Idaho State -- Keys to Success

There are plenty of areas we could point too this weekend and say it is one area the Cougs must excel in to beat Idaho State.  However, that is being a little over dramatic and over simplified.  For example, I could say Jeff Tuel has to have a solid performance if the Cougs want a shot.  This would neglect the simple fact that Jeff Tuel has to have a solid performance in every game for the Cougs to have a shot.  I could point to Wilson and Karstetter and talk of the importance of them to dominate their opposing corners but they have to do that every game.  Don't forget about how key it is for the Cougs to dominate, or at least hold, the defensive line of scrimmage.  Yep, another area that is important in every game so there is very little value in discussing it when the Cougs are playing an over matched Idaho State team. So what should we look to for the key to success in  this game?  There is only one aspect of a game that can allow a team like Idaho State to keep it close and maybe pull out a squeaker.  The Cougs have to ensure their special teams are prepared for Saturday's match up. 

First and foremost, the Cougar Kickoff team needs to be ready to make plays.  Idaho State's Tavoy Moore has garnered preseason accolades for a reason.  He is a burner that can easily take any kick to the house.  Therefore, it is paramount that the Cougar Special Teams does not allow Moore to negate any WSU scores by taking a kick off to the house.  If Saturday's box score shows 2 TD and 200 return yards for Moore I am going to have a bad feeling in my stomach for the rest of the season.

Second, the Cougs need to ensure they are holding the line on the field goal unit.  One area of fall camp that has been swept under the rug is the inability of our FG unit to keep defenders from blocking field goals.  Some of this could be due to poor snapping but in my experience if a kick is blocked it is because someone has royally screwed up.  Therefore, if multiple kicks have been blocked in multiple practices it is a serious problem.  In a perfect world the Cougs shouldn't have to worry about leaving points off the board against a team like Idaho State.  However, given the recent history of Cougar football I am not ready to say this team is at the level they can allow that to happen.

Punt coverage will be another area of concern WSU needs to have shored up before Saturday.  The reason, once again, is Tavoy Moore.  The kid is just  dangerous in open field.  While WSU improved dramatically last season, I am not ready to say they are going to be prepared to face a punt returner like Moore.  Another reason for concern is the absence of Reid Forrest.  Dan Wagner is ready to step in but in Fall camp I saw more deep kicks with low hang time.  Therefore, Moore is most likely going to get an opportunity to put a few moves on.

The Cougs should be able to pull this game out with some comfort.  However, if we give up a couple of special teams TD's we will be in a game with an opponent we should be able to handle.  Therefore, our key to success is no special team blunders!