Jacob Thorpe

PULLMAN – The wildfires that have ravaged Eastern Washington during this abnormally hot and dry summer have been a thorn in Bill Moos’ side. The fires threatened the ranch near Spokane owned by the Washington State athletic director, and he recently took his family to a barn dance that may as well have been held in one of his meat smokers. And now, the fires might threaten his football team’s home opener against the Portland State Vikings. The air quality in Pullman is a real concern, and the Cougars have already moved one practice indoors because the Air Quality Index (AQI) was above 150 – any number higher is considered unhealthy.

Mike Leach talks offensive line, Connor Halliday and walk-ons after practice.

Washington State had a visitor on Tuesday. Treshon Broughton, a highly regarded cornerback recruit, was watching from the sidelines.

Washington State athletic director Bill Moos is exploring options if smoke makes a game in Martin Stadium infeasible.

There was no practice to report on yesterday. But our series of position previews continues.

The varying strengths of Washington State’s defensive linemen mean that assistant coach Joe Salave’a can turn each defensive series into a game of chess.

Isaiah Love, a cornerback from West Covina, California, announced his decision to play football Washington State on Monday afternoon.

The Washington State Cougars practiced indoors on Sunday because of smoke caused by nearby fires. It might not be the last time.

Our position previews continue today with a look at Washington State's linebacker corps.

Washington State moved its hour-long practice indoors because Pullman is filled with smoke.

Washington State’s veteran-laden linebacker corps presents an enviable dilemma to assistant coaches Ken Wilson and Roy Manning: Experience or exceptional athletic ability?

Outside linebacker Derek Moore has reportedly accepted a scholarship offer from Washington State, making him the 11th known member of WSU's 2016 recruiting class.

The Washington State Cougars held a scrimmage during their last publicly open practice of the year.

Saturday's scrimmage featured an emerging running back, good battles at the line of scrimmage and solid quarterback play.

Courtesy of WSU Athletics.

Running backs coach Jim Mastro talks after the WSU scrimmage on Saturday.

Freshman running back discusses his breakout scrimmage and more.

Quarterback Luke Falk talks about WSU's Saturday scrimmage.