Originally published August 28, 2008 at 12:00 AM | Page modified August 28, 2008 at 8:43 AM
Comments (0) 
E-mail article 
Print view
Five keys to Cougars' season
PREV
DEAN HARE / AP
Paul Wulff, a starting center for WSU from 1986 to 1989, returns to Pullman as head coach.
1. Gary Rogers blossoms
Can the Cougars' new quarterback succeed in his fifth year while adapting to a new system? Rogers has the size and tools, but he played sparingly while Alex Brink had the job.
2. Good play from D-line
Is the defensive line stout enough? If it isn't, the Cougars might not have enough weapons in the back seven to slow down offenses.
3. Special-teams improvement
Will the special teams improve on recent seasons? Those units were among the shortfalls of the Bill Doba regime.
4. Avoid injuries
Do the Cougars have sufficient depth? WSU is thin at many spots — quarterback, running back, both lines — and can't afford serious attrition.
5. Survive tough schedule
In coach Paul Wulff's first year, is this team resilient enough to take potential early hits and keep on coming? Their first five Pac-10 opponents played in bowl games in '07.
Bud Withers
Copyright © 2008 The Seattle Times Company
E-mail article 
Print view Share: 
Digg 
Newsvine
NEW - 01:51 PM
Columbia River center Steven Bjornstad to play for WSU
NW Briefs: Washington State golfer Austin Hurt wins Amateur title
Tribal Fireworks Rivalry
The Fourth of July marks a long-standing fireworks rivalry between two clans of a Native-American family in Suquamish.
Entertainment | Top Video | World | Offbeat Video | Sci-Tech
nwjobs
Post a comment
Michelle Goodman blogs about work/life balance.
Tax tips for new independent professionals
Post a comment
nwautos
Choosing a new SUV? Weigh the impact your choice will have on your wallet and on the planet.
Post a comment
nwhomes
Find a new home or condo that fits your lifestyle.
Search New Developments
Builder Directory
- Plasma and LCD beware; OLED screens ready to go mainstream
- Palin takes to Web for hints of political future
- Fourth of July festivals and fireworks in Seattle, the suburbs and beyond
- The Blotter | Man pistol-whipped after argument at nightclub
- Former NFL MVP McNair killed
- Russell Branyan, Mariners fight off the Red Sox
- Desert-lobster dispute turns pair into sagebrush heroes
- Close-up | Prison guards intercept carrier pigeon with a cellphone
- Woman accuses Sounders FC player Nate Jaqua of sexual assault, seeks more than $10 million
- Rob Johnson's double in 11th powers Mariners past Red Sox, 7-6
- Palin resigning as Alaska governor 756
- Seattle Mariners at Boston Red Sox: 07/04 game thread 244
- Reports: NKorean missile arrives at launch site 100
- Woman accuses Sounders FC player Nate Jaqua of sexual assault, seeks more than $10 million 99
- Palin's Declaration of Independence 73
- Hatred for the NBA runs deep, but don't take it out on the players 60
- Mariners score unlikely win over Red Sox in battle of bullpens 58
- Former NFL MVP McNair killed 54
- Man pistol-whipped after argument at nightclub 41
- Plasma and LED beware; OLED screens ready to go mainstream 28
- Plasma and LCD beware; OLED screens ready to go mainstream
- Merchant Marine veterans fight for recognition
- Close-up | Prison guards intercept carrier pigeon with a cellphone
- Concert Review | Green Day blasts off 4th weekend with KeyArena show
- Lake Washington's sockeye run may hit a record low
- Pre-grill drill: marinate steaks
- Yakima teacher reprimanded for sending 5-year-old student home with bag of feces in backpack
- Art and conversation flow from hands and heart of artist Mandy Greer
- Amtrak cleared for 2nd daily train to Vancouver, B.C.
- Fire danger already here in parched NW forests
