Defense a key for WSU in Apple Cup

The outcome of the Apple Cup might depend in large part on the play of Washington State's beleaguered defense. At least if you believe Washington tight end Kavario Middleton.

He predicted earlier this week that the Huskies would score 50 point on the Cougars.

That comment draw an alternative viewpoint from the Palouse.

"That was obvious bulletin board material," WSU coach Paul Wulff said. "I guess he's got to back it up."

Washington State linebacker Andy Mattingly, preparing for his fourth Apple Cup, has heard it all before.

"It doesn't matter what is said," Mattingly said. "You shouldn't need it to get motivated."

The thing is, Middleton was not being that outrageous. Washington State (1-10, 0-9 Pac-10) is giving up a nation's worst 516 yards per game. They are also surrendering 39.2 points per game, third worst in the nation, and have given up at least 40 points in each of their past five games.

The lowest score put up on them is 27 points, by Southern Methodist (their only win), Southern Cal and Arizona State.

But with an offense that generates only 13 points per game, it's clear the Cougars will need a strong defensive show against UW's shaky offense to have a chance to win.

Washington (3-7, 2-5) is giving up 31 points per game, 97th among the 120 major college teams. But at least they are scoring 24 per game.

Injuries have pummeled the WSU defense this season, forcing numerous freshmen into starting roles. That includes linemen Anthony Laurenzi and Travis Long and defensive back Terrance Hayward. Fourteen different WSU defensive players have made the first starts of their careers this season. The defense is also lacking the services of linebacker Jason Stripling and tackle Toby Turpin, both suspended for off-field disciplinary problems.

The secondary was so short-handed last week that wide receiver Easton Johnson was hurriedly moved to safety for the Oregon State game. He made 10 tackles and was named defensive player of the game. Johnson will be playing defense again on Saturday.

"We're pulling guys over from offense to play defense," Wulff sighed.

The Cougars lack reserves at many positions, with the result that the starters are playing a lot of minutes, Wulff said. To make matters worse, Washington State's sluggish offense keeps the defense on the field an average of nearly 34 minutes per game.

Senior safety Xavier Hicks said personnel issues won't matter Saturday.

"This game is for pride," he said. "We can't worry about who is hurt and who is suspended and who is not playing."

Hicks leads the Cougars with 75 tackles, and last weekend intercepted Sean Canfield, the Pac-10's most accurate passer.

The Cougars will be facing another top quarterback in Washington's Jake Locker.

Asked if he would prefer Locker throwing or running, Wulff said: "I don't think I would pick one or the other, to be honest."

"They've got some weapons that enable them to move the ball and score points," he added.

That includes receiver Jermaine Kearse, a constant big play threat. Running back Chris Polk has 889 yards entering Saturday's game and hopes to become just the second Husky to rush for 1,000 yards since 1997.