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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

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If you want to stop someone, put your best athletes at the corners

VANDALS, EAGLES

There are always disagreements on how to build an impenetrable college football defense.

But the most common school of thought today is to start with two shutdown corners, add two big run stoppers inside at tackle and then let the other seven guys fly around the field.

Maybe that's why the University of Idaho's Stanley Franks (chasing WSU's Jason Hill in Spokesman-Review photo) is playing cornerback for the Vandals. Jim Meehan examines Franks' journey to Moscow and his journey to the defensive side of the ball.

He may be playing defense, but Franks did have what may be the most important touchdown of the year, a 98-yard interception return near the end of the first half against Utah State.

If you want more info on the Vandals, check Meehan's blog.

New Mexico State visits Moscow on Saturday at 2:05 p.m.

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With Montana coming to Cheney on Saturday (2 p.m.; KSKN), the Eagles know they have to improve their pass rush. EWU has been able to put pressure on the opposing quarterback when it's needed, according to coach Paul Wulff. And when that opposing quarterback is Josh Swogger, pressure becomes imperative.

There's more on Dave Trimmer's Eagle blog.



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Vince Grippi's daily take on all things regional sports has been moved to our main sports section online. You can find a collection of these columns here.