Erickson returns to Pullman

PULLMAN – It’s homecoming at Washington State this week. Appropriate in a way, because former Cougars head coach Dennis Erickson is making one of his many old-home visits.

He comes into Martin Stadium with the nation’s 18th-ranked team, the Arizona State Sun Devils.

“Of course, I’ve been back to the Palouse to play Washington State a number of different times,” Erickson said earlier this week. “It will be a weird feeling, but obviously we just have to come in and focus on the game. That’s what I’ve got to do and that’s what we intend to do.”

It’s probably easier for Erickson to come in with one of the country’s best teams after leaving the University of Idaho behind at the end of last season.

“We’re fortunate to play four games at home,” Erickson said of his team’s fast start, which includes a 2-0 Pac-10 record. “That’s a pretty darn good thing to have. … A lot of times, having the opportunity to play at home, the schedule who you play has a lot to do with it, then you start to get some confidence. Those things are obviously the biggest reasons we are 5-0 at this time.”

But there is also another reason.

“We’ve got some good talent, there’s no question about it,” Erickson said. “In some areas are we great? I wouldn’t say that. We’re getting better all the time. But as I said, we’re getting to the meat of our schedule.”

If this is the meat of ASU’s schedule, then WSU (2-3, 0-2 in the Pac-10) is in the middle of a prime rib. Including the Sun Devils, Washington State’s next four opponents are 18-2.

“It is important,” WSU head coach Bill Doba said. “It’s going to be a challenge the rest of the year.”

That starts with Erickson’s ASU team.

“You look for flaws, or ways to try to take advantage of somebody,” Doba said, “and (Erickson) dots all his i’s and crosses all his t’s. It’s a very simple offense, but it’s very well executed.

“Defensively, they’re always very physical and they are no exception this year.”