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Know The Foe: Washington State Bio

By Brett Hein
PASADENA, CA - OCTOBER 8: Wide receiver Marquess Wilson #86 of the Washington State Cougars carries the ball against the UCLA Bruins at the Rose Bowl on October 8, 2011 in Pasadena, California. (Photo by Stephen Dunn/Getty Images)
PASADENA, CA - OCTOBER 8: Wide receiver Marquess Wilson #86 of the Washington State Cougars carries the ball against the UCLA Bruins at the Rose Bowl on October 8, 2011 in Pasadena, California. (Photo by Stephen Dunn/Getty Images)
Getty Images

Kickoff is approaching as BYU prepares to host the Crimson Cougars from Washington. Throughout the season, we will include a "Know The Foe Bio" for each opponent as part of our game-week previews. Here's your bio blast for Washington State:

Related: Mike Leach Examined: Year 1 And Game 1

BIO

Name: Washington State University
Nickname: Cougars
Colors: Crimson and Gray
Conference: Pac 12
Location: Pullman, Washington

Wazzu_map_medium

Enrollment: ~21,000

Venue: Martin Stadium, cap. 35,117. (FieldTurf)

Bowl Appearances: 10 (6-4 record). Last bowl: 2003 Holiday Bowl (def. Texas 28-20)

Best seasons:
1997: Wazzu entered the Rose Bowl with a 10-1 record and lost to #1 Michigan.
2002: The Cougars finished the season 10-3 after a loss to Oklahoma in the Rose Bowl, rose to #3 in the polls as late as November.

Player-Alumni: Drew Bledsoe (1990-92): Pac-10 Offensive Player of the Year entered draft after his junior year, when he was taken 1st overall by New England. Threw for over 44,000 yards in the NFL and was a four-time Pro-Bowler. Ryan Leaf (1995-97): Heisman finalist led WSU to the Rose Bowl, also skipped his senior season and was drafted 2nd overall in 1998 NFL draft. Widely-regarded as the biggest bust in NFL draft history. Jason Gesser (1999-2002): QB'd Wazzu to the Rose Bowl, currently the offensive coordinator at Idaho.

Coach: Mike Leach, 1st season. 84-43 (.661) in 10 seasons at Texas Tech.

Last 5 Years: 14-47 (.230)

History vs BYU: 1-2
1981: BYU 38-36
1989: WSU 46-41
1990: BYU 50-36

2012

Record: 0-0
Ranked: NR
Sagarin Rating: 88
Point Averages: 29.8 scored, 31.8 allowed (last season)
Best Wins: -
Worst Loss: -

STAT LEADERS

(Returning from last season)
Passing: Jeff Tuel. 276 passing yards in an injury-shortened 2011, career 3,845 passing yards and 25 TD.
Rushing: Ricky Galvin (602 yards) and Carl Winston (442 yards)
Receiving: Marquess Wilson. 1,388 yards and 12 TD on 82 receptions.
Tackles: DB Deone Bucannon. 80 tackles (2.5 for loss)

TONIGHT

Kickoff: 8:15 pm MT
TV: ESPN

Watch for tonight's Game Thread, where you can join fellow Cougar fans in discussion throughout the game.

Remember, if you are going to the game, WEAR WHITE!

Also: Know The Foe Offseason Storylines: Washington State and Mike Leach

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