3 things to watch

1

Tight ends’ time is now

With both Jason Hill and Michael Bumpus staying in Pullman instead of traveling to this game, the Cougars find themselves with uncertainties at wide receiver. Fortunately for WSU, it has a pair of tight ends in Cody Boyd and Jed Collins who have proven to be capable pass-catchers.

Last week, however, those two didn’t get very involved in the passing game. That can’t be the case this week if WSU is to have success. Look for a number of two-tight end sets, and see if the Cougars decide that is to be their base offense as the game progresses.

2

Torain train

Arizona State features a running back in junior college transfer Ryan Torain who doesn’t resemble the usual Sun Devils rusher. Torain is a bigger back, which might not seem to fit with Arizona State’s pass-happy offense. But against the Cougars, Torain could do a lot of damage.

Arizona’s Chris Henry, another power back, helped the Wildcats control the clock last week against WSU. This week, the Sun Devils could try to use Torain in a similar fashion.

3

Special starters

The Cougars are planning to play starters on special teams with more regularity than they have thus far in the season. That could help WSU immensely, but it has the potential to backfire. Starters, especially on defense, will need to prove that they have the energy to play 60-70 snaps on defense as well as the workload of as many as three special teams units.