WSU tackles a problem

Rain – actual rain not showers – hit the practice field for about 5 minutes Wednesday, but by the time Washington State got off the field, the sun was shining. We had a few interviews to attend to, but now we’re ready to share some practice notes, so read on.

••••••••••

• A large segment of Wednesday’s practice was once again spent working on form tackling – and it was a point of emphasis in team drills as well. Our story for tomorrow’s paper is on that subject, how you teach it, how you do it, how important it is. You can read it now if you prefer. … Before we go any further, I know there has been some questions about TV coverage for Saturday. If you click here you can see the information FSN has released to WSU on the matter. There should be additional information tomorrow. … As for Thursday, the highlight of the day was a catch by Marquess Wilson – haven’t we written that before? – on a perfect throw from Jeff Tuel. The connection, which was made possible by excellent protection, came at the end of a 2-minute drill pitting the ones vs. the ones. The offense had one play with 4 seconds remaining and scored as Wilson just broke the plane of the end zone. … A couple of players sat out, including starting middle linebacker Mike Ledgerwood (stinger) and defensive tackle Bernard Wulfgramm. Wulff said they both would be questionable for Saturday. … Jared Karstetter was still in a yellow non-contact jersey, but that didn’t deter him from making a crushing block on a scout defensive back while running through a play (yellow means you can’t hit me, but I’ll hit you). Karstetter should play Saturday. … One other thing. The intensity picked up at practice with that being manifested with a scuffle between usually mild-mannered right tackle Micah Hannam and defensive lineman Matt Bock, a member of the scout defense. It didn’t last long, but showed the physical nature of the play. The scout defense was flying around with a purpose.

•••••

• That’s all for tonight. We’ll be back in the morning. Until then …