Bob Robertson, 83, the longtime voice of Washington State football, and Shawn McWashington, a former Cougar and NFL player who is the new color commentator, talked about the Cougars in a live chat with readers Wednesday.

Q: What are your thoughts on coach Mike Leach so far?

Robertson: He's a very personal guy, keeps everything to himself, injuries and starters and so forth, but obviously a very knowledgeable football person. Away from the game, he's a very interesting person on a number of subjects.

McWashington: He's the smartest football coach I've ever met. He brings an intellectual level to the game of football that I'd never previously been around.

Q: What's one area that the Cougs lack this season?

Robertson: Right now, offense in general, but to be more specific, the offensive line and running attack need shoring up. The defense seems to be playing really well right now.

Q: Who influenced you the most during your WSU career?

McWashington: The person that influenced me most was a professor and former football coach, Sam Adams. Sam taught me a lot about not just being a good football player but being a good person. The other person that had a heavy influence on my maturation process was former WSU president Sam Smith. He's still someone I talked to today.

Robertson: I'm surprised you didn't mention me.

McWashington: That's true. You never missed a game. Even my mom missed one.

Q: What do you think of the Martin Stadium renovation? How's the press box?

Robertson: I love it. (Athletic director) Bill Moos promised I was going to advance from the 20-yard line to the 50, and just a slight lean to the right, I'm at the 50.

Q: What's your best memory of your football career at WSU?

McWashington: Probably the day I committed to Washington State and seeing the look on my dad's face. My dad, Ammon, played at WSU in the early to mid-60s and was a key member of the Cardiac Kids in 1965. As a player, the block against USC that sprung Kevin McKenzie in the second game of the year in 1997.

Q: Bob, how many more years do you think you have in you to do broadcasting?

Robertson: I don't honestly know. I'm still enjoying it. It's still fun. At my age, health could become a problem at some date in the future. I've told myself I'll last as long as Vin Scully of the Dodgers, but the son of a gun re-upped for another year.

Q: Why can't I find you two on Twitter or Facebook?

McWashington: In all honesty, I am of the school of thought that, why would someone pay to listen to me on Saturday if they could talk to me Monday through Friday for free?

Robertson: I think twitter is something that follows a helmet-to-helmet collision. And I'm still working on a hashtag.

Q: Bob, thank you for being the face of Cougar football. Can't imagine it without you.

Robertson: Thank you. But all good things come to an end eventually. Not many of us in the broadcast business have spent 46 years and 514 games with a team and enjoyed as much as I still do.