First look

Time: 12:30 p.m. Saturday at Qwest Field in Seattle. TV: FSN

The records (2007): WSU (5-7; 3-6 in Pac-10); Oklahoma State (7-6; 4-4 in Big 12)

Last week: Season opener for both teams

Last time: Washington State won 9-7 in Stillwater in 1952

The line: Oklahoma State by 7

What it means for WSU: It’s obvious. This is Paul Wulff’s first game as the Cougars’ head coach and his team would love to begin on a positive note. But, due to the coaching change, Wulff has spent the past couple weeks lowering expectations, saying he expects WSU will get better as the season goes on. With a new starting quarterback (fifth-year senior Gary Rogers), a new no-huddle offense and a new defensive philosophy, the Cougars will head into Saturday’s game with a lot of hope but not a well-established track record.

What it means for Oklahoma State: The Cowboys, picked to finish fourth in the Big 12 South, think they have a chance to make some noise on the national scene, a la Big 12 mates Kansas and Missouri last season. Winning on the road against a Pac-10 team would be a good way to start. Plus, playing before a big crowd in Seattle will give the Cowboys a chance to prepare for tough non-conference road games at Missouri, Texas and Colorado.

Key matchup: Washington State secondary vs. Oklahoma State passing game

The Cougars seemingly would have three starters back following last season, but the change in the coaching staff meant changes in the secondary. WSU now has no starters returning at the positions they played last season. This might be a good thing, considering WSU yielded 256 passing yards a game, eighth in the Pac-10 and 93rd in the nation. New starters Romeo Pellum (corner) and Myron Beck (free safety) team with returners Alfonso Jackson (corner) and Chima Nwachukwu (strong safety), who traded positions. The Cowboys return seven starters from last year’s offense that averaged 486 yards a game (seventh nationally) and 34.2 points (22nd). That yardage total was split in half between rushing and passing, but, with the graduation of leading rusher Dantrell Savage (1,272 yards) and the return of quarterback Zac Robinson (60.4 percent completions, 2,824 yards, 23 touchdowns and 9 interceptions), wide receiver Dez Bryant (43 catches for 622 yards and 6 touchdowns) and 6-foot-6, 255-pound tight end Brandon Pettigrew (35 catches for 540 and 4 touchdowns), expect OSU to throw the ball more effectively this season.