2 Minute Drill: WSU’s keys to victory on Saturday against Idaho

Don’t take your eyes off…

James Williams began the year as WSU’s third-string running back, but got some sustained action last weekend and moved up to the No. 2 spot in the Week 3 depth chart. Williams is the best athlete in the WSU backfield, and can be a force in the ground or passing games. Plus, he has a hankering for hurdles, and is likely to try leaping over a would-be tackler at least once on Saturday.

When WSU has the ball …

Expect the Cougars to have great success when you see Luke Falk dropping back to pass. The Vandals have a fairly decent run defense that has limited opponents to 3.5 yards per rush through two games. But the UI passing defense got torched last week, and faces an even more formidable aerial attack from WSU.

When UI has the ball …

Keep an eye on those receivers running downfield. The Vandals like to soften up defenses with running back Aaron Duckworth, but quarterback Matt Linehan has a strong arm, and once he sees the safeties creep up he will test the defense with some deep passes off the play-action fake.

Did you know?

The Cougars will induct seven members into the WSU Athletics Hall of Fame this weekend, including former football coach Mike Price and quarterback Jason Gesser, who teamed up to lead the Cougars to consecutive 10-win seasons and the 2002 Rose Bowl.