UH vs Wazzu Game Previews

The Seattle Times has matchup notes and a game preview.

A year ago, Hawaii led the nation in sacks allowed with 57, 11 more than the next-worst team. The Cougars had five of their 16 season sacks against the Warriors in a 24-10 loss in Honolulu.

That battle, as well as WSU's ability to run the ball, figures to be critical. Last week in the opening 39-13 loss to Stanford, WSU rushed for 78 first-quarter yards but finished with only 102.

HawaiiAthletics.com has game info.

Cougcenter.com has tailgating tips and a game preview.

Why WSU might win: Position to position, this is one of the few teams on the schedule in 2009 that WSU matches up well with in terms of talent. If Wulff's no huddle offense can take care of an inexperienced Warrior defense, the Cougs' may have enough firepower to come away with a W. Question is: who scores the points? Montgomery? Tardy? Anderson? Simone? The Cougs need someone to have a breakout performance.

The Kitsap Sun has a preview.

Everyone seems to agree that Washington State has an improved football team. Whether that translates into an improved football record could hinge largely on the next two games.

One year removed from a season in which their only wins came against lowly Portland State and Washington, the Cougars’ best opportunities to win this season — on paper, anyway — would appear to be today’s game with Hawaii in Seattle and next Saturday’s game with Southern Methodist in Pullman.

The AP has a preview and some game notes.

Key Matchup

Hawaii QB Greg Alexander against porous WSU defense. WSU RBs James Montgomery and Dwight Tardy against solid Hawaii rush defense.