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Cougar BLOG |
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October 2009
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Washington State faces another huge test this weekend. The Cougars play Oregon at Autzen Stadium (one of the most ferocious atmospheres in the Pac-10) on Saturday night. You can see why many people think the odds are stacked against Wazzu. The Ducks have pounded the Cougs over the last three years, outscoring Washington State 150-44 over that time period. Add to that, WSU is starting a true freshman at quarterback for the first time since Drew Bledsoe in 1990 and the fact that injuries are starting to stack up and you have quite a dilemma. NOTE: I know I sound like a Negative Nancy right now, but keep reading and you'll see I have faith in Washington State this weekend. Washington State will be without offensive linemen B.J. Guerra (knee), Zach Williams (high ankle sprain), and Stephen Ayers (he'll be out for a couple weeks with an ankle injury). Defensive end Josh Luapo is done for the season after tearing his ACL. Kevin Kooyman, who hasn't played since the season opener, might be able to return this weekend (it's still doubtful). Daniel Blackledge and Xavier Hicks both wore "no contact" jerseys at practice, but both are expected to play against the Ducks. Now on to the guy that everyone is talking about...Jeff Tuel. The freshman will make the first start of his career on Saturday. He looked sharp in practice on Wednesday. Tuel doesn't knock your socks off with his arm strength, but he did prove he could move the chains against USC (the toughest defense in the Pac-10). Because of his mobility, Paul Wulff expects Tuel to take fewer hits in the pocket and that's one of the reasons he chose Jeff over Marshall Lobbestael (and the fact that it's a no-brainer decision at this point). WSU appears to have rallied around the kid. They say his calm demeanor could make a huge difference this weekend in a hostile environment. Just like the fans, I think the Cougars finally have a starting quarterback that they believe in. ANOTHER NOTE: We tried to interview Jeff Tuel at practice, but we were shot down by the sports information department. They are not allowing Tuel to talk to the media this week. Like I mentioned earlier, there are many people out there who doubt the Cougars this week, including the odds makers who have picked WSU as a 33 point underdog. Don't count me as one of those doubters. Even though they are 3-1 (and nationally ranked), Oregon hasn't done enough to prove to me that they are that good. There is no question the Ducks will score, but Tuel will keep the offense on the field long enough to prevent a blowout and even produce some points. I'm not going to give my prediction right now (you have to wait until tomorrow), but I expect a competitive game this weekend. Although we weren't allowed to talk to Tuel, we did talk to plenty of other Cougars. We have uncut interviews with Paul Wulff, Kenny Alfred, and Xavier Hicks right now on the Cougar page on KREM.com. You can also find live practice reports from Chris Bach on the team page as well. Before I let you go, I have a few basketball notes. James Watson hit his head at a team work out on Wednesday. He was transported for precautionary reasons by ambulance to Pullman Regional Hospital. Both the CT Scan and MRI came back negative. He remained at the hospital overnight for observation. Finally, former Coug Thomas Kelati signed with the Los Angeles Lakers on Wednesday. He's spent his entire career playing overseas until now. We'll see if he can earn a roster spot in training camp. That's all I have for you! GO COUGS! 6 CommentsLeave a comment |
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Great report Tim! Any chance that FSN will pick this game up on TV?
Go Cougs!
You aren't convinced that Oregon is that good?
Did you see them dismantle the #6 team in the nation last week?
What does it take to convince you?
"Oregon hasn't done enough to prove to me that they are that good"
How about 42 - 3 over Cal? Just sayin'...
To Chief -- If the game was going to be picked up by FSN it would have happened by now, so no dice my friend.
To Red and QuackAddiction -- I'm not saying Oregon is bad football team. Obviously, last weekend's win over Cal was very impressive, but it doesn't fit everything else they've put together this year (maybe a sign that they are coming around). The Ducks looked miserable against Boise State earlier this year, hardly slipped past a weak Purdue team, and beat Utah by a touchdown (yes, I realize two of those three were ranked at the time they played). I'm just saying that I'm not completely sold on Oregon yet.
P.S. If you know my track record, it's probably better for me to say this about the Ducks. Whenever I state a strong opinion about something it usually goes the opposite way of what I think it will. Oregon will probably play in the Rose Bowl now.
My fondest memory of the Quacks is when they put Joey Harrington on the cover of SI and then got their butts spanked by the Cougs... yes the Cougs.
Quack Quack.... Take Em! Bang! Bang! Quack season is officially open.
Go Cougs!
This article in the Seattle PI claims that we will be able to watch the game on Comcast Channel 179 (Comcast Sportsnet). This true?
http://blog.seattlepi.com/seattlesports/archives/180820.asp