WSU Notebook | Search for answers to QB questions

PULLMAN — Use either measuring stick you like: It's more than four years into Gary Rogers' career as a college quarterback, but two games into the Paul Wulff coaching regime.

Washington State may be about to make a change at the position, after it absorbed the worst loss in school history, 66-3, to California on Saturday at Martin Stadium.

Rogers, who backed up Alex Brink until Brink graduated after the 2007 season, was 10-of-21 passing with two interceptions against the Bears. Kevin Lopina, the De La Salle High (Calif.) grad, was 3 of 7 with an interception, and Oak Harbor product Marshall Lobbestael was 0 for 2 with one interception.

Afterward, coaches didn't seem to mince words or worry about hurt feelings as they discussed Rogers.

"Especially in the first half, we had a lot of receivers open and we weren't hitting 'em," said Wulff, who was making his home debut.

Said offensive coordinator Todd Sturdy, "I wish I could answer that, as far as exactly what's going on with Gary. Obviously, he's not playing at the level he can.

"The disappointing thing with the quarterbacks is the carelessness with the football. That's something we've been preaching from Day 1. We've got to start playing better at the quarterback position."

Against Oklahoma State, Rogers was 12 of 24 with one interception for only 82 yards. Receiver Brandon Gibson had a subpar day, however, letting two medium-deep, catchable balls elude him.

Lopina said he thought he "played well. It was a good learning experience."

Wulff was noncommittal about what's ahead this week, saying, "We're going to sit down as a staff and see where we're at with that."

Asked how he would react if the competition is opened up, Rogers said, "That's fine. If that's how it is and how it's going to be, it's going to bring out the best in us."

Kicking improves

You wouldn't know it if you saw Cal linebacker Zack Follett rambling 65 yards for a score with a blocked field goal, but WSU's special teams were vastly improved over the Oklahoma State game.

Punter Reid Forrest, returning from an ankle fracture suffered over the summer, had two efforts downed inside the 5-yard line. He also boomed a career-best 58-yarder. Patrick Rooney booted two kickoffs 5 yards deep into the end zone, compared to WSU's one all last season. WSU allowed a modest 34 yards in punt returns.

Nico Grasu kicked a 43-yard field goal for the only WSU points before the low kick that Cal blocked for a score.

Notes

• Chris Ivory had a 68-yard kickoff return for WSU, most of it on second effort after he appeared tackled. It was longer than any in 2007.

• School records WSU won't want to advertise: The Cougars returned 11 kickoffs for 298 yards.