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1There is one truism among college football coaches: Friendship lasts through the kickoff. Though Washington State coach Paul Wulff and his Idaho State counterpart, Mike Kramer, are close friends, that won’t mean a thing when the hitting starts. Asked if he wants to win by 35 points today, Wulff didn’t hesitate when answering “yes.” And Kramer, in his initial season at ISU after successful stints at Eastern Washington and Montana State, feels the same way. But don’t expect either team to try to run up a score, as happened to WSU a few times in Wulff’s first year. Friendship will preclude that.

2Washington State has improved its athleticism on the defensive side, with the addition of C.J. Mizell and Sekope Kaufusi to the lineup at linebacker late last season and the insertion of tackle Toni Pole and end Adam Coerper this one. Plus, the growth in experience for the other seven starters, all of whom started games last season, allows defensive coordinator Chris Ball to be more aggressive with his calls. Expect more blitzing, more man coverage in the secondary and more emphasis on forcing turnovers.

3Though Idaho State averaged just 225 yards a game in total offense a year ago (and just 15.6 points), the addition of Kramer and offensive coordinator Dan Bailey means the Bengals will be more free-wheeling than in the past. Speedy running back Tavoy Moore, who last season averaged 184.6 yards a game in all-purpose yards – he also returned punts and kickoffs – will be a target in space, forcing the Cougars to know where the 5-foot-6 senior is at all times. WSU’s emphasis has to be to try to get him to the ground before he can find open space.

4Ever since Bill Moos took over as athletic director, the pace of change has accelerated around Bohler Gym, with fresh paint and new signs popping up everywhere. The football game-day experience has also been tweaked. Fans should notice new signage and attendants to help them get around and they won’t be able to miss the tents behind the west end zone. That’s where the newest hospitality area has been located for advertisers and boosters, supplementing the pregame activities on Rogers Field and Hollingbery Fieldhouse.