Cougars: 3 things to watch

1

Gutted: The Cougars suffered two injuries in the last two weeks to starters on the defensive line, causing some significant problems. Defensive end Matt Mullennix is out for the year and defensive tackle Feveae’i Ahmu is probably out for a few weeks, meaning the Cougars will rely on backups at both positions, especially tonight where rotating defensive linemen will be necessary in the heat and humidity of Alabama. The WSU staff, and the careful viewer, must keep a close eye on how these players are holding up against a stout Auburn rushing attack.

2

Who’s No. 2? WSU will, of course, try to get the ball to star wideout Jason Hill early and often. But Auburn will send top cornerback David Irons, and likely a host of other defenders, that way. That means the Cougars’ other four pass-catching threats – Cody Boyd, Michael Bumpus, Brandon Gibson and Chris Jordan – must come through with a big game for quarterback Alex Brink.

3

First-quarter fury: If WSU is going to pull off an upset, or even hang with the No. 4 team in the nation, it’ll almost certainly have to put points on the board early despite going up against a hostile crowd. Auburn with a lead at halftime, or even in the second quarter, will spell bad news for WSU. Sure, the Cougars can throw it, but if the Tigers get a lead they’ll likely pound WSU into the ground as the game goes on.

The Cougars will have to be near perfect, and in a hurry.