WSU football, basketball & recruiting news: Can Cougars turn around both major sports?

Old coach says no red flags with new WSU WR [Cougfan.com]: Kyran Priester has gotten plenty of laurels for his speed and talent. But a question lurks.

WSU Recruiting: Cougs go back to Upland High [Cougfan.com]: Upland (Ca.) wide receiver Grant Porter received an offer from Washington State after the Cougars landed a couple of commitments like Tyler Hilinski and Kameron Powell.

Has WSU basketball surpassed your expectations? [Mark Sandritter, CougCenter]: "Washington State picked up a road win against USC on Wednesday to improve to 6-9 in Pac-12 play. While that record and knocking off the lowly Trojans isn't exactly something to write home about, it is a better record and I and many others expected heading into the year."

Does Mike Leach have the hardest job in the Pac-12? [Mark Sandritter, CougCenter]: "It's no secret building a winning football program at Washington State isn't an easy task. If it was, the Cougars would certainly have a better winning percentage than they do during the last decade. It's tough to build and sustain a top program, but WSU does have some inherent challenges."

Kernich-Drew blazing his way to the finish [Cougfan.com]: "Over the last five games there’s been another statistical fire burning. Dexter Kernich-Drew isn't just hot right now. He's blazing -- and coach Ernie Kent says it's all about freedom."