Washington State gets a chance at redemption this weekend when they face Arizona State on Homecoming in Pullman. The Cougars are trying to bounce back from a 52-6 loss to Oregon last weekend, their first blowout loss of the season. Kickoff against the Sun Devils is set for 2pm at Martin Stadium.

WSU wide receiver Jeffrey Solomon told me this week at practice that a lot of players are using Homecoming as motivation. He said so many guys have friends and family coming into town and they don't want to disappoint them. Paul Wulff also told me that he likes Homecoming because it brings a lot of ex-Cougars back to the Palouse. This week that includes Arizona State head coach Dennis Erickson.

Erickson coached at Wazzu from 1987-1988, leading the Cougars to an Aloha Bowl victory in '88 over Houston. A member of that WSU team...Paul Wulff. Wulff told me he still talks to Erickson a few times a year. He's looking forward to coaching against him again (WSU lost to ASU 31-0 last year), but Wulff said he won't even think about it once the game starts. It's still a fun sidebar to keep in mind.

The Sun Devils are far from settled at quarterback. They are starting senior Danny Sullivan again (he's started ASU's first four games). He averages more than 200 yards per game, but he's only completed 51-percent of his passes. Sullivan has thrown three touchdowns and only two interceptions. Waiting in the wings is freshman Brock Osweiler. Gonzaga basketball fans might recognize that name. Osweiler committed to play at GU when he was 14-years-old, but backed out last year to play football for the Sun Devils. Osweiler has already seen action in two games, completing 4-of-7 passes for 47 yards and a touchdown.

The passing game is really Arizona State's strength. The Sun Devils rank 57th in the country, throwing for 220.5 yards per game (compared to 115.5 rushing ypg). ASU's top receiver is Chris McGaha. He's caught 24 passes for 251 yards and a touchdown so far this season. Kyle Williams isn't far behind with 18 receptions for 242 yards and a TD. The Devils spread it around after that. Expect to see Dimitri Nance (the running back), Gerell Robinson, and Kerry Taylor to all be targeted.

NOTE: WSU's defense still ranks last in the country in pass defense, allowing 309.8 yards per game. If they can't clean things up, they'll make Sullivan look much better than he is and it will turn into a really long day on the Palouse.

ASU's running game isn't bad either. I've already mentioned Dimitri Nance as a guy who will catch some passes, but he sees a majority of his touches on the ground. Nance leads Arizona State in rushing with 253 yards (only 3.7 yards per carry) and four touchdowns. The next best running backs haven't seen much action this season. Ryan Bass has 16 carries for 105 yards and a touchdown, while Shaun DeWitty has ten rushes for 58 yards. Jarrell Woods also has a touchdown on nine runs this year.

ASU's biggest strength is its defense. The Sun Devils rank third in the country in total defense, allowing just 232 yards per game (156.5 passing yards and just 75.5 rushing). Senior linebacker Mike Nixon is the star of the defense. He leads the team with 24 tackles and is tied for the team lead with three interceptions (safety Jarrell Holman also has three picks).

Another guy you really have to keep an eye on is true freshman linebacker Vontaze Burfict (watch this video to see why). He has 22 tackles (three for loss) and one sack. He's also good on pass defense, breaking up three passes already this year.

In other words, WSU quarterbacks will have their hands full on Saturday. I say "quarterbacks" because no one really knows who is going to start yet. From what I saw in practice on Wednesday, freshman Jeff Tuel will be the guy. Wulff told me that he will definitely play, but he said he would need to see how Tuel felt and looked in practice this week (Tuel was knocked out of last week's game with a hip pointer). Otherwise, the Cougars will start Marshall Lobbestael...and Wazzu is doomed. I watched Lobbestael in practice and he just doesn't have it all together anymore (his confidence is gone).

UPDATE 10/10/09 1:50am: Jeff Tuel will make his second career start at quarterback for WSU today.

I had a little too much confidence last week (I predicted a 34-17 loss to the Ducks), so I have to watch myself this time. There is reason for optimism (Homecoming, the team still appears motivated, ASU is far from perfect), but there is also reason for doubt (ASU's defense is ferocious and the Cougars don't have an offensive line to stop them). This prediction is based on Tuel playing this weekend (which we know know he is)...ASU 31, WSU 7 (Nico Grasu will make the extra point this time).

We talked to Jeff Tuel, Paul Wulff, and Jeffrey Solomon at practice this week. They can give you a feel for what the team is thinking heading into this weekend's game. Click on their names to hear their uncut interviews.

I also want to remind you that I will be tweeting game updates from the sideline tomorrow (as I do for every home game). Be sure to follow me @TLKREM2 for all the latest in Cougar athletics and so much more.

That's all I have for you!

GO COUGS!!!!!

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