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WSU football live chat recap: Cougars gear up for pivotal Apple Cup

Nov 22, 10:01 AM srchat (Admin): Hello! Thanks for joining me this week. I’m ready to be pelted with Apple Cup questions and already see a number in the queue, so we’ll get going. Nov 22, 10:01 AM Guest2336 (Guest): I’m feeling more confident in a Coug Apple Cup win than I have in awhile. Is that confidence justified? Nov 22, 10:02 AM srchat (Admin): I think so. Regardless of what’s happened in the past, I do believe this is as even as these two teams have been since Leach took over. WSU’s offense was always there, now the defense is catching up. Nov 22, 10:02 AM Go Cougs (Guest): In the past few weeks Stanford and Utah have had success throwing the ball against UW. Does the Air Raid finally show up in the Apple Cup this year? Nov 22, 10:04 AM srchat (Admin): Watching the Utah game, it felt like UW’s corners were especially at a mismatch much of the time. WSU doesn’t lack strength or size on the outside, Luke just has to trust those guys to win the 50/50 balls and not get tight. Nov 22, 10:04 AM Uncle Larry (Guest): Thanks for the shout out on Twitter last week! Still awaiting my gift card. Being Thanksgiving give it to someone who needs it more than me. Nov 22, 10:04 AM srchat (Admin): You’re a saint, Larry! Nov 22, 10:04 AM Cougs27Dawgs21 (Guest): Do we know the uniform combo yet for the apple cup? Nov 22, 10:05 AM srchat (Admin): I believe they reveal that at noon today… Anyone want to make any guesses? Nov 22, 10:05 AM Uncle Larry (Guest): Icey Whites! Nov 22, 10:07 AM Harvey__Road: All Crimson Nov 22, 10:07 AM Uncle Larry (Guest): UW will wear their black uniforms cause black is a Husky color. Nov 22, 10:07 AM Cougs27Dawgs21 (Guest): I do love the Icey Whites! IF the cougs can pull it off, do you think it will be an offensive win or a defensive win? Nov 22, 10:09 AM srchat (Admin): I think it’ll have to be a combination of both. Defense certainly has to shut down Myles Gaskin, but it’s hard to see them winning a game in which Falk doesn’t play well. Nov 22, 10:09 AM Guest9457 (Guest): What do you think of the national rankings? Mike Leach is correct that the playoffs should include a minimum of 16 teams. The way it is now, it is not a national championship. It is a tournament champion of four teams that are invited to the tournament by a select few people. All of the “experts” can’t even agree on who the four best teams in the nation are. Nov 22, 10:10 AM srchat (Admin): I’d love to see them explore a 16-team playoff. Leach has also lobbied for 32 and his master plan is 64. Those don’t seem practical, but I do think it’s imperative to reward every conference champion. I’d be okay with eight… Nov 22, 10:10 AM Guest6805 (Guest): I’m still keeping my fingers crossed for the script on the helmets Nov 22, 10:11 AM Uncle Larry (Guest): I know UW is down a LT but what does the rest of that OL look like? And can Herc cause some havoc there? Nov 22, 10:13 AM srchat (Admin): Minus Trey Adams, that’s still a stout group. Gaskin’s had a few of his best games lately. On the other hand, feels like Jake Browning’s been scrambling more than usual. Yeah, at this point I feel confident in Herc being able to cause havoc against just about anyone he plays. That said, I’d expect this will be a tougher test than Utah. Nov 22, 10:13 AM socalcoug (Guest): Weather looks like rain and light wind. Do you expect nastier than that? Nov 22, 10:14 AM srchat (Admin): Never know with Seattle and the wind coming off that lake can make conditions worse than usual. Then again, I don’t see it being any worse than the Colorado game in Pullman a few weeks back. Cougs were fine in that game - not great, but fine. Nov 22, 10:15 AM Uncle Larry (Guest): Best Apple Cup joke? Nov 22, 10:16 AM srchat (Admin): Some of you probably know Britton Ransford. I enjoyed his mock SportsCenter screen quite a bit. https://twitter.com/bkransford/status/933208996147748864 Nov 22, 10:16 AM socalcoug (Guest): I am for expanding playoffs but knock a couple games off regular season. Too many games for college. Thoughts? Nov 22, 10:18 AM srchat (Admin): I’m OK with the length of the season - though I think everyone should play the same number of conference games. But … if you were to use a 16 or 32-team format, you’d probably have to chop off a game or two. Nov 22, 10:18 AM Krenz for Prez (Guest): You think Krenz has been simulating Gaskin on the scout team this week? Similar build, but Krenz would smash that umpa lumpa in hand to hand combat! Nov 22, 10:20 AM srchat (Admin): Lol Nov 22, 10:20 AM socalcoug (Guest): What will we do on punts this week with what UW has for a return guy? Nov 22, 10:22 AM srchat (Admin): I’m planning to catch up with Eric Mele today. Erik Powell gives them a little more hang time and you’d think that’d be advantageous with a guy like Pettis back there. Then again, maybe he’s not so used to fielding the rugby style punts. Nov 22, 10:22 AM Cougs27Dawgs21 (Guest): It seems that all the QB recruits that Leach & Co are going after/have on roster, are a little bit more mobile than Falk. Most are still pocket passers, but Hilinski, Neville, Cooper all seem to be decently mobile. I think a QB that has the ability to run when the backers drop back will be extremely huge for the offense. What are your thoughts on if they ever look for running ability in a QB and if/how that will impact the offense? Nov 22, 10:25 AM srchat (Admin): I’m not sure it’s ever been a trait they’ve been hunting for, but you certainly saw what it does for the offense in that Arizona game. Seems to me most QBs are athletic enough as it is these days, so you’re more likely to stumble on someone with Hilinski’s mobility rather than Falk’s. Nov 22, 10:25 AM Uncle Larry (Guest): Apple Cup just isn’t what it once was after Leach took over. His mantra of no one game is bigger than any other took some spunk out of the Apple Cup. Also the bar has been raised and the Cougs are no longer looking at beating UW in the Apple Cup as the seasons goal. Nov 22, 10:26 AM srchat (Admin): And it feels like Chris Petersen has used the same tact. But don’t worry, this still means plenty to the players. Nov 22, 10:26 AM Guest6805 (Guest): TD’s every drive, no punts Nov 22, 10:26 AM srchat (Admin): That’s a bold strategy. Nov 22, 10:27 AM socalcoug (Guest): What is the over under on a 10 yard punt? Nov 22, 10:27 AM srchat (Admin): Strong wind, rain showers … It wouldn’t shock me. Nov 22, 10:28 AM Guest3689 (Guest): I think playoff talk is for sometime in the future! Maybe when Cooper is QB? For me I want 9 TDs Saturday. Six pass, two rush and one special team. BEAT the DAWGS!!!!! Nov 22, 10:28 AM srchat (Admin): Who scores the special teams TD? Nov 22, 10:28 AM Cougs27Dawgs21 (Guest): If “blank” on offense (besides Falk) has a big game, we have a good chance of winning? Nov 22, 10:28 AM srchat (Admin): Jamal Morrow. Nov 22, 10:28 AM Guest6784 (Guest): Morrow and Wicks good to go ? Nov 22, 10:28 AM srchat (Admin): No reason to believe Morrow wouldn’t be. Not as sure on Wicks. Nov 22, 10:29 AM Uncle Larry (Guest): How many trick plays has Petersen run this year? Has he been a bit more conservative with them now that he has better talent and doesn’t need to rely on them? Something the Cougs should look out for? Nov 22, 10:30 AM srchat (Admin): Haven’t seen many of their games, but he did pull one out against Utah. Well, Wildcat formation, not sure if that qualifies. It does give that offense another dimension and something you always have to be on the look out for. Nov 22, 10:31 AM Cougs27Dawgs21 (Guest): Morrow was my answer as well! Any change Lewis or Pelluer come back with a medical redshirt somehow? I saw an article about Pelluer potentially being able to Nov 22, 10:32 AM srchat (Admin): It doesn’t seem likely. They’d need to prove they missed their initial season (which both redshirted) for reasons beyond their control. Nov 22, 10:32 AM Guest3689 (Guest): Short kickoff due to wind. Calvin scores!!! Nov 22, 10:32 AM socalcoug (Guest): Cougs leaving today or tomorrow for Seattle? Nov 22, 10:33 AM srchat (Admin): Leaving Friday afternoon, per usual for a Saturday game. Spending Thanksgiving at Zeppozo. Nov 22, 10:33 AM srchat (Admin): Zeppoz* Nov 22, 10:33 AM Guest1395 (Guest): Lake running his mouth the last couple years is certainly irritating, but their defense really has proven him right. What exactly do they do that is so effective against the Air Raid? Nov 22, 10:35 AM srchat (Admin): I know he was pretty complimentary of the offense yesterday. I can only speak to last year’s game. It felt like the Cougars weren’t prepared for their physicality. Hit them in the mouth early and kind of imposed their will throughout the game. Nov 22, 10:35 AM Guest6784 (Guest): I know the past history but lets remember a few things, luke was freshman when faced a husky d that has at least 7 guys in the nfl, then it was the peyton, last year out of control early with morrows fumble and lets remember ross was drwaring dt’s and freed up petting, this is a senior laden team, with some 5th year senior, whole different deal on defense and phelps is not getting enough credit, I see cougs stonewalling gaskin and being all over jake,,,Cougs 28 mutts 17 Nov 22, 10:35 AM Uncle Larry (Guest): How is Ernie Kent 4 -0 with no post play? Nov 22, 10:36 AM srchat (Admin): I think post play is a bit overrated in this day and age of college hoops. And NBA hoops, too… The Cougs can shoot. That’ll get them far this year if they can do it consistently. Nov 22, 10:36 AM Cougs27Dawgs21 (Guest): I am not sure if you do a lot of research into their recruiting class, but if you had to pick a potential impact player as a true freshman, who would you pick? Nov 22, 10:38 AM srchat (Admin): Even with all their depth, I see one of the two WR commits - Drue Jackson or Rodrick Fisher - making some sort of impact next year. Nov 22, 10:38 AM Guest665 (Guest): For the Cougs to win, how many QB sacks do they need? Nov 22, 10:39 AM srchat (Admin): They’re after QB pressures more than they are sacks. I won’t put a number on it, but if they can get into the backfield even half as much as they did vs. Utah, they’ll be in good shape. Nov 22, 10:39 AM socalcoug (Guest): What is the rule on bands playing between plays? When do they need to stop? Seems like some push it even when QB is over the ball. Nov 22, 10:39 AM srchat (Admin): Honestly, I couldn’t tell you. Nov 22, 10:40 AM Guest1395 (Guest): It seems like the last two years in the AC the Cougs panicked early on and then the tide just sort of crushed them. With all of the “slow starts” this year and some very tough, tight games (USC, Stanford, Utah) they have battled through and overcome, do you expect this years team to deal with possible early adversity in the AC better? Nov 22, 10:42 AM srchat (Admin): I think it’ll be key to get off to a quick start. If they don’t, you’re right, it’s a veteran team that might not panic quite so much in that situation. Even if the offense isn’t hitting, I think the defense plays well enough to keep them competitive until the end. Nov 22, 10:42 AM Cougs27Dawgs21 (Guest): I do not know if it is right away but I am excited for Max Borghi.. also are there a couple of players coming off of redshirt that could be impact players next year? Nov 22, 10:43 AM srchat (Admin): They love Fa’vae Fa’vae at linebacker and Travell Harris at WR. Also see Harris playing a role in the return game. Nov 22, 10:43 AM socalcoug (Guest): What bowl do the Huskies get when they lose? Nov 22, 10:46 AM srchat (Admin): Seems like it would either be the Foster Farms or Alamo. Nov 22, 10:46 AM Uncle Larry (Guest): Will that chat continue every Wed until the bowl game? Nov 22, 10:47 AM srchat (Admin): To be determined. I’ll certainly have one next week if the Cougars get the right result this weekend. Nov 22, 10:48 AM Guest665 (Guest): Will the PAC-12 Championship game be moved to Las Vegas? They just broke ground for the new stadium. Nov 22, 10:49 AM srchat (Admin): I believe it’s being considered. I’d be an advocate. Been to the Pac-12 hoops tourney for the last 5 years and it feels like that’s been a major success. Nov 22, 10:49 AM Guest1395 (Guest): I’ve seen a rumor or two about Peterson being a possible replacement for Carroll when he decides to retire. Possible? Nov 22, 10:50 AM srchat (Admin): Would seem to be a natural move. Nov 22, 10:50 AM socalcoug (Guest): Does our band go to AC? It floors me when I see SC band in Pullman. Nov 22, 10:51 AM srchat (Admin): Good question. I’ll let you know Saturday. Nov 22, 10:51 AM Uncle Larry (Guest): Any feeling/statement/indication on how bad Falk wants to beat UW? Nov 22, 10:52 AM srchat (Admin): I think he wants it more than he’ll ever let on. During a teleconference last week, he said the game two years ago in Seattle “was one of the hardest days.” Nov 22, 10:52 AM Cougs27Dawgs21 (Guest): What do you predict the cougars record to be next year? Nov 22, 10:53 AM srchat (Admin): Oh boy… I’ll go conservative and say 8-4. New QB and you’re replacing 60% of that O-line. Nov 22, 10:53 AM Guest1395 (Guest): Thoughts on Chip Kelly to UCLA? Nov 22, 10:54 AM srchat (Admin): Chip Kelly recruiting LA? Sounds dangerous for the rest of the Pac-12. Nov 22, 10:54 AM socalcoug (Guest): Band questions seem to catch you unawares? You need an assistant. Nov 22, 10:55 AM srchat (Admin): Clearly something I need to brush up on before our next chat. And what’s even worse, I was in middle school/HS band for three years… Nov 22, 10:56 AM srchat (Admin): Any final questions before I sign off? I’m making the drive over tonight. Anyone know what the pass looks like? Nov 22, 10:56 AM socalcoug (Guest): Band Camp!!!!Just messing with you. Nov 22, 10:56 AM srchat (Admin): Ha! Nov 22, 10:56 AM Uncle Larry (Guest): What did you play in band? Nov 22, 10:56 AM srchat (Admin): Baritone! Nov 22, 10:59 AM Uncle Larry (Guest): Bare and wet! It is 65F over here! Nov 22, 10:59 AM Krenz for Prez (Guest): It bare and wet, supposed to hit 60 degrees in Seattle today. Going to be on fire over here just like Krenz in the slot next year! Remember the name! Nov 22, 10:59 AM srchat (Admin): Good to know, I haven’t put the snow tires on yet. Oops. Nov 22, 11:00 AM srchat (Admin): Alright, thanks to everyone who joined. Continue to follow our coverage of the Apple Cup at http://www.spokesman.com/wsu-football/. We’ll be back next week with a Cougar win. We might be back anyway. Happy Thanksgiving/Apple Cup week.