Winning two straight games, the Cougars remain confident and focused on improving every week.

At Monday’s press conference, Washington State University head football coach Mike Leach and his players expressed that they were happy with their performance against Southern Utah, and where the team is at from a year ago.

“One of the biggest things with this team is we’re not letting distractions creep into the locker room,” WSU quarterback Connor Halliday said. “The guys that are on this team want to be here, and want to put in that work that Coach Leach expects.”

Leach mentioned in the press conference that the team is playing better and working hard, which leads to improvement.

“You can feel that confidence coming around,” WSU wide receiver Kristoff Williams said. “We have a big goal in mind and we need to take it one week at a time.”

Leach and his players also talked about their upcoming matchup against University of Idaho this weekend. WSU will look to extend their two-game winning streak when the Vandals come to town this weekend.

This game is considered to be a rivalry type of game, but WSU is not letting that distraction get in the way of their preparation.

“It’s just another game to us,” Williams said.

The last time that WSU played the Vandals was in 2007, which the Cougars won 45-28. This means that the players on this year’s roster are unfamiliar with the rivalry and what it’s about.

“We’re excited to start a rivalry this week,” Halliday said. “We’re just worried about winning the game.”

Though the Vandals are currently winless this year, WSU is not overlooking their opponent and knows what they are capable of accomplishing.

“They’re a good opponent,” Leach said.

Comparing the two offenses, Leach mentioned that Idaho does throw the ball decently and likes to run the play action, while WSU likes to throw it further and often.

“I expect them (Idaho) to be fired up,” WSU safety Taylor Taliulu said. “It’s a game that means a lot to them and a lot to us. It’ll be fun, a good rivalry and excited to see what happens.”

The team is starting their process of preparing and forming a game plan for the Vandals this week.

WSU nose tackle Toni Pole said that during practice on Sunday, the defense started to practice against some of Idaho’s top plays and watched film on their opponent already.

“If we’re not getting better, teams across the country are getting better,” Pole said. “We don’t want to fall off.”