Legitimate excitement this week in the Palouse after that rousing Apple Cup win over U-Dub in Seattle. Dual-threat QB John Mateer is making WSU fans forget Cam Ward very quickly, and there is talk of running the table in Pullman. Pumping the brakes a bit, however, might be more advisable in this tricky scheduling spot, a sort week after the Apple Cup thriller and a likely showdown on deck vs. Boise State next week. San Jose, at 3-0, might not be chopped liver, with new HC Ken Niumatalolo, who has demonstrated his flexibility after years running the Paul Johnson-inspired option at Navy. Coach Ken has the Spartans humming with a more pro-style look than he used at Annapolis, featuring QB Emmett Brown as a gunslinger (9 TDP in three games), and ex QB-turned-WR Nick Nash now leading the nation in receptions with a whopping 34 after three games. Maybe an extra psychological edge for the Spartans, too, as they might be miffed at Wazzu and Oregon State bypassing San Jose with their Pac-12 expansion plans while doing their best to scuttle the remaining Mountain West roll call. Here's a chance for San Jose to make some noise. Play San Jose State