How will the weather impact WSU-Colorado?

Get your rain gear ready. It's going to be a wet one.

The atmospheric river—apparently that's a thing—hits us today, just in time for the Washington State Cougars to welcome the Colorado Buffaloes to Pullman.

I've been thinking of some rainy games from the past: Oregon 2001, USC 2004, Portland State 2008, Portland State 2015, Stanford 2015, UCLA 2016. You can fill in the ones I've missed.

As fans, we worry about how the weather will impact our team, but of course the other team is also playing in the same weather. I mean, I'd love it if it only rained when Colorado has the ball.

But as Brian and Michael have both said, the rain presumably means the running backs will/should play a bigger role. So will we see more Jamal Morrow, James Williams and Gerard Wicks?

Or will we see Luke Falk and WSU rely on the passing game too much?

The wind should be in the 15-17 MPH range during the game. I'm no physics expert, but I'm interested if the elements play a role in the kicking game (it's not like the punting aspect of the kicking game has been good in decent weather, of course).

We'll find out, starting at 7:45 p.m. tonight.

Links

Mike Leach

Mike Leach is still talking about his beef with Texas Tech. He has a lot of fans in Texas so I'm actually interested in whether this rally has a good turnout or if it ends up being a dud.

Mike Leach wants you to help him find his missing paycheck from Texas Tech - CBSSports.com
Leach wants a rally outside Texas Tech's stadium for $2.5 million he believes he is owed.

Football

Analysis: Colorado Buffaloes’ struggling defense could keep CU from reaching a bowl – The Denver Post
Tedric Thompson took a stroll through his old stomping grounds recently. The former Colorado safety grinned ear-to-ear at a Buffaloes’ football practice during the Seattle Seahawks bye week to relive the glory days. So many friendships remain, but things sure look different this fall.

Buffs still aiming for complete game - Boulder Daily Camera
Early in the season, the Colorado Buffaloes were having trouble getting their offense rolling, but the defense was shutting down the opposition.

Saquon Barkley, Gary Patterson earn 2017 Midseason Awards | SI.com
Alex Grinch is listed as a top assistant.

Friday Five: Surprising Power Five teams that can actually win their division - CBSSports.com
Every season has early surprises, but which ones are most capable of finishing the job?

No. 15 WSU Cougars vs. Colorado: Time, TV, radio, stream, betting line, preview | The Seattle Times
Breaking down the WSU-Colorado matchup. Here's what the Cougars will have to do to win on Saturday.

Washington State looking to ‘narrow down’ punting pool | The Spokesman-Review
Erik Powell, Kyle Sweet and Mitchell Cox are averaging just 33.7 yards per punt this season, which ranks No. 121 of 129 in the FBS.

Two minute drill: Keys to victory for Washington State against Colorado | The Spokesman-Review
Theo Lawson’s keys for a possible Washington State victory over Colorado on Saturday at Martin Stadium.

Volleyball

Volleyball Drops Four-set Match at Cal | Washington State University Athletics
The WSU volleyball team went to Berkeley and lost three of four sets.

Old YouTube Clip of the Week

This week, Keith Jackson turned 89. The WSU alum will always be the voice of college football. Let's watch this WSU highlight video featuring Keith as its commentary.

• I hope you like this Fort Minor song. I do. Don't @ me.
• The video starts with Jackson saying this: "Hello again everybody and welcome to a perfect day for an autumn afternoon and a football game in a campus setting. It's about as good as you're gonna get it."
• That quote should be played before each home game, printed on the season tickets, posted at each stadium entrance, and memorized and recited by each student as a graduation requirement.
• Kudos to YouTube user kapoleicoug for splicing in Keith Jackson audio over WSU highlights and matching up what he says to the play, even if Jackson didn't call that particular game. It's actually quite impressive.
• "FUMBLE! COUGARS GOT IT!"
• "And I think he got caught. With his hand in the cookie jar." Keith is the greatest.