First look: WSU vs. Baylor

Tue., Sept. 12, 2006

The Spokesman-Review

Time: 2 p.m. Saturday. No TV

The records: Baylor (1-1, 0-0 Big 12); WSU (1-1, 0-0 Pac-10).

Last week: Baylor defeated Division I-AA Northwestern State 47-10 at home; WSU defeated Idaho 56-10 at home.

Last time: WSU is 1-3 all-time against Baylor but won the last meeting, 10-3, in the 1994 Alamo Bowl. Running back Kevin Hicks scored the game’s lone touchdown on a one-yard run in the first quarter, and the Cougars defense held the Bears to 151 yards of total offense.

The line: WSU by 13 1/2

What it means for Baylor: The Bears are still trying to adjust to a new offensive system, so any progress is good for Baylor. Things won’t be easy once the Big 12 season starts, so it’s vital for Guy Morriss’ club to generate as much early momentum as possible this fall. A road win for the Bears would be a big confidence builder after they were unable to defeat TCU in a close game to start the season.

What it means for WSU: The Cougars need to sustain the momentum they gained with the easy win against Idaho, and Baylor should provide a slightly tougher test than they saw last weekend. With the Pac-10 going to its full round-robin schedule this season, this will be the final non-conference game for WSU. More than likely, this game will be the first fair test for WSU, after being overwhelmed at Auburn and then overwhelming Idaho. It appears the Cougars should be healthier coming into this game, too, with X-rays on tight end Cody Boyd’s hand coming up negative after the Idaho game.

Key matchup: Lee Hays vs. Robb Akey

Baylor’s offensive coordinator and WSU’s defensive coordinator will play a huge role in the chess game from the sidelines. Hays has brought a wide-open passing attack to Baylor in his first season, and it’ll be up to Akey to formulate a game plan to keep that offensive attack in check. Baylor hasn’t been great on offense, but one has to figure it’s only a matter of time before the Bears start to pick up their new system. It’s up to Akey and the Cougars to see that doesn’t happen for at least one more week.

Glenn Kasses

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First look: WSU vs. Baylor

Jesse Tinsley

Jim Meehan

Molly Quinn

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