WSU Football
Cougars Q & A

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Q: Quarterback Matt Kegel is playing with two injured shoulders. What are the Cougars likely to do to give him more protection?

A: Coach Bill Doba indicates that the Cougars will abandon "empty" (no one in the backfield) formations and might move a tight end into the backfield to pass-block for Kegel in some situations.

Q: Have the Cougars faced any running back this season as good as Oregon State's Steven Jackson?

A: Jackson is without a doubt the best. Julius Jones of Notre Dame was probably the next best. So far, the Cougars have held opponents' running backs to under 100 yards. Keeping Jackson under 100 would be a major accomplishment and a key to the game.

Q: If the game's outcome were decided and both Kegel and Matt Swogger were injured, would the Cougars "burn" the redshirt year of true freshman Alex Brink or use scout-team QB Dayton Dennison?

A: Brink. He knows the offense, while Dennison is always running opponents' offenses. Also, since this is Game 8 of a 12-game schedule, Brink likely would be called on again.

— Craig Smith

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