1 Adapt defensively. Portland State runs a similar offense to what the Cougars saw last week against Nevada but with one big difference: The Vikings deploy two QBs (Kieran McDonagh, Paris Penn) with different strengths. That means the entire rhythm and strategy of the PSU offense could change in one play, and the WSU defenders need to be able to quickly adjust to varying styles.

2 Offensive rhythm.

In losses to Rutgers and Nevada the Cougars stalled early on offense, allowing the other team to take the initial lead. Playing from behind is never easy so WSU needs to establish its offense early and put some points on the board.

3 Get RBs involved. The Cougars don’t necessarily have to run the ball, but the running backs need to get more touches for the offense to work properly. Jamal Morrow, Gerard Wicks and Theron West are three of the best athletes on the offense and it’s a waste not to make use of their talents.

4 Feed off energy. There should be a sizable crowd on hand to get the first look at the not new but definitely improved Martin Stadium. In their first true home game of the year the Cougars should have a sizable, partisan crowd to play in front of and need to translate that positive energy into momentum on the field.