It feels weird just writing that...their "opener". It feels like just yesterday I was sitting in media row at the NCAA Tournament in Sacramento (I can still feel the heartbreak after that loss to Vandy).

Don't get me wrong. I'm pumped that the hoops season is here, but it all seems so sudden.

Wazzu (#10 in the country (it never gets old)) faces Eastern Washington Friday night at Beasley Coliseum. It's a sellout. It feels weird writing that as well...a "sellout"...at Beasley (I remember games early last year with no one in the stands).

It should be easy for the Cougs (#10 in the country (annoyed yet?)). I'm not trying to knock the Eagles basketball program, but they're short-handed and inexperienced.

I talked to Kirk Earlywine (EWU's new head coach) at the Eags volleyball game Thursday night. He told me there are seven players (yes, seven!) available for the game against WSU. Only three of the seven were in Cheney last year.

I posted a question on KREM.com after the LCSC exhibition game asking who will win between EWU and WSU. One of the responses we got was, "What a ridiculous question." So true.

Wazzu will roll.

That may not be the case for the football team.

Stanford is not the "gimme" game it used to be (just ask USC). Yes, I think the Cougars will win, but it might not be as easy as everyone thinks.

The Cardinal always play well at Martin Stadium (the Cougs haven't won at home against Stanford since 1997). They've won three straight on the Palouse.

Luckily, Stanford is banged up (I think they're starting their fourth string running back) and it's Dad's Weekend (which usually means better attendance).

Odds makers expect the Cougars to take it (they're favored by 11). Let's hope they're right!

Six wins can still get Washington State into a bowl.