re: GAME WEEK Thread: Week 1 Washington State - 6 pm CST ESPNU

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1. Last year's results show we don't have as much talent as we all thought.

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but both teams were historically bad last year

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so in other words, historically bad?...

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So it looks like you don't know what "historically bad" means.

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and that joey's a bitch.

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1. Connor Halliday, QB, 6-4, 190, Jr.
Forced to play in a time-share last season, the job is now Halliday's alone after an improved performance this offseason that won him the battle over Austin Apodaca. Halliday is capable of putting up big numbers in Leach's offense, but he struggled at times with his accuracy and decision-making last year, completing just 52.1 percent of his passes and tossing 13 interceptions in 290 attempts last year. Another year in Leach's system should help, though, and Halliday, who threw for 1,878 yards and 15 touchdowns, will hold the key to the offense against Auburn.

2. Gunnar Eklund, LT, 6-7, 300, So.
Eklund, a former walk-on who grew into his big frame after arriving at Washington State, started seven games as a redshirt freshman last season before breaking a bone in his wrist, and he's going to be one of the de facto leaders of an offensive line that has to play much better if the Cougars' offense is going to take a step forward after allowing 57 sacks last season. Eklund will likely be matched up mostly against Ken Carter, Nosa Eguae and possibly Carl Lawson, and if he can keep those three from getting pressure, Auburn's secondary will have to cover an awfully long time.

3. Domonique Williams, WR, 6-2, 192, So.
Washington State will use a bunch of different receivers in the passing game, but Williams is the game-breaker, the player with the ability to get deep and stretch Auburn's secondary vertically. Williams caught 34 passes for 546 yards last season, and his role increased after the Cougars lost Marquess Wilson. When the Cougars need to stretch the field, Williams will likely be option No. 1.

4. Teondray Caldwell, RB, 5-9, 198, So.
Washington State has talked a lot about improving its running game this season, and that starts with Caldwell, the team's leading returning rusher with 269 yards. A diminutive player, Caldwell is more likely to beat defenders with his speed and agility, and he has to provide an extra threat for the Cougars' offense, or Auburn will be able to simply sit back in coverage and pin its ears back to go after the passer.

5. Brett Bartolone, 5-10, 187, So.
Leach's offense always has a savvy, smaller receiver who does the work underneath, a role made famous by Wes Welker and Danny Amendola during Leach's days at Tech. A smaller player, Bartolone is most likely to be Halliday's checkdown receiver, finding holes in the zone and trying to pick up yardage after Halliday's pressured in the backfield. On third-and-mid-range plays or third-and-short, expect Bartolone to be a key target on Saturday.

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5. Brett Bartolone, 5-10, 187, So.
Leach's offense always has a savvy, smaller receiver who does the work underneath, a role made famous by Wes Welker and Danny Amendola during Leach's days at Tech. A smaller player, Bartolone is most likely to be Halliday's checkdown receiver, finding holes in the zone and trying to pick up yardage after Halliday's pressured in the backfield. On third-and-mid-range plays or third-and-short, expect Bartolone to be a key target on Saturday.

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