LIVE CHAT

A sampling from Thursday’s live chat with Spokesman- Review sports writer Christian Caple, who covers the Washington State football team. Follow him daily at spokesman.com /sportslink.

Q. Do you see a big difference from last year? Obviously we all had high hopes when the first drive at BYU started and we all know happened after that.

A. I think it’s pretty obvious they feel more comfortable this season – the offense moves a lot more efficiently and with better tempo, and the defense seems to be playing a little faster. But like you said, always hard to know until the lights come on.

Q. It seems like the new coaching staff at Auburn, although having SEC-caliber talent, is having issues changing culture and getting players to buy-in. Do you think WSU has enough cohesiveness to outweigh what is probably a talent disparity?

A. That’s always a possibility. Leach’s best Texas Tech teams probably weren’t the most talented in the Big 12, but they were crisp in their execution and effort. Heck, Colorado beat WSU last season.

Q. Would you be shocked if we upset Auburn?

A. I don’t know if I’d be shocked, but it would certainly qualify as a surprise. That’s a tough place to play, regardless of how good Auburn is.

Q. What impact has (assistant) coach (David) Yost had? I feel like he is going to have a huge impact on our success. I feel like he gets it done.

A. He’s very upbeat and positive. Not a big yeller. Focuses more on teaching. I think the players have taken to him well, but we’ll have to see how much more the inside receivers produce before really gauging Yost’s impact.

Q. Do you have any insight on how players respond to (Connor) Halliday’s leadership style? He doesn’t seem to shy away for either praising or calling out players in his interviews. Seems very honest in his answers.

A. Judging by the way the offense has responded, I’d say they take to it pretty well. Haven’t seen any altercations or anything like that.

Q. Can you list the three most impressive newcomers so far in fall camp?

A. Daquawn Brown, River Cracraft and Vince Mayle.

Q. From your observation what is the biggest area for improvement leading into the Auburn game?

A. Maybe the secondary, just because that’s been a trouble spot for so long.

Q. If (new Auburn coach) Gus Malzhan can snap his fingers and all of a sudden have the fastest offense in the country, I’ll eat my hat. I watched Auburn play offense last year. not good.

A. Not good at all. But Auburn is still Auburn. There are certainly athletes there who can do what Malzahn wants to do.

Q. I’ll be so mad if Auburn is better than us in Year 1 of Malzhan than we are in year two of Leach.

A. Why? They’re three years removed from a national championship. I think it’s fair for the expectations to be a little higher there.