Cougar Football Saturdays are BACK!
Washington State will host No.19 Wisconsin Saturday in the badgers first ever trip to Pullman. After a convincing 50-24 win over Colorado State last Saturday, the Cougars are looking to shock the Badgers for the second year in a row, which could cement a Top-25 ranking in week 3. Last year WSU went into Madison and left with a 17-14 win, shocking the college football world.
There is undoubtedly a sense of confidence for the Cougars this year versus the Badgers, for a couple reasons:
WSU Head Football Coach Jake Dickert, a Wisconsin native, is ready and excited to welcome his home state to his new home. Dickert has led the Cougars to some emphatic wins already in his short head coaching tenure at WSU, including an Apple Cup win in 2021. Dickert is aiming to keep WSU's streak of seven-straight bowl games alive.
The 2023 roster has kept cornerstone names such as Edges; Brennan Jackson and Ron Stone Jr., both named to All-Pac-12 Conference Second Team. DB Chau Smith-Wade is considered one of the best defensive backs in the conference and country and is a huge return for the Cougars. Star safety Jaden Hicks led off his 2023 campaign with an interception, a year after he was named Freshman All-America Third Team.
On offense, QB Cam Ward is leading WSU for the second year after finishing 2022: 320-of-497 (64.4%) for 3,231 yards and 23 touchdowns. Ward's yardage good for 24th in FBS. Fresno State WR Transfer; Josh Kelly was an instant impact for the Cougars last week going for 97 yards, only to be outdone by senior Lincoln Victor. The firepower is there for WSU on both sides of the ball, however putting it all together has proved troubling in previous years.
THE VIBE
Pullman in the fall only means one thing: Cougar Football. The media presence flows into town expecting a sea of crimson and gray fans. RV's are parked along the side of Pullman's roads on Thursday anticipating their beloved parking lot spot. Tickets are selling out. Visiting football trucks pull up next to Bohler receiving thousands of head turns and death stares. There is something about the buzz in the air that every WSU student and faculty member can feel. People travel from far and wide to fill this subtle, wheat town and the vibe shuts down the town. There is nothing like experiencing a home football game on the Palouse in the September sun.
Washington State is in the mix of a conference realignment with this being their last year in the Pac-12. The unknown surrounding WSU's conference destination has created a sense of urgency from faithful Coug fans to soak up every experience left in the Pac-12.
One thing is for sure, Gesa Field will be packed and rocking. Let's do this.
Washington State will host No.19 Wisconsin Saturday in the badgers first ever trip to Pullman. After a convincing 50-24 win over Colorado State last Saturday, the Cougars are looking to shock the Badgers for the second year in a row, which could cement a Top-25 ranking in week 3. Last year WSU went into Madison and left with a 17-14 win, shocking the college football world.
There is undoubtedly a sense of confidence for the Cougars this year versus the Badgers, for a couple reasons:
- It is a home game in front of arguably the best student section in the country who have been patiently waiting for Cougar Football for the last year.
- WSU has proven they can beat this Top-25 team, even on the road.
- Hosting a Big Ten team in Pullman has been 25 years in the making for WSU.
- Cougars will wear an undefeated uniform combo – which was worn in Mike Leach's last home game.
WSU Head Football Coach Jake Dickert, a Wisconsin native, is ready and excited to welcome his home state to his new home. Dickert has led the Cougars to some emphatic wins already in his short head coaching tenure at WSU, including an Apple Cup win in 2021. Dickert is aiming to keep WSU's streak of seven-straight bowl games alive.
The 2023 roster has kept cornerstone names such as Edges; Brennan Jackson and Ron Stone Jr., both named to All-Pac-12 Conference Second Team. DB Chau Smith-Wade is considered one of the best defensive backs in the conference and country and is a huge return for the Cougars. Star safety Jaden Hicks led off his 2023 campaign with an interception, a year after he was named Freshman All-America Third Team.
On offense, QB Cam Ward is leading WSU for the second year after finishing 2022: 320-of-497 (64.4%) for 3,231 yards and 23 touchdowns. Ward's yardage good for 24th in FBS. Fresno State WR Transfer; Josh Kelly was an instant impact for the Cougars last week going for 97 yards, only to be outdone by senior Lincoln Victor. The firepower is there for WSU on both sides of the ball, however putting it all together has proved troubling in previous years.
THE VIBE
Pullman in the fall only means one thing: Cougar Football. The media presence flows into town expecting a sea of crimson and gray fans. RV's are parked along the side of Pullman's roads on Thursday anticipating their beloved parking lot spot. Tickets are selling out. Visiting football trucks pull up next to Bohler receiving thousands of head turns and death stares. There is something about the buzz in the air that every WSU student and faculty member can feel. People travel from far and wide to fill this subtle, wheat town and the vibe shuts down the town. There is nothing like experiencing a home football game on the Palouse in the September sun.
Washington State is in the mix of a conference realignment with this being their last year in the Pac-12. The unknown surrounding WSU's conference destination has created a sense of urgency from faithful Coug fans to soak up every experience left in the Pac-12.
One thing is for sure, Gesa Field will be packed and rocking. Let's do this.