WSU Cougars Look to Rebound Against Boise State

After yet another Week One loss to a nonconference opponent, the WSU Cougars have to rebound against Boise State tomorrow on the Smurf Turf.

Mike Leach and the WSU Cougars always seem to get ambushed in their first game of the season. For the fifth consecutive year, Leach lost the first game of the season to an opponent his team should have beaten.

The WSU Cougars’ 45-42 loss last weekend to Eastern Washington University hurt the Cougars chances of earning a bowl game later in the season, but it didn’t drop them from Pac-12 North competition. Last season, the Cougars went 9-4 under Leach despite dropping their first game, also at home, to Portland State University. Washington State just loves to put pressure on itself by losing those easy(ish) ones at home.

Boise State With Something to Prove

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Boise State is coming home after a road route of Louisiana-Lafayette. The Broncos have won 14 straight home openers since their last loss, against none other than the WSU Cougars, in 2001. Even though BSU has the best winning percentage in the country at home since 2000, they have dropped their last two home games, against New Mexico and Air Force.

The game will be televised nationally, so Boise State will get to show off their patented blue astroturf to the whole country and try to prove they belong once again as everyone’s favorite underdog.

Sep 3, 2016; Pullman, WA, USA; Washington State Cougars head coach Mike Leach looks on against the Eastern Washington Eagles during the second half at Martin Stadium. The Eagles won 45-42. Mandatory Credit: James Snook-USA TODAY Sports /

WSU Cougars Trying to Get Back on Track

It’s the defense that primarily has to get back on track. The WSU Cougars were torched by EWU receiver Cooper Kupp last week. The Cougs weren’t Kupp’s first Pac-12 pinata, but someone has to cover the opponent’s best receivers sometimes. The WSU Cougars’ safties Robert Taylor and Jalen Thompson were repeatedly victimized by Kupp. Taylor even got himself ejected for a late hit on EWU’s receiver last week.

Luckily, according to Mike Leach, starting safety Shalom Luani will return to the lineup against Boise State on Saturday. He was replaced in the lineup last week by Robert Taylor.

There’s Still Hope

All is not lost for the WSU Cougars after one out-of-conference loss, but this nationally televised game against Boise State is a chance for them to get back on the right track and build some confidence heading into Pac-12 play.

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When and Where

The WSU Cougars will face Boise State in Boise, Idaho Saturday, September 10th at 7:15 p.m. Catch the game on ESPN 2.

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