 0-3, 0-0
NR (AP) NR (Coaches Poll) |
September 22, 2012 |
 2-1, 0-0
NR (AP)
NR (Coaches Poll) |
0-3. Laughing stock of the college football world. Expected to go winless in the 2012 season. This year certainly hasn't begun the way anyone had hoped. Let's take a look at a few of the things the Buffaloes can hope to do today against the Cougars to begin to turn it around.
Come out fired up, Bienemy-style
Well, we got what we asked for, now let's see if it makes a difference. In this coaching staffs first season last year, Eric Bienemy was on the sideline for the opening loss at Hawaii. After that game it was decided that the offensive coordinator would be better served leading the unit from the box. This week, he returns to the sidelines. Many remarked that the team seemed to take the field with an almost lethargic demeanor last week at Fresno State and they were obviously more and more frustrated as the game went on. Hopefully Bienemy's return to the sidelines will allow him to inject some much needed energy into the team.
Rack up over 150 rushing yards
Heading into the season, the strength of the Washington State defense was expected to be the secondary. But through the first three games it's been the front seven of the Cougar D that has impressed. For the Buffaloes to pull this one off they will have to find success on the ground and keep the ball out of the hands of the high-powered Washington State offense. Tony Jones will return today and hopefully he, Christian Powell and Josh Ford can begin to get the rushing attack rolling.
Shut down Marquess Wilson
Heading into this season this would have sounded like a much more imposing task. However, Wilson has struggled to really take off in Mike Leach's offense, averaging just over four catches and 70 yards a game. Buffs fans and players remember what Wilson did to Colorado in last year's come from behind win and would be wise to make sure that this isn't the game that he gets it going again. Greg Brown has had success against Leach offenses before, maybe he has a few more tricks in his bag.
Return to respectabilty
This is more of a personal plea than an actual key to this game. Please, Buffaloes, just give us a game today. Make us proud, win or lose, and show your faithful fans that there is hope for this program. That improvement is coming and coaching is happening. Show the Pac-12 conference that this team will not lie down this year and will fight and scrape for every single yard.
What are your keys to today's game?