Ellis Johnson is in his first year as defensive coordinator after a disastrous one-year tenure as head coach at Southern Mississippi, and his 4-2-5 defensive alignment. That scheme is so difficult to learn and at best is a big work in progress.

They will be lost with WSU and their fast break offense, desperately trying to make adjustments in a scheme they are not used to.

Connor Halliday and Jeff Tuel took turns struggling to learn Leach's offense last season. The results were ugly at times. Halliday completed just 52.1 percent of his passes a year ago, throwing 15 touchdown passes and 13 interceptions, numbers that must improve this season if the Cougars' offense is to look anything like what most expect of a Leach operation.

Halliday though looked very comfortable in spring practice and is poised for breakout year. Auburn coach Gus Malzahn also loves to sling the ball. This game should soar over early in the fourth quarter.