Defense Leads the Way to Cougs 3-1 Start

Coach Mike Leach is best known as on offensive guru but Washington State has jumped to a 3-1 record this season largely on the strength of its defense.

That's no surprise to cornerback Nolan Washington.

He says the Cougars set a goal this season of being a Top 10 defense in the nation.

A 42-0 shutout of Idaho last weekend showed the Cougars are on the right track as they prepare to face No. 5 Stanford (3-0, 1-0 Pac-12) on Saturday. It was Washington State's first shutout since the 2003 season.

Through four games, the Cougars (3-1, 1-0) are allowing an average of 12 points and about 260 yards per game. They have not allowed a touchdown in the second half.