Washington State is 5-2 heading into its matchup with No. 8 Stanford, and Pac-12 North title implications are on the line in Pullman, Washington.
Just take that in for a moment, because it’s something that no one expected after the Cougars dropped their season-opener to FCS Portland State. Or when they struggled on the road against Rutgers. Or when they started the Pac-12 slate at 0-1.
Except, maybe, Cougars coach Mike Leach.
He had moments early in the season -- yes, even that Portland State game -- when he saw the pieces of this puzzle coming together.