WSU vs. Oregon

Herald Staff

Kickoff: 2 p.m. today at Martin Stadium, Pullman.

TV, radio: No live TV, but Fox Sports Net will show it at 7:30 tonight. KJR radio (950 AM).

Records: Washington State 1-4 in Pacific-10 Conference play, 3-5 overall. Oregon 5-0, 7-1.

Washington State: Mike Price, 62-71 in his 12th year at WSU, 108-115 in his 19th year overall.

Oregon: Mike Bellotti, 46-21 in his sixth year at Oregon, 69-45-2 in his 11th year overall.

Washington State: Teams are learning how to defend quarterback Jason Gesser. Just a few games ago, he was on a 130-pass streak without an interception. Since then, he is 29-for-68 passing, with seven interceptions and three TDs. Obviously, he’s got to pick it up. Still, he leads the conference in passing efficiency. Milton Wynn is second in the Pac-10 with a little better than 100 receiving yards a game. Billy Newman, Marcus Trufant and Mory Banks are among the conference leaders in interceptions.

Oregon: Tailback Maurice Morris’ sore ribs made him miss practice Tuesday, but he should play. Quarterback Joey Harrington isn’t flashy, but he’s efficient and leads the conference in total offense. Wideout Keenan Howrey is a treat to break a big play at any time.

Washington State: TE Russell Mizin (shoulder) is questionable; DL Austin Matson (ankle, knee) is doubtful; TB Dave Minnich (concussion) is probable; DB Eric Coleman (kidney) is probable; LB Serign Marong (back, elbow) is probable; WR Jason White (ankle) is doubtful; FS Lamont Thompson (neck) is out; K Nick Lambert (quad) is out; DB Wendell Smith (shoulder) is out; OL Sam Lightbody (thumb) is out; T Reed Raymond (knee) is out; WR Adam Davis (back) is out; WR Derrick Dillon (collarbone) is out.

Oregon: DL Jason Nikolao (knee) is doubtful; DB Jermaine Hanspard (shin) is probable; CB Rashad Bauman (shoulder) is questionable; LB Garrett Sabol (knee) is questionable; TB Maurice Morris (ribs) is probable.

Washington State: Take care of the football and score early to get the crowd into the game. The Oregon defense is suddenly vulnerable, and the Cougars have had success (until Saturday’s 38-9 loss to Oregon State) putting up points.

Oregon: Avoid overconfidence. Contain Gesser and don’t let him create off the roll-out.

It’s difficult to see how Washington State’s defense can stop Oregon.

Pick: Oregon, 54-31.

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