WSU Football chat (transcript)
Nov 18 2015, 10:47 AM
srchat: Submit questions now for our WSU football chat, which begins at 11 a.m.
Nov 18 2015, 11:01 AM
srchat: Alright, let's get started. Who has got some questions for me?
Nov 18 2015, 11:01 AM
cubsfan7331: Jacob- While in the press box during a video review what video feeds do you have access to? I was at both Stanford and UCLA games where stadium feeds were somewhat limited?
Nov 18 2015, 11:02 AM
srchat: Honestly, if you're watching at home you've got a better view then we do in the press box. We're just watching it on ESPN/Pac-12/Fox like someone at home is, except we're usually watching on tiny TVs hung high above our heads. The officials do have access to camera angles the regular viewers don't, but we do not.
Nov 18 2015, 11:03 AM
Guest5219 (guest): Any idea where ticket sales are at for this weekend?
Nov 18 2015, 11:04 AM
srchat: We haven't gotten word yet. Usually if it's a sellout they let us know.
Nov 18 2015, 11:04 AM
cubsfan7331: Do the journalists in the press box voice their opinions on what the results of the video review should be? Are there any real "homers" in there?
Nov 18 2015, 11:05 AM
srchat: None of the WSU journalists up there these days are particularly vocal homers. We absolutely discuss what we think the results of the replays we're seeing should be as we analyze the game, and whether or not we think the officials get it right, but not from a fan's point of view, hopefully.
Nov 18 2015, 11:05 AM
Guest5607 (guest): Do we want USC, Stanford, and Utah to win this week to help us get to the best bowl possible?
Nov 18 2015, 11:06 AM
srchat: I think you want Stanford to win. Oregon beating USC might actually be better for WSU as far as the Holiday Bowl goes.
Nov 18 2015, 11:06 AM
SignalSports: Is there anything you guys as a publication or maybe the media at large can do to pressure WSU to reveal more about injuries?
Nov 18 2015, 11:07 AM
srchat: Not really, no.
Nov 18 2015, 11:07 AM
srchat: By the way, we get a lot of questions about recruiting, so I wanted to pass along this recruiting primer I posted earlier this morning http://www.spokesman.com/blogs/sportslink/2015/nov/18/closer-look-recruiting-process/
A closer look at the recruiting process | The Spokesman-Review
Nov 18 2015, 11:07 AM
Guest5219 (guest): Seems like a lot of bloggers are talking about Gabe Marks leaving early as a foregone conclusion, any idea where his draft stock stands?
Nov 18 2015, 11:09 AM
srchat: The people I've talked to still don't see him as a guy who is going to go in the first couple rounds, but could see him as say a fourth round selection. However, whether a player should leave isn't determined as much by where they will be selected as how much their stock could improve by staying. Is there really that much more Marks could do as a senior to improve his stock? I don't know, but it would likely depend on whether or not he thinks he can get faster.
Nov 18 2015, 11:09 AM
Guest1698 (guest): How is UW the favorite for the apple cup??
Nov 18 2015, 11:10 AM
srchat: I did not expect them to be, so I'm not the best person to give that answer. But I imagine a decent amount of it has to do with assuming UW will be the more motivated team, since it seems likely a bowl game will be on the line for the Huskies. One team's back will be against the wall and that can be worth some points.
Nov 18 2015, 11:10 AM
Guest4365 (guest): Im hearing a lot of Alamo talk for WSU even if we finish 3rd. How could we end up going to the Holiday Bowl? (i live in SD)
Nov 18 2015, 11:12 AM
srchat: If WSU finishes No. 3 in the Pac-12, or only has one more Pac-12 loss than the third-place team, then the Holiday Bowl can select them (as long as the Alamo Bowl passes on the Cougars).
Nov 18 2015, 11:12 AM
Guest4663 (guest): Best crowd of WSU fans in SO Cal for awhile. It was really amusing to see the whole UCLA team on the field celebrating like the game was over with 1:09 to go.
Nov 18 2015, 11:13 AM
srchat: The WSU crowd has traveled really well this season. I think a lot of that has to do with player parents who seem to have formed a community/network even more so than at most schools.
Nov 18 2015, 11:13 AM
Guest1698 (guest): Other than Falk who is your MVP so far?
Nov 18 2015, 11:13 AM
srchat: Gabe Marks
Nov 18 2015, 11:13 AM
PullmanWindStorm (guest): Is it more fun/a better experience writing for a team that is getting so much attention?
Nov 18 2015, 11:14 AM
srchat: It's definitely more gratifying as a writer to have more people interested in the team and reading my work. And the positivity around the program makes for a fun environment in which to work.
Nov 18 2015, 11:14 AM
Guest4663 (guest): Looks like it is going to be cold but clear for Colorado? Is Dahl going to be back? Cracraft?
Nov 18 2015, 11:15 AM
srchat: It does look like it will be cold and clear and htere's a chance there will be some snow on the ground. Sorry, but I can't answer those questions and maintain my access.
Nov 18 2015, 11:15 AM
Guest5219 (guest): Think any assistant coaches will be picked off during the off season?
Nov 18 2015, 11:16 AM
srchat: I'm sure other schools will make offers, because that's what happens when you win. He probably won't leave after one year but I'm sure Grinch is on some lists. Expect Joe Salave'a to be a coach other schools make runs at, I've even heard it speculated that he would be a good fit for the head coaching position at Hawaii, although June Jones seems pretty interested in that job.
Nov 18 2015, 11:16 AM
cubsfan7331: Gotta say that Grinch might be one of the best DC's in the conference if not nation at making in game adjustments. The bend don't break philosophy is really working. Thoughts?
Nov 18 2015, 11:18 AM
srchat: I think he's been very successful coming up with week-to-week game plans and tweaking the defense to account for other teams' strengths. I think he'd prefer not to bend quite so much, to be honest, but the defense has done a good job recovering after big plays and limiting other teams to three points.
Nov 18 2015, 11:18 AM
Guest9371 (guest): What do you see as the key areas the Cougs need to focus on to beat Colorado
Nov 18 2015, 11:18 AM
srchat: Really just playing with motivation and not overlooking a Colorado team that is much better than its record indicates.
Nov 18 2015, 11:18 AM
SignalSports: Is there anyone making a push to the NCAA to require teams to release weekly injury reports, like the NFL does?
Nov 18 2015, 11:18 AM
srchat: There has been some talk on that front, mostly among disgruntled media members, but it would be so hard to enforce.
Nov 18 2015, 11:19 AM
Guest1834 (guest): How are Coach Leach and his staff keeping the team focused on CU with the Apple Cup looming just around the corner? Or is it just us fans who are waiting with anticipation (and concern) to the Apple Cup?
Nov 18 2015, 11:20 AM
srchat: This team's improvement seems largely due to its ability to buy in to Leach's "focus on the next play" philosophy, so if that holds then they shouldn't get caught looking ahead. The players we spoke to on Monday were also well aware that the Buffaloes are dangerous, and only lost to the LA schools by 7 combined points.
Nov 18 2015, 11:20 AM
Guest5607 (guest): Did you see the UCLA players warm up on our side of the field? Was it that bad or were the players using it as motivation?
Nov 18 2015, 11:20 AM
srchat: It wasn't something I noticed.
Nov 18 2015, 11:20 AM
cubsfan7331: Leach coming up on Jim Rome show @CBSSportsRadio in 10 minutes
Nov 18 2015, 11:20 AM
srchat: Thanks for the tip!
Nov 18 2015, 11:20 AM
Guest4663 (guest): Did Falk have the wind knocked out of him or was he woozy? Heard UCLA sportscasters on way home questioning decision on him going back in.
Nov 18 2015, 11:21 AM
srchat: Afterward he said he "got his bell rung" and they gave him a full concussion test, so he definitely had some form of head injury. While there are concussion protocols, dealing with head injuries in CFB is still pretty ambiguous. My impression is that he initially did not pass the concussion test, but was able to after waiting for a period in the team locker room.
Nov 18 2015, 11:22 AM
Guest1698 (guest): Do you think Leach should be the coach of the year considering where they are now after the loss to Portland State?
Nov 18 2015, 11:24 AM
srchat: I think he's certainly got the best case in the Pac-12. He's got a shot nationally, but I kind of suspect the voters will pick Jim McElwain.
Nov 18 2015, 11:24 AM
Guest1664 (guest): Don't like to do what if scenarios..however can you imagine this team if Cooper stayed...?..undefeated
Nov 18 2015, 11:25 AM
srchat: I could see Cooper making the difference against against Portland State and maybe Stanford. But his replacements have played well enough that I don't think he'd have made up 10 points against Cal.
Nov 18 2015, 11:26 AM
Guest8034 (guest): If you were a defensive coordinator. What would you do to stop the air raid?
Nov 18 2015, 11:26 AM
srchat: Besides pray? I would probably bring a lot of heat and hope I could knock the quarterback out of his rhythm.
Nov 18 2015, 11:26 AM
Guest5219 (guest): I think if we are talking nationally best coach award should go to Ken Niumatalolo
Nov 18 2015, 11:27 AM
srchat: Navy's had a great season. It would be nice to see Keenan Reynolds get a little Heisman love, too.
Nov 18 2015, 11:28 AM
Guest1664 (guest): The guy Opposite Griese is a clown..all he wanted to talk about was the Calls that he saw differently and how Falk was getting beat up and how good Rosen was...who is this guy ?...Griese was pretty good
Nov 18 2015, 11:28 AM
srchat: Dave Pasch
Nov 18 2015, 11:30 AM
Guest5607 (guest): The only downside to this run we are on is to hear people say, what if we beat PSU and Powell hits that fG.....
Nov 18 2015, 11:32 AM
srchat: Definitely some great what-ifs this year. But I'm also a big believer that you've got to look at both sides. What if there's two seconds less on the clock against Oregon, or Gabe drops that UCLA pass, or ASU goes up 21-0 because the Cougars don't get an extra play?
Nov 18 2015, 11:32 AM
Guest1664 (guest): On Cooper...he would have required a DT...feeing up a harder rush...he stays another year for sure he gets drafted higher and he gets more $$$$ and finishes his career on a high note..
Nov 18 2015, 11:32 AM
srchat: That's great. I still don't see him being worth 10 points against Cal considering Mata'afa had a pretty good game himself.
Nov 18 2015, 11:34 AM
Gowazzu02 (guest): SEC ever going to play 9 con games? Alabama this week gets Charleston Southern!
Nov 18 2015, 11:34 AM
srchat: I'm sure they won't. Their way of scheduling has worked out fantastically for them.
Nov 18 2015, 11:34 AM
Guest1175 (guest): I apologize if this was already asked, but how did Andre Dillard do at LT?
Nov 18 2015, 11:34 AM
srchat: Leach said he graded out OK, considering the situation. He's a good athlete and has a chance to be very good if he adds some size.
Nov 18 2015, 11:36 AM
Guest4663 (guest): Does Falk throw the ball away in practice ever? From what I have seen, he rarely does in games.
Nov 18 2015, 11:36 AM
srchat: Yeah, he does fairly often.
Nov 18 2015, 11:37 AM
Gowazzu02 (guest): bowl game location preference?
Nov 18 2015, 11:38 AM
srchat: I personally would like to go to San Antonio. The Oregon and UW writers I know who've covered the Alamo Bowl have all spoken really highly of the experience.
Nov 18 2015, 11:38 AM
PullmanWindStorm (guest): I heard Fossum was the starting PR vs UCLA but never got the ball in his hands (other than holding for PATs) because of baf punts. Did he start at PR?
Nov 18 2015, 11:39 AM
srchat: Yes, Fossum was back to return the first punt, which was blocked.
Nov 18 2015, 11:39 AM
Guest509 (guest): From what you can tell, who have been the top 3 or so performers, from both sides of the ball, on Thursday Night Football practice games?
Nov 18 2015, 11:39 AM
srchat: Nope, sorry. You're going to have to wait for my Thursday Night All-Stars blog post tomorrow.
Nov 18 2015, 11:40 AM
Guest1664 (guest): Mata is no Cooper yet !...and sure looks like Falk feets keeps plays alive and provides TD's to win....hmmmmm
Nov 18 2015, 11:40 AM
srchat: Yes, you were certainly right when you predicted big things for Falk.
Nov 18 2015, 11:42 AM
Gowazzu02 (guest): River Cracraft. He see the field again this year? Anyway you can answer that without getting in trouble with team?
Nov 18 2015, 11:42 AM
srchat: No, if I answer that in a way that you will pick up then the Colorado coaches ostensibly will, too. Although I have no idea how one prepares for Kyle Sweet differently than River Cracraft.
Nov 18 2015, 11:42 AM
89coug: Does Leach still do his Tuesday night radio show? they don't broadcast it anymore on the West side anymore
Nov 18 2015, 11:43 AM
srchat: It's Thursday Nights at 6 p.m. on WSU IMG. If you go to WWW.TuneIn.com/WSU at that time I believe you will be able to stream it.
Nov 18 2015, 11:43 AM
Sid (guest): Were you shocked about Leach's comments when asked about his previous defensive coordinator?
Nov 18 2015, 11:44 AM
srchat: Not shocked because he's alluded to those things before, but it was certainly the most vocal he's been about the reasons for making a change.
Nov 18 2015, 11:48 AM
Guest4663 (guest): Is intentional grounding reviewable? I thought there was a receiver within 10 yards when Luke threw the 11 out of bounds.
Nov 18 2015, 11:48 AM
srchat: The only time the NCAA rule book provides for replay involving intentional grounding is if a ruling of grounding would result in a safety. Otherwise, a pass is reviewable if it is complete, incomplete or intercepted.
Nov 18 2015, 11:49 AM
Gowazzu02 (guest): Is Rod Commons still with WSU?
Nov 18 2015, 11:49 AM
srchat: Rod still takes photos for WSU and is frequently at preseason and spring practices. He's a great guy.
Nov 18 2015, 11:49 AM
Guest4663 (guest): Really like the Pac12 network game in 60 minutes. Great way to review the game.
Nov 18 2015, 11:49 AM
srchat: Agreed
Nov 18 2015, 11:50 AM
Sid (guest): Why didn't it happen sooner if it was such a bad fit?
Nov 18 2015, 11:50 AM
srchat: Perhaps those issues only became apparent last season.
Nov 18 2015, 11:51 AM
cubsfan7331: With PAC-12 admitting the targeting call that should have been and wasn't called is another example of poor Pac-12 officiating. When is the quality of officiating going to match the quality of play on the field, and what the heck is "downgrading" anyway? Do they work jr. college games that week?
Nov 18 2015, 11:53 AM
srchat: Jeff Nusser wrote an article on CougCenter a couple weeks ago that was pretty insightful. The reality is, it's not like there is this colony of great football officials who aren't working in protest while the scabs handle Pac-12 games. Officiating is hard and there are a lot of mistakes made at every level. The Pac-12 could maybe do more to educate officials, but improving the quality probably has to happen at the lower levels first.
Nov 18 2015, 11:54 AM
Guest509 (guest): Heard any rumors about what uniform combo will be used this, final home game? Will the old helmet with 'Cougars' spelled out ever to make a return, or has that been officially retired?
Nov 18 2015, 11:55 AM
srchat: No, but this Twitter account is where to go for breaking uniform news: https://twitter.com/COUG_Equipment
Coug Equipment (@COUG_Equipment) | Twitter
Nov 18 2015, 11:55 AM
Guest9387 (guest): I worry about the Cougs against the run-especially when the q-back has the ball. also I have very bad memories of that game a couple of years ago at home against CO-I live a long ways from Pullman and was at that game. We had the game won but gave up something like 18 points in the last 8 minutes to lose. Very crappy homecoming.
Nov 18 2015, 11:55 AM
srchat: That's definitely been the blind spot in the defense thus far. Jake Browning had a couple decent runs recently, I believe, so that will be something to watch in the Apple Cup.
Nov 18 2015, 11:56 AM
Guest4663 (guest): What is the feel for students showing up on Saturday?
Nov 18 2015, 11:56 AM
srchat: I think there will be a decent student section because there is excitement around the team, but i don't think it will be full. It's important to remember that some students are going to have plans they can't immediately change. For example, students who bought plane tickets home.
Nov 18 2015, 11:57 AM
Guest4663 (guest): Is there a gentleman's agreement not to steal signs in game? Why not put some student brainiac on the sideline to figure them out?
Nov 18 2015, 11:58 AM
srchat: I don't think so. I just think it's more trouble than it's worth to many coaches. Even if said brainiac cracked the code, it's still going to be hard to interpret the signals and get the defense ready in time for the next play. And even if they can, the offense can just slightly change the signal and throw everything off.
Nov 18 2015, 11:59 AM
Guest4783 (guest): What cartoon character do you turn into when on a tight deadline after the 7:45 p.m. games?
Nov 18 2015, 11:59 AM
srchat: The Tasmanian Devil. Immediately after filing I turn into Droopy Dog.
Nov 18 2015, 12:00 PM
cubsfan7331: Love your chat and love your reports. Always look forward to your Thursday reports covering the young guys.
Nov 18 2015, 12:00 PM
srchat: Thanks, cubsfan, we'll have something a little different tomorrow that I hope you all enjoy.
Nov 18 2015, 12:00 PM
Guest4663 (guest): So no advantage to knowing the first choice play by stealing it?
Nov 18 2015, 12:00 PM
srchat: Obviously there is an advantage, but only if you can learn the signals and make use of them, which is easier said than done.
Nov 18 2015, 12:02 PM
Guest4663 (guest): great chat thanks.
Nov 18 2015, 12:02 PM
89coug: This may have been asked earlier but with new starting CU QB do you think that we will have multiple sacks or picks? seems like the Def could have a field day.
Nov 18 2015, 12:02 PM
srchat: He played really well against USC. It'll be interesting to see if the Cougars saw something on tape they can exploit.
Nov 18 2015, 12:02 PM
Gowazzu02 (guest): More likely to happen, Marks win the Biletnikoff (sp?) or Falk be invited to NY for Heisman, (thanks for picking all my questions. Are mine just that much better or am I just more active then the other 43 guests online)
Nov 18 2015, 12:03 PM
srchat: You're so good you get to ask the very last question. And I think it's Marks winning the Biletnikoff, with Falk entering next season on everybody's Heisman watch lists.
Nov 18 2015, 12:03 PM
srchat: Thanks for the great chat, everybody. I'll get the transcript up soon.
