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

SportsLink

WSU football chat (transcript)

Sep 30 2015, 11:00 AM

Guest269 (guest): Over/under on how many times the Pac-12 Network mentions last year's game during Saturday's game?

Sep 30 2015, 11:01 AM

srchat: At least 45 and certainly not more than 6,545. The references will be dictated by the action. If there is a lot of scoring, then they'll refer to last year's scoring/records incessantly. If there isn't much action, then they'll refer to last year's scoring/records incessantly to fill air time.

Sep 30 2015, 11:01 AM

CougBing (guest): I keep seeing CJ Dimiry not participating. Are we going to see him in a game this year? His size would be great in the red zone where we struggle.

Sep 30 2015, 11:01 AM

srchat: I don't expect to see Dimry play this season.

Sep 30 2015, 11:02 AM

Jonthecoug: Where was Lemora vs Wyoming? I figured he would play nickel with Dotson not being able to go. Is he just behind Henry?

Sep 30 2015, 11:02 AM

srchat: Lemora has been behind Henry for awhile now. Although, I did see him get a couple opportunities with the ones yesterday, so he may be making a move back up the depth chart.

Sep 30 2015, 11:02 AM

CougBing (guest): Last couple practices have the D winning over the O. Should we be worried?

Sep 30 2015, 11:04 AM

srchat: Well, the defense looked better than the offense against Wyoming. I think it's fair to say the defense has been a little ahead of the offense recently. If that's because the offense is poor then yes, worry, but the defense being ahead is inherently worrisome.

Sep 30 2015, 11:04 AM

Guest4821 (guest): Do you think cal being favored by 19 is a good line? Seems a little high to me

Sep 30 2015, 11:05 AM

srchat: If if gets people to bet evenly on both sides so that the casinos are guaranteed to win, it's a good line. And don't forget, it has moved significantly since it opened, meaning it's a line that is informed by people's bets. That said, I certainly won't be picking Cal to win by 19+.

Sep 30 2015, 11:06 AM

GuestAbroad (guest): To what do you attribute the offensive struggles? Line play?

Sep 30 2015, 11:07 AM

srchat: I think the line has played pretty well. The offense as a whole seems to have trouble getting in sync and there still seems to be miscommunication, not necessarily pre-snap, but during plays.

Sep 30 2015, 11:07 AM

Guest4821 (guest): Thanks! About your practice notes last night, how many scholarship QBs do most schools carry on the roster?

Sep 30 2015, 11:08 AM

srchat: At least four and often five. Ideally, you want to bring in one scholarship QB per recruiting class.

Sep 30 2015, 11:09 AM

CougBing (guest): Not seeing much at all from the H so far. Is it talent?

Sep 30 2015, 11:11 AM

srchat: Not necessarily. I still expect Robert Lewis to factor in heavily this year and he had a couple key catches to extend drives against Wyoming. H was by far the least targeted receiver position last year as well, with two X receivers, the Y receiver, Z receiver and a RB all getting more receptions than Rickey Galvin.

Sep 30 2015, 11:11 AM

Guest4821 (guest): Do you expect to see any fights outside of the stadium on Saturday?

Sep 30 2015, 11:11 AM

srchat: That depends, are you making the trip?

Sep 30 2015, 11:12 AM

Guest4821 (guest): No but I wish I was

Sep 30 2015, 11:12 AM

Guest9747 (guest): Do you think WSU needs to bring in more than one qb per class to solve this issue? I always was confused by both Apodaca and Bruggman transferring?

Sep 30 2015, 11:13 AM

srchat: No, none of the QBs graduate this year. Assuming nobody transfers out, the Cougars will have four scholarship QBs on the roster next year. I expect that to help the scout team immensely.

Sep 30 2015, 11:16 AM

kylegoon: Who in the Pac-12 is the most handsome, most intelligent and most witty beat reporter you've met? Outside of Andrew Greif, though?

Sep 30 2015, 11:17 AM

srchat: There's this reporter who covers the Utes for the Salt Lake Tribune. He's funny, charming, the ultimate bon vivant. When he walks into a room, writers who are typically crusty and jaded light up. Cheerleaders want him and quarterbacks want to be him. His name is Matthew Piper.

Sep 30 2015, 11:17 AM

Guest1711 (guest): Will Broughton see some playing time this week?

Sep 30 2015, 11:18 AM

srchat: He saw some against Wyoming so I definitely expect him to play against Cal.

Sep 30 2015, 11:18 AM

GuestAbroad (guest): Barring injury, do you see Bender getting much PT this year? There isn't much garbage time left on the schedule.

Sep 30 2015, 11:19 AM

srchat: I don't he'll get much unless there is an injury for that reason. Unless the Cougars can run away from OSU or another team, I doubt Bender will play much.

Sep 30 2015, 11:19 AM

Guest9747 (guest): WSU releases uni combo voting today, what would you choose? (number reading aside)

Sep 30 2015, 11:20 AM

srchat: I think Daniel Ekuale looks pretty fresh with the white helmet, crimson jersey and gray pants. Vote No. 11!

Sep 30 2015, 11:20 AM

CougBing (guest): I like seeing Hercules on the field. He getting any time with the 1's?

Sep 30 2015, 11:21 AM

srchat: He usually gets a bit during practice. I could see him being a big factor this week because Cal seemed pretty susceptible to a good pass rush against UW and really, that's the only way to throw off Goff.

Sep 30 2015, 11:21 AM

Guest269 (guest): I seem to recall Baker Mayfield being on WSU's radar a few years ago. Do you know of any other recruits, QBs or otherwise, that went elsewhere so we can play a game of "What if?"

Sep 30 2015, 11:23 AM

srchat: Well, I think Jonathan Stewart (Oly's finest) considered WSU pretty strongly. There's the whole Bishop Sankey dealio. Austin Joyner at UW and Brett Rypien at Boise State are guys from last year's class WSU had a shot at and would love to have landed. That linebacker at Oregon from Steilacoom. It sure seems like WSU should have paid more attention to Austin Rehkow, the Idaho punter.

Sep 30 2015, 11:28 AM

Guest269 (guest): With Pullman being a small town, how often do you run into the players you cover? Any awkward moments? TMZ-style run-ins?

Sep 30 2015, 11:29 AM

srchat: It's basically impossible not to see players and coaches at the local grocery stores or opium dens. I try not to frequent the same nighttime establishments as the players so they can have their space and have fun without worrying about that snoopy reporter in the corner.

Sep 30 2015, 11:31 AM

Guest6176 (guest): What are the keys to WSU's success this weekend?

Sep 30 2015, 11:32 AM

srchat: I think they need at least two takeaways, they have to put up at least 35 points and no special teams touchdowns.

Sep 30 2015, 11:32 AM

Jonthecoug: Do you expect another shootout like we saw last year where the first team to 60 wins?

Sep 30 2015, 11:32 AM

srchat: I don't expect the game to be that high scoring. I think a combined score between 75-85 seems about right.

Sep 30 2015, 11:32 AM

Guest6176 (guest): If they count all of our touchdowns this year then we might have a shot.

Sep 30 2015, 11:33 AM

srchat: If WSU scores touchdowns and doesn't get credit for them I don't give the Cougars much of a shot.

Sep 30 2015, 11:36 AM

Guest4821 (guest): Do you know if they give the players chocolate milk after practice/workouts?

Sep 30 2015, 11:36 AM

srchat: WSU is more of a smoothie school.

Sep 30 2015, 11:36 AM

Guest3500 (guest): Will Hunter Dale's role be increasing? If so, how much how fast? As far as you can tell

Sep 30 2015, 11:37 AM

srchat: He just played in his first game so it's certainly increasing, and I expect it will continue to. He'll be a backup safety going forward and I think they'll increase his snaps steadily and see what he does with them.

Sep 30 2015, 11:37 AM

Jonthecoug: Do you think WSU completely takes Trevor Davis out of the return game by not kicking to him? I sure hope so.

Sep 30 2015, 11:37 AM

srchat: I would imagine there will be some creative ways to keep the ball away from Davis. Of course, like we saw against Rutgers, that can be easier said than done.

Sep 30 2015, 11:38 AM

Guest3500 (guest): So no starts for dale this season?

Sep 30 2015, 11:39 AM

srchat: I haven't seen that from him yet. But it's still so early in his career. At any time he could have a breakout game, show stuff we've never seen in terms of skill and ability and claim a starting spot.

Sep 30 2015, 11:39 AM

Jonthecoug: You seem to be impressed with Hilinski lately. It's early but any chance he takes the backup job next year?

Sep 30 2015, 11:40 AM

srchat: I'm starting to think there's a chance of that. Hilinski has a similar skill set to bender and I haven't felt that Bender has played particularly well the last couple weeks. If Hilinksi keeps improving at a high rate and Bender doesn't respond by similarly improving, I could see Hilinksi moving up the depth chart next year.

Sep 30 2015, 11:40 AM

Guest3500 (guest): How many rushing yards do you think cal will get?

Sep 30 2015, 11:41 AM

srchat: I imagine 150 or more. They've got a physical, strong back in Enewere and a couple speed guys who will probably get an explosive run or two.

Sep 30 2015, 11:42 AM

Guest3500 (guest): How's there o line?

Sep 30 2015, 11:42 AM

srchat: Didn't look very good at all in the UW game, at least in pass protection.

Sep 30 2015, 11:44 AM

Guest4821 (guest): What's your way too early prediction for the Pac 12 championship game?

Sep 30 2015, 11:45 AM

srchat: UCLA finally takes down Stanford. Afterward Jim Mora gripes about how the Cardinal converted on too many third downs.

Sep 30 2015, 11:46 AM

Jonthecoug: I feel like Dom is due for a breakout game. He seems a bit quiet this year.

Sep 30 2015, 11:46 AM

srchat: Does he? He's on pace for 12 touchdown catches. I guess I expected one or two more receptions and maybe 25 more yards per game, but he's been a playmaker.

Sep 30 2015, 11:46 AM

Guest6176 (guest): Was the Cal defense that good or is UW just worse than last year?

Sep 30 2015, 11:47 AM

srchat: I didn't think the Cal defense was "five turnovers" good and the UW QB, freshman Jake Browning, is still figuring a lot of things out. But I do think Cal's defense has improved since last year.

Sep 30 2015, 11:47 AM

Guest4821 (guest): Hahaha thanks

Sep 30 2015, 11:48 AM

Guest3500 (guest): I'm calling a breakout game from our d line, and a 45-35 victory! Go cougs!

Sep 30 2015, 11:48 AM

Guest6285 (guest): Do you see a need for Falk to play a little more 'fast and loose' to open up the offense?

Sep 30 2015, 11:49 AM

srchat: In my opinion that would help. However, it's important to point out that Falk has been able to throw just one interception in three games and that would probably not be true if he'd been playing less conservatively. Against PSU I think he definitely should have have been more aggressive. I'm not sure that's the right play against Rutgers, though.

Sep 30 2015, 11:50 AM

Jonthecoug: Who are some of the redshirting freshmen who are standing out in practice? Williams?

Sep 30 2015, 11:50 AM

srchat: Definitely Williams and the offensive linemen are all impressive physically, albeit still raw.

Sep 30 2015, 11:51 AM

Guest3500 (guest): Expecting a recruiting drop off?

Sep 30 2015, 11:52 AM

srchat: This year's class doesn't have the four stars that last year's did around the same time, so one could read that as a recruiting drop-off. However, so many of those kids decommitted, it may just be a shift in the staff's priorities to players they're sure will stick with their commitments.

Sep 30 2015, 11:55 AM

GuestAbroad (guest): Going back to the question from Guest6285, do you see Falk checking-down frequently in practice as opposed to taking a shot downfield to a receiver that may or may not be open?

Sep 30 2015, 11:56 AM

srchat: I'd say he takes a few more shots in practice.

Sep 30 2015, 11:59 AM

Guest3500 (guest): Which 4*'s decommitted?

Sep 30 2015, 12:00 PM

srchat: Kyahva Tezino, Austin Joyner, Dominic Davis, Deontay Burnett, Dahu Green and Taeon Mason were all highly-recruited players that committed to WSU then went elsewhere.

Sep 30 2015, 12:01 PM

Guest6 (guest): Is Marks 100%?

Sep 30 2015, 12:01 PM

srchat: I think so.

Sep 30 2015, 12:01 PM

Guest6176 (guest): Between Sonny and Michael do you think we got the wrong guy?

Sep 30 2015, 12:01 PM

srchat: I think Leach was the more impressive hire. But it's hard not to be impressed with the way Dykes has gone from 1-11 to 5-7 to 4-0.

Sep 30 2015, 12:01 PM

Guest3500 (guest): Text no academic?

Sep 30 2015, 12:02 PM

srchat: What?

Sep 30 2015, 12:02 PM

GuestAbroad (guest): Successfully?

Sep 30 2015, 12:02 PM

srchat: Yes, Falk is pretty accurate on his deep throws in practice.

Sep 30 2015, 12:03 PM

Guest6176 (guest): Maybe Dykes was the brains of the operation the whole time as the OC.

Sep 30 2015, 12:03 PM

srchat: Dykes was only an OC at TTU for two years, right in the middle of Leach's tenure, so that wouldn't really make sense.

Sep 30 2015, 12:05 PM

Guest3500 (guest): Lol, sorry, don't know what happened there. Was tezino academic fallout?

Sep 30 2015, 12:05 PM

srchat: No, he's on the roster at San Diego State so he's academically qualified.

Sep 30 2015, 12:05 PM

rg84 (guest): Or Sonny inherited way more talent

Sep 30 2015, 12:08 PM

srchat: Maybe, but with Deone Bucannon, Jake Rodgers, Jeff Tuel, Marquess Wilson, Travis Long, Xavier Cooper and John Fullington all getting NFL looks, I don't think the cupboard was quite as bare as people like to say.

Sep 30 2015, 12:10 PM

Guest2703 (guest): Do you see tapa cracking first defense?do you think he is good enough to play there?

Sep 30 2015, 12:10 PM

srchat: I think he'll be a multi-year starter in the middle of the defense. I'm not sure his conditioning is quite there yet, but they'll play him as much as they can.

Sep 30 2015, 12:12 PM

Guest3500 (guest): And is Kyle sweet not as good as thought? How's he been doing?

Sep 30 2015, 12:12 PM

srchat: He's doing fine. It's a tough group of receivers for a freshman to break into.

Sep 30 2015, 12:14 PM

srchat: Alright, that's our live chat everybody. Thanks for dropping by, the full transcript will be available shortly.

 



Jacob Thorpe
Jacob Thorpe joined The Spokesman-Review in 2013. He currently is a reporter for the Sports Desk covering Washington State University athletics.

Follow Jacob online:






Looking for a Grip on Sports?

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.