WSU vs. Idaho: Preview and open game thread

The WSU Cougars welcome the Idaho Vandals to Martin Stadium for the first Battle of the Palouse since 2007 at 7:30 p.m. The game is being broadcast on Pac-12 Networks, but if you live outside the states of Washington or Oregon, you're likely going to need to get creative to find it.

This game really shouldn't be close. Idaho is still awful, entering the game without a win after, although the Vandals did show some spunk in their home opener against Northern Illinois -- a team that was in a BCS bowl last year. However, Idaho was blown out in its first two games on the road ... to North Texas and Wyoming.

The Vandals average under 5 yards per offensive play (100th nationally) and have allowed greater than 7 yards (116th nationally). They are ranked 120th out of 125 FBS teams by F/+ at Football Outsiders. The Cougs appear to be rounding into form, and they're playing at home.

However, for Idaho fans looking for a reason to hope, Bill Connelly at Football Study Hall has used F/+ to predict just a 15-point victory for WSU, despite the 31-point line.

If you'd like to learn more about the Vandals, Michael did a great interview with the Lewiston Tribune's Troy Warzocha on the CougCenter Hour this week. It's definitely worth your time if you haven't listened to it already (and if you haven't, what is wrong with you?). Fast forward to the 21:45 mark for Vandal talk:

I'm just speculating here, but I've got a feeling that the Cougs will want to run it up in this one if they can. And I think they can. Expect it to get ugly.

Go Cougs!

More from CougCenter:

• Some thoughts on the Idaho rivalry
• WSU vs. Idaho: Where to find the game on TV and radio
• Gameday links: Cougar football Saturday has arrived
• WSU football recruiting: 6 players reportedly headed to Pullman for official visits