Cougars report: Notes, quotes

March 26, 2008
The Sports Xchange

Notes, quotes · Strategy and personnel · Inside slant

SPRING OBJECTIVES
Finding a quarterback who can best operate the new no-huddle offense is Job One. The leader is senior Gary Rogers, who has been the backup the last two years and has seen some playing time when games were on the line, particularly two seasons ago. But Rogers struggled some last season and has never started a game. Therefore, others will also be given a shot, notably juniors Cole Morgan, who entered spring as the backup, Kevin Lopina, a transfer from Kansas State, and redshirt Marshall Lobbestael, one of the plums of the Class of 2007. The Cougars also need to rework the defensive front seven after switching back to a 4-3.

BUILDING BLOCKS
The Cougars return four-fifths of an offensive line that allowed WSU to finish second in the conference in total offense, averaging 435.6 yards per game, losing only guard Bobby Byrd. WSU also returns eight starters on defense, which some may say isn't a good thing given that the Cougars allowed a Pac-10 high 32.4 points per game last season. All but one of the back seven returns. The most valuable player returning could be senior WR Brandon Gibson, who led the Pac-10 with 1,180 yards last season and decided to return for another year after flirting with the NFL.

SCHEDULE SITUATION
It's a mixed-bag for Wulff in his first season as the Cougars will have some chances early to get a couple of wins but will also play 13 games in 14 weeks, which could be rough on a team that often struggles with depth. The 13th game will be a season-ender at Hawaii Nov. 29, and this could be a good year to catch the rebuilding Warriors. WSU will also face Oklahoma State in their annual game in Seattle, play at Baylor and host Portland State, all decent chances for wins. The Pac-10 slate sees five of nine teams coming to Pullman including USC, Oregon and Washington.

QUOTE TO NOTE
"I believe every player has a clean slate. There are some players who maybe felt they didn't have a fair opportunity in the past, whether they did or didn't doesn't really matter at this point. They all have an opportunity to prove themselves and show consistency in their daily lives." -- new WSU coach Paul Wulff on starting anew.