3 things to watch

1

Stop P.J. Hill: The Wisconsin sophomore averaged 5 yards a carry last season when he ran for 1,569 yards, 29 yards more than Washington State gained as a team. If the 227-pound Hill can get started today, especially on first down, the Cougars’ defense will be hard pressed to get the Badgers off the field. With that in mind, WSU moved 6-foot-8, 290-pound Ropati Pitoitua out to end, giving the defensive line more bulk. If the Cougs can limit UW to short yardage on first down, expect blitzes and pressure on second and third down.

2

Keep Brink upright: With two new offensive tackles, the Cougars will bank heavily that the center – and guards – will hold. To take advantage of a strong middle with three returning starters, WSU will run out of the shotgun more than any time in the Bill Doba era. This should allow quarterback Alex Brink more time and a spot to step up and deliver the ball. The Badgers’ defensive ends have been thinned because of injuries and the recent banishment of Jamal Cooper, which could help WSU.

3

Do something special: The Cougars were awful in special teams last season and bring a new attitude, a new coach and new schemes into Camp Randall. WSU needs one or two big plays – a punt block or a Michael Bumpus scoring punt return, for example – to have any chance at an upset.