First look
Time: 7 p.m. Saturday. TV: FSN
The records: WSU, 1-1; Idaho, 1-1
Last week: WSU defeated San Diego State 45-17 in Seattle; Idaho defeated Cal Poly 20-13 in the Kibbie Dome.
Last time: WSU won 56-10 in Pullman last season.
The line: WSU by 26
What it means for WSU: The Cougars’ final non-conference game is important at so many levels. A win is important for WSU’s bowl hopes, as a measuring stick before Pac-10 play opens next week with a trip to USC, for football ownership of the Palouse and bragging rights when the coaches run into each other at Shopko or Wal-Mart.
What it means for Idaho: This is the last Battle of the Palouse for the foreseeable future, meaning new coach Robb Akey probably won’t get another shot at schooling his former players. But more important than that, the Vandals need to show they are making strides against their rivals from Pullman. UI hasn’t won since 2000 and only one of the games since has been close.
Key matchup: WSU front seven vs. Idaho running game.
After spreading out USC in their opener, the Vandals got physical against Division I-AA Cal Poly on Saturday, with freshman Deonte Jackson running for 214 yards on 30 carries, the school’s first 200-yard rushing game by a freshman. The Vandals need their running game to go because redshirt freshman quarterback Nathan Enderle is just 23 of 56 passing for 256 yards in his first two games.
Vince Grippi