WSU at No. 4 Auburn

First look

Time: 4:45 p.m. Saturday TV: ESPN2

The records: This is the season opener for both teams. Washington State went 4-7 last season; Auburn went 9-3.

Last time: The two teams have never met. WSU is 1-5 all-time against current Southeastern Conference teams; Auburn is 4-3 against current Pac-10 teams.

The line: Auburn by 15

What it means for WSU

The Cougars, in addition to burying the memories from 2005, would score themselves an avalanche of national and regional attention if they could pull an upset. Winning in Jordan-Hare Stadium isn’t easy — only six road teams have done it in the past six years. Even if the Cougars don’t win, they can score some points in the minds of fans and casual observers by playing the Tigers tough, since few outside of Pullman expect the Cougars to start the season 1-0. This game also means a big payday for WSU, a seven-figure sum with TV money included.

What it means for Auburn

While the Tigers surely love having a home game on national television to start the season, this one is potentially fraught with danger. The Cougars might be good enough to give the Tigers a scare but a big win doesn’t necessarily prove much for Tommy Tuberville’s team. If Auburn gets into BCS bowl consideration as many expect, having a win against a major-conference foe outside the SEC will help considerably. But a loss could derail the season before it even begins and would certainly set a rabid fan base into panic mode.

Key matchup

Jason Hill vs. David Irons

Hill is one of the nation’s premier wide receivers and Irons may end up being one of the nation’s premier cornerbacks. WSU will have to throw the ball effectively to have a chance, and Hill is the primary focus of that throwing game. Should Irons blanket the wideout, it could be a long day for the Cougar offense. But if Hill gets Irons one-on-one and does damage, the Cougars could get the momentum needed to make this one interesting.

Glenn Kasses