Answers to the morning’s question
We received two comments after the Battle of the Palouse, and both made some decent points.
Jimmy understands why both sides would want to take a hiatus in the rivalry. He's right, the games do to seem to be pretty similar, though I think that will change if Dennis stays in Idaho. The Vandals will improve as Erickson recruits more players better able to play the game the way he wants it played.
A better reason to discontinue the yearly nature of the rivalry is how chippy Saturday's game got after it was out of hand. The little cheap shots, the talking, the penalties – all children of a too-familiar rivalry. Take some time, play once every three years, and each class at each school will get a chance to face their neighbor at least once.
Jimmy also liked the passing game and how it featured someone other than Jason Hill. There were two stories today (in Tacoma and in Vancouver) that focused on Chris Jordan, if you're interested. If the Cougs' four receivers (Hill, Jordan, Michael Bumpus and Cody Boyd) stay healthy, Alex Brink's life will be better.
That brings us to Jim H's comments. I agree, the Cougs are going to struggle to have a winning season, though I see 5-7 more likely than 4-8 as Jim thinks. But I don't agree with is comments that Brink is a jinx. The Cougar coaching staff sees their quarterback corps every day at practice. They dissect game video. They run meetings. They are in the best position to know who the best player is in the most important position on a football team.
Can Brink play better? Sure. Does Gary Rogers have talent? Sure. Do the Cougar coaches want to win? That one is an emphatic sure. So wouldn't they want to put the best player on the field right now that they believe will help them win right now? Sure.
That's it for Sunday's question. We will post Monday's question soon.