Scouting Report: Stanford At WSU

7:15 p.m., Martin Stadium. TV: FSN.

Offense

Washington State: Look for quarterback Jason Gesser to bring excitement back into Martin Stadium. Look for him to also make some mistakes.

This is only the second collegiate game he has started and a tremendous amount of pressure has been placed on his shoulders. Gesser will also have to overcome an unsteady offensive line and a fierce Stanford pass rush.

The Cougars may be able to catch the Cardinal with some quick hits to the outside and draw plays up the middle with Deon Burnett.

Rest assured Gesser will go up top more than once to 6-foot-5 Marcus Williams and 6-foot-3 Milton Wynn. Both have had strong fall camps and appear ready to go.

Stanford: The Cardinal should keep it on the ground more than they have in the past and with good reason. Sophomore Kerry Carter has the size and strength to go right up the middle against the Cougars.

The passing game will be scaled back because of quarterback Randy Fasani’s inexperience.

Advantage: Stanford

Defense

Washington State: The Cougars’ front four could have trouble containing the Stanford run. Defensive tackle Tai Tupai is starting as a true freshman and defensive end Fred Shavies has never played that position in a game before.

The linebacking corps is solid on the outside with James Price and Raonall Smith, but could be weak up the middle. Champ Simmons, a true sophomore, will have his hands full handling the duties in the middle.

If free safety Lamont Thompson were healthy and playing, the Cougars would have one of the top secondaries in the Pac-10. But the senior is out with a neck injury and replacing him has not been an easy task.

Stanford: The Cardinal could have the best front four in the Pac-10. Led by All-American candidate Willie Howard, these four should be able to push through the inexperienced line of the Cougars.

Riall Johnson is the player to watch among the linebackers. Johnson had five sacks against the Cougars last season and possesses one of the better spin moves WSU blockers will see this season. Beyond Johnson, the linebackers are suspect.

The weakest link for the Cardinal defense is the secondary. Stanford’s cornerbacks do not have the size or strength to match up with Washington State’s receivers.

Advantage: Washington State

Special teams

Washington State: The Cougars have a kicker … maybe. Nick Lambert was given the nod as the starter, but he has looked shaky in the last few practices. Coach Mike Price won’t hesitate to go to backup Anousith Wilaikul.

Curtis Nettles will be back to handle kickoff duties. The sophomore is the fastest player on the Cougars’ roster and one of the fastest in the Pac-10.

Stanford: Kicker Mike Biselli is listed among the preseason candidates for the Lou Groza Award. He was 14 of 17 on field goals, 11 of 11 from inside the 40 last season.

Advantage: Stanford

Overall

Washington State: This is a game the Cougars desperately need. And everyone knows it. If the Cougars lose, most of the fans will lose interest in the team.

Stanford: The Cardinal players say they are going back to the Rose Bowl. The Cougar players said that same thing two years ago. A long, sobering season should start tonight.

Predicted score

Washington State 34, Stanford 31

This sidebar appeared with the story: WSU schedule

Sept. 2 Stanford 7:15 p.m.

Sept. 16 at Utah 5 p.m.

Sept. 23 Idaho 2 p.m.

Sept. 30 at Cal 2:30 p.m.

Oct. 7 Boise St. 2 p.m.

Oct. 14 at Arizona 7 p.m.

Oct. 21 Arizona St. 2 p.m.

Oct. 28 at Oregon St. 1 p.m.

Nov. 4 Oregon 2 p.m.

Nov. 11 at USC 3:30 p.m.

Nov. 18 Washington 2 p.m.

Stanford schedule

Sept. 2 at WSU 7:15 p.m.

Sept. 9 San Jose St. 7 p.m.

Sept. 16 Texas 7:15 p.m.

Sept. 30 Arizona 2 p.m.

Oct. 7 at Notre Dame 10:30 a.m.

Oct. 14 at Oregon St. 1 p.m.

Oct. 21 USC 12:30 p.m.

Oct. 21 Arizona St. 2 p.m.

Oct. 28 Washington 2 p.m.

Nov. 4 at UCLA TBA

Nov. 11 Arizona St 2 p.m.

Nov. 18 at California 12:30 p.m.

Today’s Pac-10 schedule

Nevada at Oregon, 12:30 p.m.

Alabama at UCLA, 12:30 p.m.

Idaho at Washington, 12:30 p.m.

EWU at Oregon St., 3:30 p.m.

Arizona at Utah, 6 p.m.

Stanford at Washington St., 7:15 p.m.