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For the first time in 281 days, Washington State will play a meaningful football game. That gap is larger than many teams because WSU's 2014 season ended without a bowl appearance. The first step to shortening that gap next year starts today with the Cougars hosting Portland State in the season opener.
Mike Leach brought a "win one game a week" mantra to Pullman and that's exactly what WSU will have the opportunity to do on Saturday in Martin Stadium. They could earn some style points along the way -- or have some head scratching moments -- but the ultimate goal is a 1-0 start. It's also something that should happen and happen fairly easily if WSU fires on all cylinders.
A season opener against an FCS opponent may not seem like the most exciting game in the world, but it's the chance for WSU to start off on the right foot, a chance the Cougars desperately need. The 3-9 season has been stuck in everyone's head for the last 281 days. You know the quickest way to erase that memory? Hang a 60-burger on the Vikings.
Football is back. Cougar football is back. The new season starts today, prepare your scoreboards ... and your livers.
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Football:
Gabe Marks looks to show he’s grown up and is still productive for WSU football | Bellingham Herald
As a sophomore in 2013, Gabe Marks led Washington State in receptions (74) and receiving yards (807).
Washington State football's Taylor Taliulu: His brothers' keeper | NCAA.com
He’s a producer, a recording artist, a videographer, and the starting strong safety for Washington State University. Let Taylor Taliulu tell it though, and he’s a standing representation of his family; both Cougar and blood alike.
John Blanchette: Future WSU football schedules built for wins - Spokesman.com - Sept. 4, 2015
The gesture by Washington State to make complimentary – just the right word – tickets to the Cougars’ football opener Saturday available to area firefighters is dialed in, generous and noble. And, yes, the obvious fact that a surplus of tickets remain unsold made the opportunity possible.
Football has no triple play or perfect 10 on a balance beam. There is no play that is seen as rarely as a white whale and is decisive enough to have a major impact at a critical juncture in the contest. But two quarterbacks scoring a touchdown with one pass comes pretty close.
The quarterback gets much of the attention in Mike Leach's Air Raid offense. But the receivers are just as important, and Washington State will use an array of them in the season opener against Portland State on Saturday.
Washington State Cougars: Falk era opens in Pullman - Story
The quarterback gets much of the attention in Mike Leach’s Air Raid offense. But the receivers are just as important, and Washington State will use an array of them in the season opener against Portland State on Saturday.
Reluctant optimism as Cougars begin year four under Mike Leach - WSU Cougars | 710 ESPN Seattle
It's Friday, and every Friday "Justin and Gee" have a segment called "Confessions" in which they sheepishly reveal a deep dark secret or admit to how they really feel about something or someone. Their confessions are frequently surprising, even shocking, and in the spirit of that segment, since it's Friday, I've got one myself:
Soccer:
WSU Nets Overtime Victory at Montana - Washington State University Official Athletic Site
Kailiana Johnson converted a penalty kick with five second left in overtime to give the Cougars the victory.
Volleyball:
Volleyball Takes 3-0 Win over UC Irvine - Washington State University Official Athletic Site
Kyra Holt's 14 kills (.387) and 13 digs plus two aces led the Cougars to a 3-0 win over UCI Friday night in Moscow.