Names to know
LOUIS RANKIN, UW RUNNING BACK
The senior came into the season something of an enigma. He had yet to reach his potential. A 147-yard effort against Syracuse in this season’s opener was followed by seven consecutive games with less than 90 yards. Then came his career effort against Stanford (36 for 255) and another 200-yard game against Cal. Now he’s the first Husky to rush for more than 1,000 yards since 1997.
HUSAIN ABDULLAH, WSU SAFETY
There is no one on the Cougars defense who has played better down the stretch than the senior safety. He is tied for the team tackles lead with Greg Trent at 84. Abdullah will be key against the UW running game, coming up to fill holes in the middle and finding the pitch man on the edge. He also has to be ready to retreat into coverage.
ROY LEWIS, UW CORNERBACK
The senior has been solid from the start this year. Lewis is second on the team with 55 solo tackles, has an interception, blocked a punt, forced a fumble and returned a fumble 37 yards against Oregon State.