Originally published October 17, 2010 at 8:08 PM | Page modified October 18, 2010 at 2:58 PM

Cougars tough road continues

WSU has nation's third-toughest schedule

The Spokesman-Review

PULLMAN — Washington State's march through a gantlet of a schedule continues Saturday when the Cougars travel to No. 12 Stanford.

No. 15 Arizona was the latest team to take a whack at the Cougars (1-6, 0-4 Pac-10), delivering a 24-7 blow Saturday evening at Martin Stadium.

That defeat is part of the nation's third-toughest schedule, at least according to Jeff Sagarin's formula given USA Today's seal of approval.

"Not what I wanted to hear, is it?" WSU coach Paul Wulff said Sunday.

"It doesn't surprise me, but I didn't know that. You look at, we've played (a lot of) Top 25 teams. ... It's a hell of a schedule; it's a hell of a run."

Seven weeks without a break — the Cougars' two byes hit back-to-back after game No. 11 — also is taking a toll on the players.

Left tackle David Gonzales (broken arm), who started the first seven games, and reserve cornerback Damante Horton (left knee) are the latest to go on the injury list.

Gonzales' season is done, but Wulff said Horton's MRI was actually good news because the freshman suffered an MCL sprain and only a slight ACL tear.

He should avoid surgery and might return in four to six weeks, which gets him back for the Apple Cup.

"The fact that he could be playing before the end of the year would be great, but it (also) allows him to get right back in that weight room and get bigger and stronger. If he had reconstructive surgery, it would hold him back," Wulff said.

Some of the previously injured contributors might return this week, Wulff said. That includes right tackle Micah Hannam (concussion), who will be part of a probable line shuffle due to Gonzales' injury.

"We've got to come up with a few different answers, because one isn't going to work. As soon as one guy gets hurt, you have to have a new plan, right? So we have to have two or three legitimate plans."

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