, you’ll understand. Luckily those numbers have taken a nose dive among the student population recently. Besides, the weather is supposed to be crummy today in Pullman, so you’ll be fine watching from your couch.

So, what should we expect? Unlike his predecessor, Rolovich won’t mix the teams. Instead, he’ll go with the the ones against the ones and the twos against the twos. I got so used to Mike Leach mixing the teams that I’m not sure how I feel about the new format, though I’m leaning toward liking it. Seeing your best offense and best defense battle it out gives us a better idea of what to expect from the 2021 version of WSU football. On a related note, remember when Paul Wulff had the ones vs. the twos at the Crimson and Gray Game way back when? Yeesh.

Anyway, you’ll be able to watch the game on the Pac-12 Network at 2 p.m. Pacific. Let’s get on with the bold predictions:

Three Bold Predictions

1. Cammon Cooper will be the top performing quarterback, while Jarrett Guarantano will throw two interceptions. Bonus: The TV commentators won’t stop talking about WSU’s quarterback situation with Jayden de Laura absent.
2. The first team defense will outplay the first team offense, while the second team offense will outplay the second team defense (does anybody know how they’re keeping score?)
3. C.J. Moore will be the leading receiver.

The “who will be the quarterback?” question will linger through the offseason. Jayden de Laura is still serving his suspension, WSU brought in Guarantano as a transfer, and the Cougars are also apparently in the mix for Michigan transfer Joe Milton. In addition, Cooper said this to The Spokesman-Review’s Theo Lawson on April 10:

This wasn’t exactly a commitment to stick around (and why would he make that commitment, really?), and it’s also not him signaling his eventual departure. So a strong Crimson and Gray Game would sure make the quarterback situation interesting.

As for no. 3, Moore hasn’t posted any stats through WSU’s first two scrimmages (I think Rolovich has held some guys out to get a better look at the younger players), so let’s go out on a limb and make him today’s breakout star.

The bold predictions have been dusted off and taken off the shelf. One of these days I’ll get one correct.

Go Cougs.

Links

College Football Playoff subcommittee presents expansion ideas to as many as 16 teams
A working group within the CFP management committee this week considered dozens of possibilities for future expansion, including options ranging from six to 16 teams, though no change to the current four-team format is imminent.

Travell Harris was a major asset for Washington State in 2020, but the receiver promises 'I'm just getting started' | The Spokesman-Review
PULLMAN – He made two streaking runs from his slot receiver position that resulted in 28- and 29-yard touchdowns in the season opener at Oregon State, then sent the Beavers packing when he took an inside handoff up the gut of the defense for a blistering 44-yard touchdown run in the fourth quarter.

Commentary: Pac-12 basketball history of diversity, starting with George Raveling, gives way to a lineup of all white coaches | The Spokesman-Review
Just five years ago, there were four Black coaches in the Pac-12.

Cougs officially bring in Aiken Jr. from EWU - Washington State University Athletics
Aiken Jr. was the 2020-21 Big Sky Defensive Player of the Year.

Cougar Football Prepares for Crimson and Gray Game Saturday - Washington State University Athletics
Teh 2021 Crimson and Gray Game, presented by BECU, will be Saturday, April 24 at 2 p.m. in Pullman.