| When the Cougars run: The Vandals have had to face two markedly different offensive schemes – USC’s pro set and Cal Poly’s option-based attack – but both have moved the ball on the ground. The Cougars’ Dwight Tardy is quietly averaging 97.5 yards a game rushing, taking advantage of lanes opened up front by a stronger-than-expected offensive line. EDGE: WSU |
| When the Cougars pass: Washington State has one of the better passing attacks in the nation, led by senior quarterback Alex Brink and a deep corps of receivers. The Vandals’ secondary may be their best unit with safety Shiloh Keo and cornerback Stanley Franks leading an experienced group. EDGE: WSU |
| When the Vandals run: Freshman Deonte’ Jackson is averaging 156.5 yards a game, including 99 against an USC defense that is widely considered one of the best in the nation. But the Cougars have yielded yards on the ground grudgingly, with their opponents averaging less the 150 a game. Even though WSU will make this a priority, Jackson and company will be tough to stop. EDGE: IDAHO |
| When the Vandals pass: The Cougars’ secondary came of age a little bit last Saturday, with the cornerbacks playing more aggressively as the game went on and the safeties, with help from the linebackers, shutting down the middle even without captain Husain Abdullah. Vandals redshirt freshman quarterback Nathan Enderle, has struggled, completing less than 50 percent of his passes. EDGE: WSU |
| Coaching/intangibles: With former WSU defensive coordinator Robb Akey moving across the border – taking assistants Al Genatone and Patrick Libey with him – the Vandals’ coaching staff knows many of the Cougar’ strengths and weaknesses intimately. Plus, with USC and Pac-10 play coming up next week, the Cougars could be looking down the road a little. EDGE: IDAHO |
| Highways: With State Highway 270 still a mess on the Washington side of the border and Idaho Highway 8 finished around the Palouse Empire Mall, this is no contest. The smooth sailing drivers have when leaving the Kibbie Dome heading west ends at the state line – and will for a while longer. EDGE: IDAHO |
