2-minute drill: Portland State at WSU

1 Watch WRs throughout play. Portland State coach Bruce Barnum isn’t above some trickery in his attempts to score on the WSU defense and that includes putting multiple quarterbacks on the field. Additionally, a couple of PSU’s skill-position players on offense used to play QB. Just because a pass has already been thrown or the ball has been handed off or pitched doesn’t mean the receiver or ballcarrier isn’t about to let it rip downfield, so WSU’s defensive backs will need to keep an eye on the receivers until whoever has the ball is beyond the line of scrimmage.

2 Return a kickoff or punt for TD. This game presents an opportunity for WSU’s special teams to gain some confidence and momentum for the rest of the season. Kickoff returner Tavares Martin will be the fastest player on the field; same goes for Kyrin Priester during punts. WSU’s blockers should be able to handle the Vikings’ coverage teams and put together at least one scoring return, ending a nine-year special teams scoring drought.

3 Get up big and early. For this game to really feel like a victory, the Cougars need to soundly defeat their overmatched foe. A safe lead entering the third quarter will allow the Cougars to give backup players experience, getting key players off the field and eliminating the risk of a starter suffering an injury in the first game of the season. A romp would also give the team all-important confidence heading into next week’s game at Rutgers.

4 Play it safe in passing game. PSU coach Barnum noted this week that new starters in the Air Raid have a tendency to throw a lot of interceptions before they become fluent in the offense. While Luke Falk has already made three starts, there is still the danger that he tries to create explosive plays entirely with his arm and has a deep pass or two intercepted. No need for Falk to take dangerous throws in this one; just keep it simple, make safe passes and get out with one more start, and a win, under his belt.