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September 6, 2010 in Sports
WSU: First Look at Montana State
Time: 4 p.m. Saturday. TV: FSN alternative
Records: WSU (0-1, 0-0 in Pac-10); Montana State (1-0, 0-0 in Big Sky)
Last week: Washington State lost at Oklahoma State, 65-17; Montana State defeated Fort Lewis College, 59-10
Last time: Washington State defeated Montana State, 53-28, in Pullman in 2001.
The line: None.
What it means for WSU: It may sound trite, but there probably isn’t a bigger game all season for the Cougars. Sure, the Bobcats are just another Big Sky team invited to Pullman for a slaughter, right? Sort of like Portland State in 2008. But this WSU group needs success, no matter what team it comes against. FBS, FCS, Division II, whatever, the Cougars must play well. If they do, the confidence, dealt a tough blow last Saturday, can begin to be rebuilt. The Cougars, who have already lost five players for the season due to injury, can’t afford to have anyone hurt, which is exactly what happened in the rout of PSU two years ago.
What it means for MSU: First and foremost, $375,000. Most FCS schools play one guarantee game against a FBS school like WSU each season to help the athletic budget and for MSU, this one is it. Besides that, the Bobcats, ranked 23rd in this week’s coaches poll, get a chance to post an upset against a Pac-10 school on the road. That goes a long way toward establishing FCS field cred.
Key matchup: Montana State quarterback Denarius McGhee vs. WSU defensive ends Travis Long and Kevin Kooyman.
McGhee, a redshirt freshman who once won 27 consecutive games as a starting quarterback for Trinity High in Euless, Tex., shined in his college debut, connecting on 11 of 17 passes for 178 yards and two touchdowns. And it’s the 5-foot-11, 203-pounder’s feet that give him room to throw. “When Denarius scrambles, Denarius looks to throw,” MSU coach Rob Ash told the Bozeman Chronicle. “He can still run and he will run, but he always keeps his eyes downfield.” If Washington State tackles Brandon Rankin and Bernard Wolfgramm apply pressure up the middle as they are expected to, then McGhee will probably attempt to get outside to throw. That’s where Long and Kooyman come in. They have to keep containment, not getting too far inside. Otherwise, McGhee would have a chance to roam around a while to find an open receiver.
Vince Grippi
Kamiak boys capture State 4A boys golf 
oneanddone on September 06 at 6:23 p.m.
Hey, maybe if they get stuffed by MSU the can book a middle school somewhere. They gotta be able to beat somebody - right?
spokanada on September 06 at 9:47 p.m.
I hate agreeing with you! I keep saying they should align with the Big Sky conference but even that might be wishful thinking.
GaryRCox on September 07 at 10:12 a.m.
Yikes…….it takes the likes of Oklahoma State University (OSU) to put things in perspective as to where Ol’ Wazzu stands in the ranks of College Athletics, eh?
Or do we choose to not remember the 81-29 thrashing Bennett Ball took at OSU prior to the best run of Basketball Wazzu has ever enjoyed began?
It is always darkest just before the dawn and we Cougars whose blood pumps Crimson need to remind ourselves that it was a mere 10 years ago that we were in the Rose Bowl.
Yes the defense was humbled by Kendall Hunter, but I dare say he will humble many defenses this year. The game is still about blocking/tackling and clearly there is room for improvement.
I did see some sembalence of life with Jeff Tuel/Marquess Wilson and a running game which could move the ball (not withstanding the first play fumble and loss of Ricky Galvin).
And lest we overlook what $150 M from T. Boone Pickens can buy, there is hope on the horizon with a PAC-12 expansion, Championship Game, and new TV Contract in this regards.
Bill Moos has a plan and we need to be patient with Paul Wulff, as he inherited a Progam that was devoid of talent/penalty plagued from poor academics.
The future looms bright and we need to wear shades, for from adversity comes greatness.
Go Cougs!
hcamper on September 09 at 9:49 a.m.
I really believe WSU would be a great addition to the Big Sky Conference. They would be very successful, in terms of recruiting, alumni contributions, filling the stadium, enrollment, selling merchandise, etc. Look around Spokane and you’ll see many people with UM / Griz apparel. The success of the UM football team puts alot of money back into the school and Missoula community. While getting to the Rose bowl is an awesome acheivement, it has only happens a couple of times over the last 100 years. A move to the Big Sky could mean playing for national championships - just at a lower level. BTW - Go Griz!