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