Huskies win Apple Cup 38-21 for third straight year!

By Kshell

For the third straight season the Washington Huskies(7-5,5-4) defeated their cross state rivals the Washington State Cougars(4-8,2-6) in the 104th meeting of the Apple Cup. The Huskies who are headed towards another bowl game for the second straight season while the Cougars are missing a bowl game for the eighth straight season. The Huskies were led by three touchdown passes by Keith Price who returned from injury. Price also passed Cody Pickett to become the all-time single season touchdown leader in Huskies history. The Huskies also saw two true freshman made their apple cup debuts pretty special especially Kasen Williams who caught two of Price's three touchdown passes. The Huskies under Steve Sarkisian have yet to trail in a single Apple Cup in three years improve to 3-0 in the Sarkisian era in this game.

The Huskies won the coin toss and chose to receive to begin the game. After the Cougars stopped the Huskies on a third and one they took over possession on their own 21 yard like after a Keil Rasp 46 yard punt. That is when the Cougars went backwards first with a false start then with an intentional grounding. After a short pass that went for nothing the Cougars were facing a third and 26 which Marshall Lobbestael completed well short of the first down. Punting from their own 20 yard line the Huskies tried to block the punt. The Huskies backup linebacker Thomas Tutogi blocked the punt which went high into the air as Jesse Callier caught the punt on the two yard line and walked into the endzone to give the Huskies an early 7-0 lead over their rival the Cougars. That was the Huskies first blocked punt since the 2006 Apple Cup when Chris Stevens blocked the punt.

The Huskies offense would stall due to a costly penalty while the defense led by Alameda Ta'amu continued to stop the Cougars. After a poor punt the Huskies took over possession on their own 45 yard line. The Cougars immediately jumped offsides giving the Huskies a first and five at midfield. Lining up in a "wildcat" formation Callier took the direct handoff then ran 30 yards down to the Cougars 20 yard line. After Price threw an incompletion, Chris Polk who had a big game last year rushing for 284 yards would rush for just four yards this time. That would set up a pretty big third and six from the 16 yard line. That is when Price would hit Kasen Williams on the back shoulder as Williams caught the touchdown with both feet down .It was an incredible pass and catch for two guys who will be playing in two more apple cups together. That touchdown pass gave the Huskies a 14-0 lead over the Cougars heading into the second quarter.

The next two series saw two huge swings in momentum. First for the Cougars their offense finally got going but Ricky Galvin fumbled on the Huskies 23 yard line. Then with a chance to put the Cougars away the Huskies went on a nice eight play drive which started off with Price completing his first three passes for 45 yards down to the Cougars 31 then Polk ran for 11 more to the Cougars 20 yard line. That is when the Huskies offense stalled key by a huge third down drop by Austin Seferian-Jenkins which was especially painful after Erik Folk missed a 37 yard field goal as the Huskies still only remained up 14-0.

With the momentum now wearing Crimson the Cougars finally took advantage going on a 13 play, 80 yard drive which saw them convert three separate third downs. Facing a third and eight from their own 22 Lobbestael hit Marques Wilson for a gain of 12 yards. Later in the drive from the Huskies 31 facing a third and nine Lobbestael threw a designed screen to Galvin for a gain of 19 yards to offset the Huskies pass rush down to the 12 yard line. Facing a third and four from the six yard line to avoid the pressure Lobbestael ran it in for the touchdown but the Cougars were called for a holding taking the score off the board. Facing a third and 14 from the 16 Lobbestael fired one in there to Jarred Karstetter for the 16 yard touchdown to pull the game within 14-7.

The Cougars feeding off that momentum then three and outed the Huskies powerful offense getting the ball back. From their own 34 yard line the Cougars actually started to run the ball some. Carl Winston had back to back runs of four yards setting up a third and two which Galvin ran for three yards to their own 45 yard line. After a six yard pass by Lobbestael he then ran for six yards to the Huskies 43 yard line. Lobbestael then would have back to back completions for 27 yards to the Huskies 16 yard line. Lobbestael like he did the previous series would hit Wilson for a 16 yard touchdown to tie up the game at 14-14 with just a little over two minutes left in the half.

The Cougars tried to squib kick it as Tutogi caught the ball and ran it 14 yards to their own 39 yard line. Polk would rush for two yards then Price would hit Jermaine Kearse for a gain of nine yards to the 50 yard line. After a short run by Price he would hit Devin Aguilar for a gain of eight yards to the Cougars 41 yard line. Facing a third and one the Huskies gave it to Polk for a gain of two yards. On the next play Price would hit Williams on a crossing route in which Williams leaped the defender to gain an extra six yards. Williams on the play would go for 18 yards to the Cougars 21 yard line. Price on the ensuing play would scramble out of pressure to his left to find Williams who turned his defender around for the touchdown. With that touchdown pass Price had tied Cody Pickett's single season touchdown record with 28. For Williams that was his first of many multiple touchdown games of his career. More importantly the Huskies took a 21-14 lead heading into halftime against the Cougars while stealing back momentum.

The Cougars began the second half with the ball on their own 14 yard line. The Cougars would go on a nine play drive stalling on the Huskies 43 yard line. Facing a third and one from the Huskies 43 Lobbestael threw an incomplete pass. Cougars head coach Paul Wulff decided to punt the ball to the Huskies pinning them on their own three yard line. The Huskies would move the ball so they could punt and pin the Cougars after Ta'amu recorded his second sack of the game. Taking back over on their own 40 yard line Price went to work. Price in the shotgun would play action pass to a wide open Seferian-Jenkins for a gain of 20 yards to the Cougars 40 yard line. On the next play Price would hit Kearse over the middle for another gain of 18 yards to the Cougars 22 yard line both on play action passes. Polk then went in motion wide left as Price hit him on the fade pass for the 22 yard touchdown pass. For Price that was the record setter as he just passed Pickett for most touchdown passes in a single season for Huskies history. For Polk that was his fourth receiving touchdown of the season all on fade passes. More importantly the Huskies had a 28-14 lead at that point.

The Cougars would immediately respond to the score as Galvin ran back the kick 37 yards to their own 38 yard line. After a run that went for no gain Lobbestael would complete a pass for nine yards then the Huskies committed a 15 yard penalty giving the Cougars the ball on the Huskies 38 yard line. The Cougars put the ball in their best playmakers hands as Lobbestael threw a bubble screen to the right to Wilson as Wilson broke a tackle and scampered for a 38 yard touchdown to pull the Cougars within seven points. Not to be overshadowed by Williams but Wilson also caught his second touchdown pass of the game. The Huskies offense would go three and out as Nick Montana briefly made an appearance. The Huskies defense would then three and out the Cougars. The Huskies offense go on a seven play drive accounting for 40 yards as the drive ended with Folk making a 46 yard field goal to give the Huskies a 31-21 lead with 13 minutes left in the game.

After both teams traded punts with 10 minutes to go in the game is when the Huskies finally pulled away. Facing a second and 10 from their own 47 the Cougars called a double pass which Lobbestael threw the ball to the receiver on a bubble screen who threw the ball back to Lobbestael. The Huskies didn't bite at all as Lobbestael threw the ball to Wilson who was covered well by Desmond Trufant, Trufant then batted the ball to safety Sean Parker who intercepted the pass. Parker ran 23 yards to the Huskies 31 yard line where the offense took over. Price was scrambling found an open Seferian-Jenkins who rumbled 31 yards to the Cougars 38 yard line. That is when Chris Polk would take over the ball game who up until that point was quiet. Polk would rush for nine yards then facing a third and one would rush for two more yards. The Huskies committed a costly penalty making it second and 20 from the Cougars 37 yard line. Polk took the sweep 34 yards down to the Cougars three yard line and was horse collared for a two yard penalty. Two plays later Polk would rush for the touchdown giving him 11 for the season as the Huskies took a commanding 38-21 lead.

The Huskies won this game 38-21 over the Cougars as they head to their second straight bowl game. For the Cougars they were led by senior Lobbestael who was 29-42(69.0%) for 344 yards(8.2 YPA) passing with three touchdowns and one interception. His main receivers were Wilson who had seven receptions for 108 yards with two touchdowns. Karstetter had nine receptions for 82 yards with a touchdown.

For the winners the Huskies were led by Keith Price who was 21-29(72.4%) for 291 yards(10.0 YPA) with three touchdowns and no interceptions. As usual Price spread the ball around as his leading receiver was freshman Kasen Williams who had five receptions for 74 yards with two touchdowns. Another true freshman played well in Austin Seferian-Jenkins who had four receptions for 62 yards. Senior Jermaine Kearse had five receptions for 62 yards. Kevin Smith had two for 39 yards while Polk had two for 36 yards with a touchdown. Speaking of Polk he carried the ball 22 times for 100 yards(4.5 YPC) and a rushing touchdown. Jesse Callier who scored that touchdown on the blocked punt also had four carries for 44 yards(11.0 YPC) while catching a pass. The Huskies defense recorded a season high seven sacks led by Ta'amu and Josh Shirley. The Huskies held the Cougars to just 38 yards rushing on 29 attempts.

All in all, this was a tale of two programs going in opposite direction. For the second straight apple cup Cougar fans don't know if this was Wulff's last game as Cougars head coach. For the Huskies for the second straight apple cup they are playing in another game after this. Chris Polk in three career apple cups never lost to the Cougars while rushing for over 100 yards with a touchdown in each game. The Huskies also showed with Price, Williams and Seferian-Jenkins all who have eligibility for the next two seasons after this year that the Huskies should continue to dominate this rivalry for a while. This was a good win for the Huskies as they needed some momentum heading into their bowl game(most likely the Alamo Bowl) like they did last year. For Sarkisian beating your rivals is a good way to maintain friends at Montlake. For these seniors who as freshman lost to the Cougars to go 0-12 these past three years must have felt great.

Observations:

- The Huskies sure are a much different team with a healthy Keith Price vs when he isn't healthy or not even playing. The Cougars came into this game with the focus of stopping Chris Polk and while they didn't totally stop him they definately contained him. Which meant this game was up to Price to hit passes which he did. Price was 21-29 for 291 yards with three touchdowns and no interceptions. Price was on fire throughout the game and once Sarkisian let him air it out in the second half the Huskies offense wasn't going to be stopped. Price like he typically does spread the ball around the field completing passes to seven different receivers during this game. Playing in his first career Apple Cup Price appears headed to be another Cougar killer much like Jake Locker, Cody Pickett, Brock Huard and Marques Tuiasosopo was.

For the year Price who heading into the season was the big question mark had a fantastic season. Price completed 67.4%(school record is 65%) of his passes this season for 2,625(8.1 YPA) yards on the season. He threw for 29 touchdowns(new school record) to only 11 interceptions on the year. He has a QB rating of 107.5 for the season and this year had a QB rating over 100 in six of his 11 starts. He only had a QB rating under 80 just twice this season. Price who has had an incredible season proved the future at Montlake is bright as he is just a sophomore.

- For senior Co-Captain Jermaine Kearse this has been a tough season for him. He was Jake Locker's favorite receiver and with Sarkisian bringing in Kasen Williams and Kevin Smith that ate into Kearse's numbers. Factor in the Huskies having a tight end, Polk catches passes plus Aguilar and James Johnson returning to health that made for a trying season for Kearse. Kearse numbers wise had his worst season since he was a freshman. He did bounce back against the Cougars who has always destroyed with five catches for 62 yards including an 18 yard reception in which he stiff armed the defender. For the year Kearse finished with 42 receptions for 501 yards with six receiving touchdowns and he also rushed for a touchdown as well.

-  Speaking of Kasen Williams a star has emerged this past month for the Huskies. The heralded five star recruit from Skyline high school struggled out of the gate for the Huskies. In his first six career games Williams had just 12 receptions for 97 yards with two touchdowns. Not really taking the college football scene by storm like everyone had hoped well Williams has since turned it around. Including his latest effort of five receptions for 74 yards and two touchdowns Williams has been the Huskies most consistent receiver of late. In the Huskies past five games Williams has 21 receptions for 311 yards with four touchdowns. For the season Williams finished with 33 receptions for 408 yards and tied the team high with six touchdown receptions. Not to mention he handled punt returns all season long averaging seven yards per return and more importantly didn't have a single fumble all year long. Williams with two seniors graduating looks to be the guy next season. He could turn into another Williams who used to torment the Cougars in the Apple Cup. Williams is a star on the rise that is for sure and look for him to have a breakout season next year.

- The Cougars offensive line features four senior starters. That is scary for the Cougars as the Huskies defensive line just absolutely dominated them. The Huskies recorded a season high 11.5 tackles for loss and seven sacks. The Huskies were led by senior co-captain Alameda Ta'amu who was a force all game long much like last year in the Holiday Bowl. Everytime Lobbestael went back to pass he was dropped even if he completed the pass. The Huskies played true freshman Danny Shelton most of the game alongside Ta'amu which really helped Josh Shirley who is also a freshman get in on Lobbestael practically every single play. The Huskies defensive line put the Cougars in several third and long situations where they could bring the blitz. The Cougars offense couldn't overcome the Huskies defensive line which proved to be too dominant for the Cougars.

- For Chris Polk he didn't have a great game like last year but he still had a solid game. Polk ran for 4.5 YPC as he rushed for 100 yards with a touchdown. He also had 36 yards receiving with a receiving touchdown on the game too. Polk has been dynamic all season long in the passing game. The Cougars were set to shutdown Polk and while facing eight man boxes all game long he still found a way to rush for 100 yards. Heading into the fourth quarter he had just 11 carries for 48 yards, in the fourth quarter he had 11 carries for 52 yards with the back breaking touchdown. In his career in the apple cup now Polk has ran for 514 yards(6.8 YPC) with four rushing touchdowns. He has also caught six passes for 70 yards with a touchdown. He has dominated the Cougars and since he is a redshirt junior I'm sure most Cougars are hoping that is the last time they ever have to see him again.

For the season Polk ran for 1,341 yards(5.1 YPC) with 11 rushing touchdowns. He also caught 29 passes for 324 yards with four touchdowns. All three are career highs for Polk as he proved he is a complete running back who can pound you but beat you through the passing game. There is a good chance Polk leaves after this year as he has no reason to come back other than breaking Napoleon Kaufman's career rushing record(he needs 200 in the bowl game to beat him). Polk has been  a terrific Husky and will be on the short list of Husky great running backs.

- Will this be the last time we see Paul Wulff? Wulff is currently having meetings on whether he'll come back or not. Wulff in four seasons with the Cougars is 9-40 as head coach, 6-40 against D-1 teams and 4-32 in conference. He inherited a mess and the team is improving. Still to go 4-8 in your fourth season and that doubling your previous career high shows you need to be let go.

As for Sarkisian he is back over .500 once again as he is 19-18 as head coach for the Huskies. He took over a program that went 0-12 and has led the Huskies to a bowl game in two of his three seasons. The Huskies lost Jake Locker to the top 10 of the NFL draft yet the offense including the quarterback play improved. Nobody has ever questioned Sarkisian's offense but going forward his defense needs to play more like they did in the Apple Cup. Sarkisian has never trailed in three career wins over the Cougars while Wulff has never had a lead against the Huskies in regulation in four career apple cup games.

In conclusion, the Huskies have done something the Cougars have never done which is win three straight apple cup games. The Huskies improved their series lead to 67-31-6 over the Cougars which has been as one sided as a rivalry can possibly be. The Huskies had plenty of guys step up who won't be on next years roster while also having several younger guys contribute as well. Now the goal for the Huskies is to win back to back bowl games for the first time since winning the Rose Bowl back to back years in the 1990 and 1991 seasons. The Huskies haven't won eight games in a season since 2001 so there is still plenty of goals to be abtained in this next bowl game. For the Cougars they completed the worst four year stretch in conference history as Wulff saw his team lose 40 games(average of 10 a season). The Cougars seniors like seniors prior to them will never know what a bowl game feels like. For the Huskies seniors this win has to feel great to be a part of 0-12 then to see the program rebuild the way it has is pretty special. The Huskies sitll have plenty of goals left on their season but at least they are back to beating the Cougars on a regular basis.

2011 Apple Cup preview!

By Kshell

That time of the year again where the two states biggest universities clash as the Washington State Cougars(4-7,2-6) travel to Seattle to take on the Washington Huskies(6-5,4-4) in a battle for states bragging rights the apple cup. Both teams are limping into this contest as the Huskies have lost three games in a row and four of their last five games. While the Cougars have lost seven out of their past eight games and will not be going to a bowl game for the eighth straight season. The Huskies lead the all-time series 66-31-6 and have won the last two meetings. This game will be emotional for the Cougars seniors as this will be their final game they ever get to play in. Due to injury they will be starting Marshall Lobbestael at quarterback who is a senior. For the Huskies they feature plenty of seniors who are departing the program such as Alameda Ta'amu, Jermaine Kearse, Devin Aguilar, Erik Folk and Cort Dennison. The Huskies will also see Keith Price start his first career apple cup game. The last quarterback to start his first career apple cup game and earn the victory was Carl Bonnell back in 2006(last time the Cougars didn't have a losing record). This should appears to feature plenty of offense as both offenses are pretty explosive in the passing game.


The Cougars are heading into this game led by their senior backup quarterback Marshall Lobbestael. For the year Lobbestael has completed 59.9% of his passes for 2,240 yards(7.5 YPA) with 16 touchdowns and seven interceptions. Lobbestael this year has a 4-4 record in eight starts this season. For all the complaining about him the Cougars have yet to win a game that he hasn't start this season. His favorite receiver is Marquis Wilson who is having a monster season with 75 receptions for 1,280 yards(17.1 YPC) with 10 touchdowns. Their second leading receiver Isiah Barton who will miss this game has 49 receptions for 638 yards with five touchdowns. The Cougars also have Jared Karstetter who has 51 receptions for 618 yards with five touchdowns. The Cougars running game is pretty weak but they do use three different guys. The first guy is Ricky Galvin who has ran for 586 yards(5.5 YPC) with five rushing touchdowns. Next in line is Carl Winston who has ran for 422 yards(3.6 YPC) with four touchdowns. The third back they use is Logwone Mitz who has rushed for 135 yards(3.8 YPC) with a touchdown. Lobbestael will try to revenge the last time he faced the Huskies which ended with the Huskies winning 30-0 in Steve Sarkisian's first year. For the game Lobbestael was 9-22 for 71 yards passing as he was ineffective all game long. He is now a senior in year four of Paul Wulff's system so he'll have a much better day than he did on that day.

The Huskies offense is led by Chris Polk who is most likely playing in his final apple cup. Polk has torched the Cougars in his career. As a redshirt freshman Polk carried the ball 25 times for 130 yards(5.2 YPC) with a touchdown while adding two receptions for 16 yards. That is a really good game which the Huskies would take this Saturday. The thing is the next year Polk dominated the Cougars over in Pullman carrying the ball 29 times for the second highest total in Huskies history with 284 yards(9.8 YPC) with two touchdowns. He also had two receptions for 18 yards as Polk in his career has ran for 414 yards with three touchdowns while having 34 yards receiving in just two games. Polk is enjoying his best season as a Husky as he has ran for 1,241 yards(5.1 YPC) with 10 rushing touchdowns. He has also caught 27 passes for 288 yards with three receiving touchdowns. Polk is licking his chops against the Cougars this Saturday especially with the return of Keith Price so he won't have to face eight man boxes.

The Huskies sophomore quarterback Keith Price returns from injury to start his first career apple cup game. Also important to note that Price is two touchdown passes away from tying Cody Pickett's single season record and three touchdown passes away from breaking it. For the year Price has completed 66.9% of his passes for 2,334(7.9 YPA) with 26 touchdowns to 11 interceptions. The Huskies have several different guys who make plays in the passing game. Starting with Devin Aguilar who has 34 receptions for 508 yards(14.9 YPC) with four touchdowns. Then you have Jermaine Kearse who leads the team in receptions with 37 for 439 yards(11.9 YPC) with six touchdown grabs. Kearse like Polk has had big apple cup moments. Last year he caught the game winning touchdown pass from Jake Locker. As a sophomore  Kearse had four receptions for 94 yards with a touchdown. Then last year had six grabs for 178 yards with two touchdowns including a 66 yarder he busted on a slant then scored the game winner on a fade route. The Huskies will have two other guys playing in their first apple cup's in Austin Seferian-Jenkins and Kasen Williams. Seferian-Jenkins is having a fine freshman season with 32 receptions for 417 yards which ranks third on the team in both then is tied for team lead with six touchdown receptions. For Williams he has 28 receptions for 334 yards with four touchdowns. Williams has been coming on as of late in the last four games Williams has 16 receptions for 237 yards with two touchdowns. The future is bright for those two as they hope to shine in their first career apple cup.

This is an interesting apple cup due to the fact that this could be Washington State Cougars head football coach Paul Wulff's last game as Cougars coach. In four seasons with the Cougars Wulff is currently 9-39(4-31 in conference). For most programs who value winning he would be fired but this is the Cougars who value moral victories. Rumors circling around that Wulff can save his job with a win or even a close defeat to the Huskies. His counterpart Steve Sarkisian is 2-0 in the Apple Cup looking to join Don James and Rick Neuheisel as coaches who began their career 3-0 against the Cougars. In fact dating back to his USC days Sarkisian has won seven games in a row against the Cougars. For Sarkisian he is leading his Huskies to a bowl game in back to back years while Wulff still hasn't won 10 games in four seasons.

In conclusion, this rivalry has been one sided throughout history. Both programs are vastly different the fact that a 9-39 coach is even considered to be brought back is an embarassment. These teams both feature strong offenses and weak defenses. If you're a casual fan and like to see scoring this is the game as you'll see plenty of playmakers like Polk for the Huskies and Wilson for the Cougars have huge mismatches against the other teams defense. This game will also be played at Century Link Field where the Seahawks play which should add a new wrinkle to this rivalry. This should be a fun game as the Huskies hope to build some momentum heading into their bowl game. For the Cougars they are fighting to save their coaches job.

Unavoidable issue facing the Cougs

By InsiderSteve


In a perfect world, head coach Paul Wulff wouldn't be dealing with these problems. Jeff Tuel would be healthy, and taking every snap. As we we know though, life and in football, its anything but perfect. The game is filled with imperfections, injuries, disappointments, and lost expectations. Sometimes the ball just doesn't go your way. That's life in general, but in everything that happens, eventually thing start looking up. The same goes with the Cougars. This season doesn't have that same feel of the past three. Where if it rained, it poured. No, there is confidence, a swagger in these players. It's noticeable on every down. There are no excuse with this program. They have used them all up. So even in the wake of a potential season disaster, which it looked like it could've been, the Cougars refused to let Jeff Tuel's injury to hinder their goal of making a bowl game. Instead, they chose to rally around their redshirt senior QB Marshall Lobbestael, and it's payed off . The Cougars are 3-1, and looking like a team that no one can take lightly anymore. But with new expectations come unavoidable questions that Coach Wulff will have to be dealt with.

Who is the QB once Jeff Tuel is ready to play?

Better yet, how about a hypothetical. Let's say Jeff Tuel isn't 100% ready to play until the Cougs play Oregon State. Then, let's say that not only does Lobbestael beat UCLA, but does the unthinkable. Pulls off the upset of #7 Stanford at home. Then what do you do. Now all of a sudden, the team is 5-1 needing just one victory for that elusive bowl birth. If your Paul Wulff, what do you do?

All right. Let's take a step back and examine this. Paul Wulff has two options. The hot hand or the better player.

The hot hand: Marshall Lobbestael

Marshall Lobbestael has been everything Paul Wulff has needed in a QB under these circumstances. Most coaches would only ask the backup QB to stick within the system, and keep the mistakes to a minimum. Lobbestael has not only exceeded those expectations, but has risen to a level that now has him ranked as high as #16 in the nation as a passer, and #3 in the conference behind only Andrew Luck and Keith Price. His numbers have been stellar as well, 90-142, 1335 yrds, 13 td's, 3 int's, 63.4% com%, and a 9.4 ypa clip. His play has made his value rise to better then three quarters of the QB's in the conference, and what makes this problem even better, Lobbestael is getting better every game. His passing yards has risen the past three weeks from 361 to 368 to 376. During that span he has thrown 11 td's to five different receivers. Those kind of QB attributes are the ones found in some of the better QB's in the nation, playing at some of the nations better programs. And Lobbestael is our backup.

The better player: Jeff Tuel

Make no mistake about it, Jeff Tuel is the best player on the Washington State roster. He does everything you need in QB. Where Marshall Lobbestael comes off looking one dimensional, Jeff Tuel gives the offense better options. He has the pocket presence need to step up and deliver a strike under duress. He has the accuracy and arm strength to make most throws that Lobbestael sometimes has a problem completing. He is mobile. When the pocket collapses he has the uncanny ability to recognize where he is on the field and where the first down marker is at. It is easy to understand why Jeff Tuel is a very gifted QB with a bright future. Paul Wulff simply put, cannot make the mistake of bringing him back too early or the future could potentially be in jeopardy. The type of shoulder injury he does have, it would only take one hit or one bad landing to put him out for the rest of the season. It would be irresponsible for Paul Wullf to neglect the long term health of his best player, but also the long term health of his program.

Either way, this is the best problem a coach could possibly have. Having two QB's that can win games. Obviously from a gamesmanship standpoint, Coach Wulff isn't exactly the greatest at it. I will say though, he has handled this the way you should. No distractions of any kind. Once Tuel was cleared for practice with full pads, he quickly defused any speculation and named Lobbestael his starter for UCLA. Ultimately Tuel is his starting QB. As nice as a story as it has been with Marshall Lobbestael, Jeff Tuel will the one to carry WSU as far as they want to go. It is true that football is a QB sport now, but you simply cannot win long term with your backup. That is what this is about. For Paul Wulff and the uncertainty of his coaching future at Washington State, he cannot afford not to play Tuel.  If AD Bill Moos does fire him at seasons end, at least he can say he went out with his best player instead with his backup.

Paul Wulff faces the biggest test of his career..

By Insider Steve

Talking about certain programs throughout college football's history, we almost certainly talk about watershed moments or program altering wins that would completely change the tide of fortune for programs. For head coach Paul Wulff and the Washington State program, this Saturday's game on the road against a bowl caliber San Diego State team is certainly a program defining game. A loss this Saturday could have the negative impact a young, rebuilding team can ill afford to take this early in the season. A win this weekend could set the momentum for very big year that could very end in a bowl berth, and could possibly be the start of another Cougar bowl run. In any event, this will mark the first time in the Paul Wulff era were the team is strong enough to handle the challenges of going on the road, in a hostile enough of an environment against team of similar strengths. Where the coaching future, and the program's bowl picture could hang in the balance. This game is the most important game of Paul Wulff's Cougar coaching career.

After opening up the season with wins of 64 and 59 points in blowout fahion, there was still lingering questions of just how good this Cougars team really is. I guess that will happen when your high scoring offense is going up against a 98th ranked division 1-AA defense in 2010, and one that was ranked 103rd in division 1-A in 2010. That is why this Saturday's game at San Diego State poses such an intriguing match up because of what we don't yet or what we are still trying to find about our Cougars.

Here is what we do know;

The Cougars can hang points on opponents in a hurry. In both games, the Cougs scored at will. QB Marshall Lobbestael, taking over rather unexpectedly, has been the biggest surprise so far. Leading college football's #1 ranked scoring offense, Lobbestael's performance has made it easier for the Cougar running game to get going early. Having both of these areas of offense playing consistently is going to be the difference maker in determining whether you can buy or sell the Cougar bowl aspirations.

Here is what we don't know;

How this defense will respond against a team with real offensive talent. In three years under Paul Wulff the Cougar defense has given up 235.2 YPG on the ground, and 238.8 YPG through the air. Obviously this years defensive version is leaps and bounds better then the previous three defensive units, but San Diego State features a team with a QB who threw for 3830 yards and 28 TD's in Ryan Lindley, and a RB who rushed for 1532 yards and 17 TD's in Ronnie Hillman. It's certainly one thing to have your defense pitch a shutout against a UNLV offense, but it's another thing to do it against an offense that can move the ball as well a Aztecs do.

Here is what need to happen;

The Cougars must feel the sense of urgency that comes with a game of this magnitude. These are the tests for all teams that are aspiring to put past futilities behind them, and move ahead as a good program. And for head coach Paul Wulff, these type of games are the ones that will determine if he is truly cut out to be a D-1 head coach. Up to this point, for whatever reason you would like to use, a player mutiny, teams that lack talent, and at times, bad decision making, he has been anything but a good D-1 head coach. But the good news for the Cougars is that the next step is there for there taking. The can seize their goals if they are up for the task. It all starts this weekend in San Diego. Let's see if the crimson crush can take this important step forward..Go Cougs!!!

Cougs ready to take down UNLV

By Insider Steve

The Washington State Cougars couldn't have asked for a better way to start the season. At least in terms of scheduling anyway. After dropping 64 points in a route against Idaho State in the home opener, the Cougs welcome Bobby Houck and the UNLV Runnin Rebels to Pullman for a Saturday match up, and an opportunity to start the season of 2-0 for the first time since 2005. And why would anyone else besides Steve Kelley or Lee Corso think Cougars couldn't pull this off. The Cougs did exactly what they were supposed to do against an opponent like Idaho St. Move the ball consistenly, dominate on defense (the first team at least), and run up the score on a feeble opponent. UNLV on the other hand, had to travel to Wisconsin to kickoff the college football season in front of a national television audience. As you know, it didn't exactly work out the way UNLV had hoped for. Wisconsin easily rolled over UNLV 51-17 leaving Cougar fans wondering how many points the margin of victory will be this weekend. Let's take a look inside Saturday's match up between UNLV and Washington State.

WSU offense vs UNLV defense:

The Cougars were able to flash a three headed monster against Idaho St. Marshall Lobbestael was 14-19 for 230 yards, and 2 TD's with a 73.3 com%. Marquess Wilson had 4 receptions for 91 yards and a TD, while Marcus Mason, Ricky Galvin, Logwone Mitz, Carl Winston, and Leon Brooks combined on 33 carries for 280 yards and 4 TD's. The Cougs amassed a staggering 590 total yards, 301 of those yards through the air (8.6 yards per attempt), and 289 on the ground (8.0 per carry). UNLV's defense was exactly as billed vs Wisconsin; horrible. UNLV allowed 499 total yards to Wisconsin. 258 yards through the air (17.2 per attempt), and 241 yards on the ground (6.3 per rush). Not only were the Rebels unable to get after Russell Wilson, their defensive line was pushed down field on almost every play from scrimmage. Look for the Cougars offensive line to have a repeat performance, and Marshall Lobbestael to have a field day vs UNLV's secondary.

Advantage: WSU

UNLV offense vs WSU defense:

Yes the Cougars gave up 430 yards through the air vs Idaho St, and when compared to what Caleb Herring was able to do against Wisconsin, 18-27 for 146 yards and 2 TD's with a 66.7 com%, you would figure this would be the area where UNLV would do their most damage. But the Rebels we able to find their most consistent success on the ground. The combination of Bradley Randle, Tim Cornett, and QB Caleb Herring rushed for 146 yards on 38 carries. The Bad news for the Rebels is that Washington State was able to limit Idaho St. to only 23 yards rushing (0.9 per carry) on 25 attemps. If UNLV is to have any chance, it will have it will have to go to the passing game. The Cougs have the better talent along the defense front, and the speed at linebacker to stop UNLV's running game.

Advantage: WSU


As good as QB Caleb Herring could be against the Cougar secondary, I just don't see how UNLV will be able to keep the pace with Washington State's offense. The Rebels will be able to keep pace until halftime. Mainly because of the offense they do run, the pistol. They will be able to throw different looks and formations at the Cougars. Ultimately it is a gadget offense, and the Cougars have seen it, and will no how to adjust to it. The Cougs will pull away at the beginning of the third quarter and Marshall Lobbestael will be able to move the ball at will.

Prediction: 42-24 Washington State

Cougars dealing with adversity..Again.

By Insider Steve

Why does this always seem to happen to the Washington State Cougar football team? For the last two seasons Paul Wulff  has had to deal with season ending injuries to major pieces of his offense. In 2009 RB James Montgomery was lost for the season to a freak injury, diagnosed as an anterior lateral compartment syndrome, it required doctors to remove muscle from Montgomery's leg, nearly costing Montgomery his leg. In the 2010 opener against Oklahoma State, RB Ricky Galvin broke his forearm on his first play from scrimmage. Both injuries severely crippled the Cougars offense, and ultimately setting the program back another year. As bad as those injuries were, those hits cannot compare to the hit that was taken to QB Jeff Tuel last Saturady against Idaho St. And to the potential catastrophe that looms for head coach Paul Wulff and his coaching future in Pullman.

After sitting out for the first couple of series with stomach issue, QB Jeff Tuel entered the game with the Cougars upon Idaho St 14-0. Five plays later as Tuel rolled to his right on a scramble and headed toward the sideline, he was hit by Idaho State linebacker J. T. Albers. Tuel crumpled to the turf, and the end result was a broken left collar bone. The WSU medical staff has determined that Tuel's injury is not a season ending type, but it will require 4-6 weeks recovery. The key phase here is "recovery time". Meaning the time needed for the bone to actually heal. Then, if your accounting for the time to get Tuel's arm back into game shape, this injury could stretch into the 7-9 week time frame. Which would put Tuel back on the field for the November 19th game at home vs Utah or November 26th game vs Washington in the Apple Cup. No matter how the Cougars spin this, They will not be able to have their best player available for the bulk of the Pac-12 schedule. Potentially ending any hopes the Cougars may had before the season started.

Where does this leave the Cougars at the QB position going forward? For Head Coach Paul Wulff and Offensive Coordinator Todd Sturdy, the decision seemed to be a relatively easy one, tabbing redshirt senior Marshall Lobbestael as his starter this week vs UNLV. But the questions surrounding the senior from Oak Harbor still remain. Can Marshall Lobbestael win at the Pac-12 level? Up to this point in his college career, most would look at Lobbestael's body of work, 120/247, 1226 yards, 7 TD's/12 INT's, and answer with a resounding no. But in all fairness, Lobbestael didn't look like the timid sophomore we had previously seen against Idaho St. Anything but. Lobbestael finished with 14/19, 250 yards, 2 TD's, 73.7 com%. At one, completing nine straight passes. He had look and feel of a seasoned QB ready to step in and take control of the offense. Which is exaclty what Paul Wulff must have of his QB's moving forward if the Cougars have any chance at achieving any aspirations moving forward.

It's not like Cougars don't have any other options at the QB position. This happens to be the deepest position on the Cougar depth chart. Sitting very closely behind Lobbestael on the depth chart is Conner Halliday. The redshirt freshman from Ferris H.S. in Spokane, had very nice audition on Saturday vs Idaho St. In limited action, Halliday finished with a 6/13, 67 yards, and 2 TD's. He didn't light the world on fire with his arm, but he did managed the offense in such an efficient manner, that his performance has created a little bit of a QB controversy. And rightfully so. Conner Halliday is projected as the future of the position for the Cougars. And with the injury to Jeff Tuel, most consider this as the perfect time for Halliday to step in and get his feet wet. But this is not the right time for a QB controversy. This is the last thing Paul Wulff wanted because it's not that simple of a question for Wulff to answer. It's a decision that could easily determine his future on campus. So why have a controversy at all?

This is what the 2011 season come down to Paul Wulff. Do you take the experience in Lobbestael or go with the the kid with the bright future in Conner Halliday? If Wulff wants to keep his job beyond this season, then the only option at this point is going with experience and sticking with Lobbestael for the long haul. Through the good times and bad the Cougars will have with Lobbestael at QB, you cannot do anything to disrupt the positive momentum that has been created. That's exactly what could happen if Wulff chooses to hedge his bets on the freshman Halliday. The safe play for Wulff right now is to ignore all the calls for Halliday, and stick to his guns. In any event, this has to the worst possible scenario that coach Wulff had ever envisioned. There is no one right answer to this question. Only time will tell if either QB is the right guy. And for Paul Wulff and his coaching future, that is the one thing he doesn't have anymore..