The Cougs came off their bye week and started 2007 1/2 (that's my name for it anyways...I just made it up right now).

That was the theme at practice Wednesday when I asked players and coaches about the postseason goals (the Cougs must win their last four games).

The unanimous response: "We're treating this as a new season...(fill in the rest)." (That doesn't include Bill Doba who says that he doesn't discuss it at all)

The win over the Bruins brought WSU one step closer to their bowl dreams (and gave the Cougs some confidence...they looked like a rejuvenated team at practice).

It doesn't get any easier for Wazzu though. They play the Golden Bears at Berkley (the Cougars have allowed no fewer than 42 points on the road this year).

Cal was once the #2 team in the country, but they've lost three straight since (which shows they are more than beatable).

Aaron Johnson says that's what makes them so hard to prepare for. You don't know which team will show up (they're expecting it to be the #2 team).

Odds makers believe the same. They expect the Bears to bounce back in a big way (nice use of alliteration). They've picked California as 14 1/2 point favorites.

Here's one more positive for WSU. They're facing off against a wounded Nate Longshore (California quarterback). The Cougars have done well against "non-mobile" (can't think of the right word) QBs this year.

I'm predicting another aggressive (blitz, blitz, blitz) showing by the Washington State defense. They've registered 12 sacks and 26 tackles for loss over their last three games.

I'm trying to think of anything else...

A lot of people have asked me what I think about this weekend and I'm not sure what to tell them. Especially after today...

I learned of a potentially serious injury to one of the Cougs starters that could really effect the team (expect to hear more about this tomorrow...stayed tuned to KREM 2 News).

On the flip side, the Cougars look (and sound) motivated to win (something I haven't seen on all my visits to practice).

The best thing I can tell you...we'll see what happens Saturday (a nice sellout don't you think?).