#20 WSU @ Houston (Fri., 6:15 p.m., ESPN)

[Greenblood]

WSU is a 10 point favorite in this battle of the Cougars Friday evening. I realize it's "best for the conference" if WSU wins, but I always have a hard time rooting for Leach, especially since I believe WSU's current 4-game win streak over the Ducks exists only because the Ducks didn't have their starting QB available for either of the two most recent WSU games at Autzen. I figure WSU will prevail vs. Houston, as I don't see anything Houston's done thus far this season to think it's anything more than mediocre.

[Merganzer]

I can't stand Leach either, definitely hard to root for WSU especially since I can't remember the last time they won the Apple Cup. It's also the case that theirs is the definition of a "System quarterback: doesn't matter who it is, the guy throws 50 passes a game for 500 yards.

[gogreen55]

I heard a gambling "expert" on the radio that picked Houston. Actually, he picked them to cover the point spread, but it sounded like he felt they would win outright. His reasoning mainly revolved around the fact Houston ran the ball for well over 200 yards against Oklahoma, while Washington State allowed well over 200 yards rushing against Northern Colorado. He thinks that Houston will be able to run all over WSU. I guess we shall see.

[Everythingsducky]

I love Leach. He has his system, and who cares about his QB being a ‘system QB’? Wazzu has a better overall record than the Ducks the last few years, so it works. Look where Minshew is now, when most thought he wouldn’t get a sniff from the NFL, he is starting (by default, but again, who cares?). I will always be scared when the Ducks play them. The QB’s put up video game numbers, and the defense is always being pressured. Yes, UW has had their number, but this may be the year they break the streak. Hopefully this is also the year the Ducks break their own streak of futility. Tennessee totally screwed the pooch by not landing him.

[Merganzer]

0-0 in the first quarter. Houston has had the ball the entire 2nd Q, WSU called for PI in the end zone, Houston 1st and goal on the 3. Cougs D stiffens, 3rd down from the 13, TD pass. Houston leads 7-0, 15 play drive, 7:27 left in the 2nd Q.

[Merganzer]

5 play, 2 minute drive ties it for WSU. 7-7.

[Merganzer]

Houston pounds it in from the 1, takes 14-7 lead, 2:27 left in 2nd quarter. Houston's QB, D'Eriq King ties T Tebow, 14 straight games with running & passing TD. Halftime 14-7 Houston,

[Merganzer]

39 yd TD pass gives WSU the lead, 21-14 midway through the 3rd quarter, an offensive PI, away from the ball, calls back a 76 yd TD pass for WSU.

[StevensTechU]

Very evenly matched game. WSU's lines look a little more talented than Houston. WSU's offense, in rhythm, seems too tough for Houston to stop.

[Merganzer]

Yep, WSU finishes a 8 play 95 yard drive with a 7 yard TD pass, 28-17, 6:43 left. 22 yard FG gives WSU a 14 point lead, 31-17, just under 4 minutes left.

[Merganzer]

TD for Houston gets it to 31-24, onside kick fails, WSU takes over, 1:34 left. 3rd & 8, Cougars convert & win. Yay, Pac-12.

[SuperDuck]

I love Leach. He has his system, and who cares about his QB being a ‘system QB’? Wazzu has a better overall record than the Ducks the last few years, so it works. Look where Minshew is now, when most thought he wouldn’t get a sniff from the NFL, he is starting (by default, but again, who cares?). I will always be scared when the Ducks play them. The QB’s put up video game numbers, and the defense is always being pressured. Yes, UW has had their number, but this may be the year they break the streak. Hopefully this is also the year the Ducks break their own streak of futility. Tennessee totally screwed the pooch by not landing him.

I agree with what you're saying about the system QB thing, but last year's WSU QB, Gardner Minshew, came in for Jacksonville last week after Nick Foles was injured and lit up the place. I know it's only one game, but the guy was very impressive.

"Minshew went on to break the team record for completion percentage in one game, hitting on 22 of 25 passes (.880) for 275 yards and his first two NFL touchdown passes."

[Duck07]

I love Leach. He has his system, and who cares about his QB being a ‘system QB’? Wazzu has a better overall record than the Ducks the last few years, so it works. Look where Minshew is now, when most thought he wouldn’t get a sniff from the NFL, he is starting (by default, but again, who cares?). I will always be scared when the Ducks play them. The QB’s put up video game numbers, and the defense is always being pressured. Yes, UW has had their number, but this may be the year they break the streak. Hopefully this is also the year the Ducks break their own streak of futility. Tennessee totally screwed the pooch by not landing him.

I agree with what you're saying about the system QB thing, but last year's WSU QB, Gardner Minshew, came in for Jacksonville last week after Nick Foles was injured and lit up the place. I know it's only one game, but the guy was very impressive.

"Minshew went on to break the team record for completion percentage in one game, hitting on 22 of 25 passes (.880) for 275 yards and his first two NFL touchdown passes."

Well without having seen his throws in the game, the biggest problem I saw with Minshew in college was his ability to hit any throws that need velocity like the 15 yard out route. As more and more pro teams incorporate the college spacing and quick passing it becomes less of an issue but its still a base line throw that Pro QBs have to be able to make consistently.