Kickoff: 2 p.m. at Stanford Stadium, Stanford, Calif.
TV: none.
Radio: KRKO radio (1380 AM).
Washington State: 5-1, 2-0 in the Pacific-10 Conference.
Stanford: 2-2, 0-2 in the Pac-10.
Washington State: Bill Doba (5-1 in his first year).
Stanford: Buddy Teevens (2-2 in his first year).
Washington State: Quarterback Matt Kegel is third in the conference in passing, second in total offense. He’s thrown 10 TD passes and four interceptions. Tailback Jonathan Smith is fifth in the conference in rushing, but may miss the game with an injury. Receiver Devard Darling averages 18.5 yards a catch. Receiver Sammy Moore is one of the most dangerous deep threats and is seventh in the nation in kickoff returns. The Cougars lead the nation in turnover margin at 2.17 a game (plus-13 for the season). Contributing to that are cornerback Jason David (four interceptions) and strong safety Virgil Williams (three interceptions, two forced fumbles).
Stanford: Tailback Kenneth Tolan is the fourth-leading rusher in the conference at 311 yards on 78 carries. Freshman quarterback Trent Edwards has been up and down, with seven interceptions and four TD passes. Receiver Luke Powell has 21 receptions for 242 yards and a pair of TDs. Strong safety Oshiomogho Atogwe leads the team with 8.2 tackles a game and has forced two fumbles.
Washington State: RB Jermaine Green (ribs) is out. RB Jonathan Smith (ankle) is questionable. LB Will Derting (suspension) is out. C Mike Shelford (neck, shoulder) is out.
Stanford: None reported.
Washington State: Stay the course. Kegel should be able to throw against the Cardinal pass defense. He may have to, depending on the health of Jnathan Smith and Jermaine Green. Watch for Devard Darling and Sammy Moore to have big days. On defense, the Cougars’ front seven should be able to pressure Edwards. Finally, someone has to fill the shoes of linebacker Will Derting, suspended this game for an alleged incident involving alcohol.
Stanford: Edwards has to have a good game, and Powell may be the way. The Cougars will be down anyway without Derting, leaving the middle open for crossing routes. If the defense can hang in there and make it a close game in the fourth quarter, anything can happen.
The Cougars have had two weeks to get healthy and prepare. This has all the appearances of a warm-up.
Pick: Washington State, 38-21.
John Sleeper, Herald Writer
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