Cougars preparing for OSU

Chima Nwachukwu wants to hit someone.

So does Alex Hoffman-Ellis.

And they'd prefer if that someone isn't wearing crimson and gray.

"Tempers have been flaring these last couple weeks," Nwachukwu said after Tuesday's practice. "Guys are really upset at each other, trying to get physical with each other. It's good to have an opportunity to hit another color for once."

That opportunity presents itself, finally, in the form of WSU's season-opener at Oklahoma State on Saturday, and the looming trip to Stillwater is at long last the emphasis during practice.

Position workouts have morphed into OSU-related practice drills. They've begun watching film. And the players comprising the 70-man travel roster are donning crimson helmets during practices this week to differentiate between them and the scout team.

It's game week in every way. Even Butch, WSU's Cougar mascot, was wandering around the facilities yesterday.

"I think we're a little bit more excited to get focused on our opponent and whatnot," Hoffman-Ellis said. "As opposed to a grind, it's more of a focus now. We're kind of zeroing in on what we need to be doing and our assignments and what we need to execute."

If the Cowboys' offseason hiring of former Houston offensive coordinator Dana Holgorsen is any indication, WSU is going to have to zero in quickly. On every play. All Holgorson did last year at Houston was lead an uptempo passing attack that topped the nation in total offense per game (563), passing yards per game (433.7) and points per game (42.2).

Think fast-break basketball on turf.

For that reason, coach Paul Wulff says the Cougars will be studying some tape of Houston's offense from last season to gain a feel for what they might be facing when they line up across from OSU quarterback Brandon Weeden and All-American tailback Kendall Hunter.

"We've got to look at that and do the best we can try to figure out some of the things they're going to try to carry over," Wulff said. "Houston had the luxury of having a great quarterback that's been in their program for a while. He was an outstanding player for them. They ran that offense extremely efficient ... There's no question (OSU is) going to do some things we're not prepared for."

But those things could prepare WSU for similar looks down the road. Teams like Oregon and Arizona both run quick, spread offenses, and though their schemes are different from what the Cowboys are likely to use, there could still be some knowledge to be gained based off defending a no-huddle offense.

"I think it's a very good test at the beginning of the season to see where we're at," Hoffman-Ellis said. "Mentally, physically what condition we're in. It'll be a good way to get the season rolling."

NOTES - WSU's secondary is getting healthier. Cornerback Aire Justin and Nolan Washington were full-go in practice on Tuesday, an indication that both should be ready for Stillwater. ...Wulff said receiver Kristoff Williams likely won't make the trip due to his ongoing recovery from turf toe. "He's got a chance to be a really, really good football player, and we want to make sure we're very conservative in making sure he gets 100 percent healthy and this isn't something that can reoccur," Wulff said. ...The coach also estimated that about nine true freshmen will make the trip, including walk-on safety Jack Wilson. Wulff said he's had a "heck of a camp," and that he'll probably see time on special teams. ...Former All Pac-10 center Kenny Alfred was at practice Tuesday. He was on crutches, still rehabilitating after a second hip surgery. His football career is over.

Christian Caple can be reached at (208) 882-5561, ext. 230, or by e-mail to ccaple@dnews.com.