GAMEDAY: Mike Leach, WSU Make Debut Against BYU - Spokane, North Idaho News & Weather KHQ.com

Washington State Basketball

GAMEDAY: Mike Leach, WSU Make Debut Against BYU

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by Sam Adams, SWX Anchor/Reporter - bio | email
Washington State held their final practice on Tuesday before tonight's game in Provo. (Photo: SWX) Washington State held their final practice on Tuesday before tonight's game in Provo. (Photo: SWX)
PULLMAN, Wash. -

Washington State and Mike Leach are off to a fresh start, as they take on BYU Thursday night in a nationally televised game in Provo.

The Cougars (from Pullman) held their final practice on Tuesday before making the trip to Utah.

The challenge for the Cougs, as they gameplan for BYU, will be how to get past a veteran team that isn't lacking in size.

"[They are] big, smart and they have quite a few seniors – always kind of a polished group, they've been very steady over the years," said Leach about BYU. "Typically, they play together well. I guess the biggest thing you notice is they're so sound."

"They're just a very mature football team," added quarterback Jeff Tuel, who will be the starter for Washington State.

Tuel said the Cougars (from Provo) are good, but so are the Cougars (from Pullman).

"They run around good but we're going to do our thing and concentrate on our thing and just execute our plays. I think we're going to be fine."

At last check Washington State was a nearly-two touchdown underdog going into Thursday's game. But with Mike Leach at the helm one never knows what can happen.

Kickoff in Provo is 7:15 (PT). The game can be seen live on ESPN and will be replayed at 11 p.m. on BYUtv.

  • KHQ Online Poll

  • How will Washington State do in tonight's opening game against BYU?

  • Thank you for participating in our poll. Here are the results so far:

    WSU wins big
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    BYU wins big
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  • Mike Leach, WSU Make Debut Against BYU

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