Game day draws closer at WSU
COUGARS • UPDATED: 7:30 P.M.
One less day until the 2011 football season begins. We have some thoughts after the Thursday run through. Read on.
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• Before we get to the game-plan practice from Thursday afternoon, we want to share a summary of what coach Paul Wulff had to say at his press conference. There was nothing earth-shattering, though he did say he thought only one of the two freshmen trying to get eligible, Rahmel Dockery and Alex Mitchell, still had a shot. Wulff wouldn't say which it was but I can tell you it isn't Mitchell. He has yet to qualify and left school – he was enrolled part time – and will continue his ongoing efforts to meet the NCAA requirements. Dockery's case is still up in the air, mainly because, as Wulff said today, it revolves around classes he took in high school and how the NCAA deals with them. If Dockery's case gets resolved soon with his eligibility granted, there is still a chance he'll play this season. Or as Wulff said, there is still some "wiggle room." But how long the wiggling can last, I'm not sure. ... The thing that worries Wulff the most about Saturday is how little the Cougars know about Idaho State and what they'll try to do, especially defensively. Really, WSU doesn't know for sure if ISU will line up in a 3-4, a 3-5, a 4-2-5 or what. Wulff said the Cougars just have to be sound in what they do and react to Idaho State's attack. ... Like probably every coach in America two days before the opener, Wulff is just ready to get this thing started. ... It doesn't look as if any player WSU was counting on will miss the game Saturday due to injury. It's even possible that Jordan Pu'u Robinson, the defensive end coming off major knee surgery, might be able to go. ... When asked who will get the first carry, Wulff said he didn't know. Said it depended on the situation. But senior Logwone Mitz is listed as the starter. ... And that's it from the presser. ... Practice was your typical Thursday one, with the offense running against the scout defense in the stadium and the defense facing the scout offense on Rogers Field. Nothing new to report, even with the contested positions such as left cornerback, where Daniel Simmons and Nolan Washington took reps. Wulff declined to name a starter today, saying that decision would be made Saturday. ... With that, I'm out, except to pass along this link. It's our story that will appear in tomorrow's S-R. ...UPDATE: Meant to pass this along earlier but just plain forgot. The game Saturday won't be televised, but there is a webcast. Here's WSU's release about it:
PULLMAN, Wash. - Washington State University’s season-opening football game against Idaho State will be available for viewing exclusively through Cougars All-Access on wsucougars.com, the official website of WSU Athletics. For those fans not able to be in Martin Stadium Saturday, the game will be webcast beginning at 2 p.m. A subscription to Cougars All-Access is required. For information on subscribing to the webcast, visit http://www.wsucougars.com/allaccess/
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• That's all for tonight. We'll be back in the morning. Until then ...
