• WSU at Oregon, 6:15 p.m., 850-AM
EUGENE, Ore. – Jeff Tuel’s last name is pronounced “tool,” so headline writers figure to have plenty of fun with Washington State’s new quarterback over the next four years.

Tuel’s teammates seemed to have fun playing with the true freshman when he debuted at Southern Cal last week. Tuel makes his first start tonight at 16th-ranked Oregon, and wide receiver Gino Simone expects big things from his good friend.

“No pun intended, he has all the tools. I think he’s going to take advantage of it, and we’re going to see him grow,” said Simone, a true freshman who caught eight Tuel passes at USC.

“He’s a great player already, but the steps and bounds he’s going to make the next four years – he’s going to be a real special player.”

In addition to a strong arm and excellent mobility, Tuel came across as the calmest guy on the field during Saturday’s nationally televised game at then-No. 12 USC. Poise will come in handy tonight at Autzen Stadium, where a loud crowd is expected.

“He’s got great field presence,” Simone said. “He has the ability to run and get out of the pocket.

“What’s special about that – there’s a lot of guys who can run, but he has the ability to keep his eyes downfield and find a receiver getting open. A lot of guys don’t have that.”

Coach Paul Wulff admits he has some concerns about starting an inexperienced quarterback behind an injury-depleted offensive line that gave up eight sacks (four on Tuel) last week. Wulff expects the Ducks to pressure Tuel in every way possible, so the coach is glad that Tuel is more elusive than previous starter Marshall Lobbestael, the only other healthy quarterback on scholarship.

“Jeff isn’t fazed by the rush,” Wulff said. “He doesn’t get too concerned. He’s OK with the rush.

“If you rush him, he’s going to find a way to get away and make a play with his feet. In a lot of ways, he relishes that.”

Tuel and Simone quickly became close friends after meeting over the summer in Pullman. Next season, they plan to live together with fellow freshman Nolan Washington in a Pullman condo that Simone’s parents purchased so they have a place to stay this year during their frequent visits.

“Mom has a little trouble with separation,” a grinning Simone said. “They are my biggest supporters. I love them for that.”

It didn’t take long for Cougars coaches to fall in love with Simone’s sticky hands, quick feet and upbeat attitude. The former Skyline High School star has 12 catches in three starts. He missed the Southern Methodist game with a concussion.

“I’m enjoying this so much, I can’t even began to describe it,” said Simone, who missed two days of practice with the flu this week. “This is unbelievable, the opportunity that’s been presented to me.”

Simone and Tuel were two of the featured attractions in the first recruiting class Wulff and his staff had a full year to put together. Simone said the freshmen are loaded with talent, camaraderie and determination.

“We’re going to be the class to bring this program back to national prominence,” Simone said.

COUGARS GAMEDAY

WASHINGTON STATE (1-3, 0-2 Pacific-10 Conference) AT OREGON (3-1, 1-0)

Kickoff: 6:15 p.m., Autzen Stadium, Eugene.

TV: Comcast Ch. 179. Radio: 850-AM, 1240-AM, 1030-AM.

The series: Oregon leads, 41-38-7. The Ducks won last year, 63-14.

What to watch: Look for the Ducks to blitz and stunt constantly to test true freshman quarterback Jeff Tuel and the three freshmen (two have redshirted) starting on the offensive line. Tuel is mobile and hurt USC with his running ability last week, but he was still sacked four times. The 16th-ranked Ducks mix things up plenty on offense and defense, and that could be too much to handle for a Cougars team starting four true freshmen. Oregon has turned the ball over 11 times; WSU is tied for the Pac-10 lead with 11 takeaways but came into the week ranked last in the nation in total defense and pass defense.

What’s at stake: The Ducks need to prove they’re for real. They were sh-sh-shaky in their first three games before putting the hammer to then-No. 6 California, 42-3, in a masterful performance last week. Oregon quarterback Jeremiah Masoli has been inconsistent, but he went 21-for-25 for 253 yards and three touchdowns against Cal. Tuel might test a UO secondary missing two starters, but passing could be difficult: The forecast calls for chilly, possibly wet weather.

TNT pick: Oregon, 38-14.

PRIME NUMBERS

washington state

No.Name (position)Height/WeightYear

8Reid Forrest (P)6-0/184Junior

Leads Pac-10 with 45.3 yards per punt.

10Jeff Tuel (QB)6-3/207Freshman

True freshman from Fresno, Calif., to make first college start.

31Dwight Tardy (RB)5-11/204Senior

Playing hurt, WSU’s leading rusher past two seasons has 161 rushing yards.

69Kenny Alfred (C)6-2/300Senior

Gig Harbor graduate heads battered O-line with three frosh starters.

89Travis Long (DE)6-4/247Freshman

WSU defensive player of the game two consecutive weeks.

Oregon

No.Name (position)Height/WeightYear

8Jeremiah Masoli (QB)5-11/220Junior

Can hurt you with his arm and his feet.

83Ed Dickson (TE)6-5/243Senior

Earned player of week honors after catching three TD passes vs. Cal.

21LaMichael James (RB)5-9/180Freshman

Ran for 118 yards in the victory over Cal.

55Casey Matthews (MLB)6-2/235Junior

Third in Pac-10 with 35 tackles.

58Kenny Rowe (DE)6-3/232Junior

Tied for second in Pac-10 with 41/2 sacks.

Howie Stalwick, For The News Tribune