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FACTS & STATS: Site: Qwest Field (67,000) -- Seattle, Washington. Television: FSN. Home Record: Oklahoma State 0-0, WSU 0-0. Away Record: Oklahoma State 0-0, WSU 0-0. Neutral Record: Oklahoma State 0-0, WSU 0-0. Conference Record: Oklahoma State 0-0, WSU 0-0. Series Record: Washington State leads, 2-0.

GAME NOTES: The Pac-10 will collide with the Big 12 in a season-opening tussle at Qwest Field, as the Washington State Cougars will take on the Oklahoma State Cowboys. This will be the 107th season for football at Oklahoma State, as the Cowboys will look for their fourth season-opening victory in the last five years. OSU is a solid 61-40-5 in season-openers, and that includes a perfect 3-0 ledger when starting a season against a Pac-10 opponent. Last year the Pokes posted their fifth winning season in the past six campaigns, finishing 2007 with a 7-6 record. The Cowboys also recorded their second consecutive bowl win by defeating Indiana, 49-33, at in the Insight Bowl. As for the Cougars, they are coming off a lackluster 5-7 ledger. The poor performance led to the program hiring a new coach in Paul Wulff. Wulff was the head coach at Eastern Washington from 2000 to 2007 and compiled a 53-40 record in nine years. The Cougars have had tremendous success in home openers, posting a 75-32-3 mark, which includes a 13-5 ledger since 1990. This will be the third meeting between Oklahoma State and WSU, but this will be the first matchup between the two schools in over 50 years. The Cougars have won both meetings with the Cowboys, but a lot has changed since 1952.

There are some major pieces gone from last year's OSU offensive unit that racked up a whopping 486 ypg, however, the team still has the very dangerous Zac Robinson under center. Robinson was outstanding last season, throwing for 2,824 yards and 23 touchdowns against only nine interceptions. Robinson however, will have to find a new target down the field, as Adarius Bowman has moved on. Sophomore Dez White will be relied upon to step up into the number one role. The wideout had a strong freshman campaign and really jumped onto the scene with two touchdowns in the bowl win over Indiana. Coach Mike Gundy will also have to replace Dantrell Savage, who eclipsed the 1,000 yard plateau a year ago. Robinson was the team's second leading rusher (847 yards and nine TDs) in 2007, and while he should continue to abuse opponents with his legs, the Pokes will turn to Kendall Hunter to take over the tailback duties. Hunter rumbled for 696 yards as a true freshman and averaged 6.5 ypc. As the main threat in the backfield, Hunter will get his first chance to prove he is worthy this Saturday against WSU.

The main problem for the Pokes this past season was their inability to stop the opposition's passing attack. Fortunately for coach Gundy there will be three starters back in the fold in 2008, including cornerback Jacob Lacey. Last year the senior DB led the squad with six interceptions and nine PBUs. Also expect Maurice Gray, a junior college transfer to play a big role in defending the pass as well this season. The loss of Donovan Woods will surely hurt the linebacking corps, but expect Patrick Lavine and Andre Sexton to improve on last season's numbers. Where the problem will likely lie for the Pokes in '08 will be up front as the team will have three new starters. Last year Oklahoma State surrendered 157 ypg on the ground and there is a good chance OSU will continue to have trouble this season.

The new year will likely bring a change for the offense unit of Washington State. Gary Rogers will take over under center for WSU, but considering his inexperience, the senior signal-caller will need time to adjust. Fortunately Rogers will have Brandon Gibson at his disposal. Gibson finished last year with over 1,100 yards and nine touchdowns, and should duplicate those numbers especially since the rest of the receiving corps is still very raw. Jared Karstetter and Michael Willis will be on the field to start the season against Oklahoma State, but neither contributed to the team a year ago. Coach Wulff brings more of a rushing approach to WSU, which means Dwight Tardy will see much more work in 2008. The junior tailback, rushed for 676 yards a year ago, but if he is capable of enduring a heavier workload he will likely push the 1,000 yard mark.

The Cougars were absolutely embarrassed defensively in 2007, allowing 32.4 ppg. The defensive backfield was torched for 259 ypg through the air, but three starters are back for the new campaign, including standout safety Chima Nwachukwu. As a true freshman, the safety racked up 73 tackles and grabbed his first interception. Andy Mattingly, who led the team with eight sacks, will anchor a front line that must improve against the run. The strength of the Cougars' defensive unit will be at linebacker, as all three starters are back for the '08 season. Cory Evans, who led the squad with nine TFLs last season, should once again have another standout year. Greg Trent is also back for the Cougars, as the senior finished third last year on the team with 89 tackles, and is definitely one of the toughest linebackers in the Pac-10. The defense will hopefully make strides this year, and the unit will get its first big test Saturday against a strong OSU offense.

Washington State has plenty of new faces, including a new head coach, which means the team might need some time to come together. If the Cowboys can continue their strong offensive play from a year ago, they should be able to steal a win on the road.

Sports Network Predicted Outcome: Oklahoma State 34, Washington State 27