Theo Lawson

Starter Luke Falk was seen wearing a cast when he arrived at the Cougars’ bowl practice Tuesday at Southwestern College and the Cougars’ fourth-year senior starter was careful to keep his left hand in his pocket at bowl events throughout the week.

The Cougars have been hit hard with drama since the their 27-point loss in the Apple Cup, learning first about their head coach’s reported interested in the Tennessee job, then that a pair of talented outside receivers were no longer with the program. Rumors began to swirl about their defensive coordinator’s future in Pullman and the health of Luke Falk became another talking point when the WSU quarterback arrived to Tuesday’s practice in San Diego with a cast covering his non-throwing hand.

Theo Lawson’s keys to a possible WSU victory over Michigan State in the Holliday Bowl.

Another Big Ten challenge will be awaiting the Cougars Thursday at 6 p.m. (FS1) as they gear up for their fourth bowl game in five years.

It takes top-level speed, physical toughness and mental fortitude to thrive as an inside linebacker at Washington State. What it does not take, necessarily, is any sort of experience playing inside linebacker.

WSU’s DC hadn’t spoken with reporters since the week leading into the Nov. 25 Apple Cup despite multiple interview requests from The Spokesman-Review and other entities.

WSU inside receivers coach Dave Nichol reflects on the first few days of bowl practice at Southwestern College.

WSU coach Mike Leach talks about the team’s first few bowl practice and the progress of outside receiver Dezmon Patmon.

WSU inside linebackers coach Ken Wilson talks about preparing for Michigan State and the Holiday Bowl.

WSU outside linebackers coach Roy Manning talks about his playing career at Michigan and the rivalry games against Michigan State.

Both Louisiana natives who found their way to Pullman in 2015, Hunter Dale and Kirkland Parker share a similar upbringing that’s tightened their bond on and off the football field.

The Collegiate Bowl is an all-star game for college football’s top seniors and will give the trio of Cougars an opportunity to showcase their skills in front of a large collection of NFL scouts. The 2018 game is scheduled to air on FS1.

In his third season at WSU, Grinch has transformed the Cougars’ defense. They finished the season ranked 15th nationally in total defense, sixth with 27 turnovers and seventh in tackles-for-loss per game (8.2).

Max Borghi, a running back from Arvada, Colorado, won the Denver Post’s 2017 Gold Helmet Award after leading Pomona to the first 5A state championship in school history. He has committed to play at Washington State.

The super sub squeezed all of his game-high 24 points into that 25-minute span, shooting an efficient 9-of-14 from the field while helping the Cougars climb out of a 17-point hole.

The WSU coach and his assistants got most of their heavy lifting out of the way during the NCAA’s early signing period – which was introduced this year – and on Wednesday the Cougars unveiled a class of 18 players that should help easy any worries about the Air Raid’s future prospects.

Stay up to date with WSU’s class by following The Spokesman-Review’s by-the-minute coverage of the early signing period, complete with live updates, bios and highlight tapes of every signee.

At 9-2, KSU could very well be the most talented team the Cougars have seen during the nonconference season. And all the evidence suggests they’ll certainly be the toughest to score on.

Washington State football coach Mike Leach will be compensated $3.5 million in 2018, $3.75 million in 2019 and $4 million each year from 2020-22. WSU also stuffed a $750,000 retention bonus into the contract if Leach stays past the 2020 season.

Cracraft re-signed with the Broncos practice squad on Monday, exactly two months after the club brought him on board the first time.

December has always been a key month on the recruiting calendar and now it’s an essential one for college football coaches across the FBS landscape.

See how The Spokesman Review’s Theo Lawson voted in this week’s Associated Press Top 25 poll.

WSU guard Viont’e Daniels and forwards Drick Bernstine and Kwinton Hinson talk after the team’s 72-59 win over IUPUI.

WSU men’s basketball coach Ernie Kent talks about the Cougars’ 72-59 victory over IUPUI Saturday at Beasley Coliseum.