Cougar Notes: Dickert quells coaching rumors, GameDay beef

From swirling coaching rumors to beef with the biggest show in college football, Washington State football coach Jake Dickert’s name has caught some national attention in recent weeks.

But for Dickert himself, his focus now is all on his Cougars’ next opponent — UCLA.

This week, the coach quelled reports that he’s being considered for the Michigan State head coaching job and also said he’s done beefing with ESPN’s College GameDay show.

“I love my job, I love being here,” Dickert said. “... I have not talked to any university out there and we’re focused on right here, right now and what we’re going to do with this team.”

As for GameDay, a two-week long back-and-forth between the Cougars and the show appears to be over. It started with show host Lee Corso allegedly calling WSU’s game with Oregon State on Sept. 23 the “No One Watches Bowl.” Dickert and others fired back after the Cougs won that game.

Then on Saturday, another GameDay host, Pat McAfee, said, among other things: “Shut up Washington State. I’m sick of you wasting time on this show.”

It’s worth mentioning WSU’s flag, Ol’ Crimson, has appeared in the crowd at every show since 2003 — 292 straight appearances.

“No real reaction. I think it’s Cougs vs. everybody,” Dickert said this week. “... Let’s let Ol’ Crimson fly in all her glory. Let’s let her fly. I mean that. Let’s move on.”

WSU moves up to No. 13 in latest AP poll

Despite not playing a game last week, WSU moved up three spots in the latest Associated Press and AFCA Coaches rankings.

The Cougars (4-0) are No. 13 in the AP poll and No. 14 in the coaches poll going into this weekend.

Even so, WSU is a 3.5-point underdog against unranked UCLA (3-1). The Cougars and Bruins kick off at noon Saturday (Pac-12 Networks) in Pasadena, Calif.

“It shows the challenge is real and like I’ve said, I want to be ranked at the end of the season, not now,” Dickert said.

Mental health awareness

Saturday’s game is WSU’s “mental health awareness” game in partnership with the Hilinski’s Hope Foundation.

The foundation is named after WSU quarterback Tyler Hilinski, who died by suicide on January 16, 2018.

The team will wear green patches on their jerseys and decals on their helmets this week.

Dickert spoke at the news conference wearing a hoodie with Hilinski’s number “3” on it.

“Hilinski’s Hope Foundation has done an amazing (job) to raise awareness and more importantly break the stigma on mental health,” Dickert said.

Trainer’s room

WSU’s leading wide receiver, Lincoln Victor, is week-to-week with a high-ankle sprain and is “way better than we thought he was going to be at this point,” Dickert said.

The senior team captain went down early in the game against OSU and is likely to miss the UCLA game. Victor leads the team in receiving yards (337) and receptions (24).

“He’s doing everything possible,” Dickert said. “We’re very happy with his progress and where he’s at right now.”

Dickert also said junior edge Quinn Roff is working back to on-field activities this week and could possibly return next week against Arizona.

Junior defensive back Tanner Moku is about “70%” and could play this week against the Bruins.

Roff and Moku are key reserves for the Cougars.

Wiebe may be contacted at (208) 848-2277, swiebe@lmtribune.com or on Twitter @StephanSports.