Southern Methodist Mustangs (2-0) vs. Washington State Cougars (0-2)
Saturday, September 19, 2:00 PM PST
Las Vegas Favorite: Southern Methodist -6.0

Sam’s Take (14 – 4):

Can it get any worse right now in Pullman? Suddenly, the SMU game may be the Cougars last realistic shot at a win in 2009, and sadly, I’m not sold that can even get this one. After an off-season of promise and hope, this WSU team somehow looks worse than last year’s.

As if things weren’t bad enough, speedy wideout Jeshua Anderson decided to leave the team this week in order to concentrate on track. In my opinion, Paul Wulff’s offensive game plan should be simple from here on: give the ball to RB James Montgomery (and occasionally Dwight Tardy). The full use of the no-huddle may have to wait another year, and by running the ball with a couple of talented backs, the Cougars may be able to conserve a little clock so that they no longer get embarrassed by teams like Hawaii (Hawaii?!?!).

As much as I want to believe that the Cougs will end their dreadful play in this game, I just can’t see the WSU defense slowing down June Jones run and shoot attack. I don’t expect SMU to play much defense either, but in my opinion, the Mustangs are a better offensive team than Hawaii.

I expect SMU to move to 3-0 on the season, while the Cougars continue to search for answers.

Prediction: Southern Methodist 38 – Washington State 28

Southern Methodist Player to Keep an Eye On: RB Shawnbrey McNeal - June Jones SMU offense is more potent (and balanced) than ever, as Jones appears to have found a legitimate tailback in McNeal. The transfer from Miami has been excellent through two games, so the Cougars D will have their work cut out for them.

Washington State Player to Keep an Eye On: QB Marshall Lobbestael - It appears Paul Wulff will turn to the athletic Lobbestael in an attempt to find a spark. His performance Saturday will go a long way in determining whether Wazzu fans can keep hope alive in 2009.

Dave’s Take (14 – 4):

Man, talk about a complete 180 on a team. After the Stanford game I really liked some of the things I saw out of this team and fully expected them to go out and beat a weak Hawaii team.

Next thing I know, Hawaii is wiping the floor with the Cougars, moving the ball completely at will to the tune of 626 yards of offense including 489 through the air. Wow. This is the same Hawaii team that struggled against Division II Central Arkansas the week before, mind you.

Yes the Cougars looked much better in the second half, but by then it was too late to win me back. This team looked like it’s hopeless 2008 counterpart, and now facing a dynamic passing attack that will be better than Hawaii’s, what type of numbers should we be looking for this week?

And then losing Jeshua Anderson? I can only imagine what the morale is like for the Cougars right now. I’d love to say “they realize this is their best chance to win a game this season so they’ll go out and get it”, but what did we see last week in the same circumstance? I’m having trouble figuring out how SMU doesn’t get to 40, and I just can’t see Washington State keeping up with that.

Prediction: Southern Methodist 42 – Washington State 24