| When the Cougars run: WSU just hasn’t been very good on the ground, and even the return of Derrell Hutsona and DeMaundray Woolridge at running back from injuries probably doesn’t give the Cougars a huge boost. Washington’s rushing defense is eighth in the Pac-10, but that’s a reflection on playing from behind, too. EDGE: UW |
| When the Cougars pass: Even if he’s without three of his top receivers in Jason Hill, Michael Bumpus and Chris Jordan, here’s a guess that Alex Brink can still find people to throw to. Brandon Gibson is emerging as a star of the future and potentially the present, while tight ends Cody Boyd and Jed Collins offer reliable targets. Brink needs a big game, but the potential is there for him to have it. EDGE: WSU |
| When the Huskies run: A lot will depend on the Cougars’ health up front on defense, where they expect their top three defensive tackles to return from injuries. But if they’re limited against the Huskies, the visitors are sure to pound the ball between the tackles much like Arizona did two weeks ago against WSU. Washington can win here even if it doesn’t run for big yardage on the day. EDGE: EVEN |
| When the Huskies pass: Carl Bonnell has thrown too many interceptions since taking over at QB, and the Cougars have been adept at picking passes off. The Huskies also don’t have any receivers that strike fear into a defense, so look for Cougars to have a bounce-back effort after playing horribly a week ago. EDGE: WSU |
| Coaching/intangibles: All week long, WSU walked and talked like a team that is uptight and is feeling the pressure. But the Huskies had one of their worst weeks in recent memory, trying to figure out what happened in last week’s loss to Stanford while Tyrone Willingham dealt with the fallout from possible mutiny within his team. At least the Cougars are focused on the right things this week. EDGE: WSU |
| Diet: Wine and cheese or beer and sausage? That seems to be the option when it comes to picking an in-state college football team, and there’s something to be said for both. Far be it for anyone to tell you which way to go … but the guess here is that the edge is very obvious to everyone. EDGE: DEPENDS ON WHICH TEAM YOU LIKE |
