I have to wake up early to catch a 6 a.m. flight to Salt Lake City – where Washington State will meet Utah on Saturday – so let’s make this edition of Cougar mailbag quick.

PULLMAN – Two years ago, in his first season at the helm, coach Kyle Smith turned the Washington State men’s basketball program into a competitive product and revived its fan base.

Eastern Washington’s opponent this weekend, Southern Utah, is kicking off a farewell tour of sorts with Saturday’s game.

Maddie Kemp stepped up in front of the cameras, her persona oozing with confidence.

The Pac-12 compares poorly to its Power Five peers in a slew of metrics.

PULLMAN – Members of Washington State’s football team made a request on multiple occasions during media sessions this week.

During their three-game winning streak to start the season, the Eastern Washington Eagles haven’t had trouble moving the ball, on the ground or through the air.

Washington State at Utah. Cal at Washington. The losers will slide to the periphery of the bowl picture and need five wins in their final eight games to qualify for the postseason.

Washington State’s situation at quarterback has turned into a guessing game.

Gonzaga fans who missed out on Kraziness in the Kennel in 2020, or those wishing to get an early glimpse of freshman Chet Holmgren and the 2021-22 Bulldogs, will be able to get their fix on Oct. 9 when GU’s men’s and women’s basketball teams host their annual preseason exhibition at the McCarthey Athletic Center.

PULLMAN – Nick Rolovich again declined to comment on his status concerning the COVID-19 vaccine a day after a report surfaced online claiming that the Washington State football coach has received the shot.

A quarter of the way through the season, statistical trends are beginning to surface for Washington State’s football team.

Decision on expanding College Football Playoff will affect other key strategic initiatives.

From staff reports

PULLMAN – Jayden de Laura’s availability for Saturday’s game at Utah probably won’t be determined until later this week.

The Oct. 2 matchup between Eastern Washington and Montana will likely have major implications for the Big Sky Conference championship race.

PULLMAN – The Washington State men’s basketball team will hire Derrick Wrobel – who has experience at Arizona State, Cal and St. John’s over the past 20 years – to be the Cougars’ new recruiting coordinator.