3 things to watch

1

How many times will the Cougars run? One? Twenty? Probably closer to the former than the latter. Expect WSU to run just enough to keep the rush off Alex Brink, mixing in draws and misdirection, hoping to catch the Beavers stunting and twisting out of a hole. If that happens, Chris Ivory might just break a long one.

2

The missing defenders: Not only will two secondary starters have to sit out the first half, the Beavers are also limping at other spots. The depleted secondary didn’t fare too well in the fourth quarter against Washington, giving up two long touchdown passes thrown by backup Carl Bonnell. If the Beavers can’t pressure Brink or if they haven’t figured out a way to patch together their coverage, WSU’s passing attack could put another 400-plus-yard game together.

3

Eleven in the box: Is Lyle Moevao capable of beating the Cougars with his arm? Probably not, so look for WSU to crowd the line of scrimmage in an attempt to corral Yvenson Bernard. The strategy will be to stuff the running back on first and second down and make Moevao convert long third downs.