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Steve Broussard

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Chat With Special Teams and Running Backs Coach Steve Broussard on Thursday, September 4 at 11:30 AM PT.

Moderator: Good morning Cougar fans and thank you for visiting wsucougars.com and today's chat with Steve Broussard. Coach, thank you for joining us this morning.

Steve Broussard: Thanks for having me.

Moderator: Let's get to some questions.

Joel (spokane): I was really impressed with our running backs in the opener,will they still play a big role in the offense once the passing game is solid?

Steve Broussard: Joel, yes I think the running game is going to big part of our success this year. Once we get clicking in the passing game, it shouldn't affect our running game.

Bruce (Virginia Beach): Coach - Assuming we have talented athletes on special teams (and I think we do), and that they are executing their assigned responsibilities (spacing, kick length/hang time, etc), how much of a part does attitude play in successful special teams play? Go Cougs!

Steve Broussard: Bruce, I think the attitude is the most important part of special teams play because it is just one play and not a series of plays. You have to have the right attitude to play on that one play.

Molly (Nooksack): What are your favorite memories of your time at Portland State University?

Steve Broussard: Molly, my favorite time at Portland State was St. Patrick's Day down at Jake's.

LONGVIEW TEXAS: WHAT DO YOU THINK OF THE TEXAS FOOTBALL PLAYERS AND CHRIS IVORY? DO YOU THINK WSU WILL LOOK FOR MORE PLAYERS IN TEXAS?

Steve Broussard: I think Chris Ivory is a great talent, great kid, and great person. Yes, since we've had some success with some players down there we can always use some good Texas kids up here in the Northwest.

Paul Martin in Portland, OR: How good did it feel to stick it to Troy Aikman and #1 UCLA?

Steve Broussard: Paul, it felt good, although I was sitting at home watching it on TV with an injury. My backup running back, Richie Swinton, I think had one of the best games of his career. Our offense never missed a beat. That was the year that myself and Richie both rushed for 1,000 yards. I led the Pac-10 in rushing that year and Richie was fourth.

SteeleMan (Spokane): Hey Bruiser, I met you back in the day at CCN (don't you remember???). Anyway, How much time do you put in coaching per week and could you break that down percentage-wise; i.e. Running backs, special teams, etc.

Steve Broussard: Sorry I don't remember SteeleMan. Total, my hours per week coaching is 80. Running backs, I would say 20 hours, watching film 20 hours, and the other 40 hours would be special teams.

Bobby (Moscow): The special teams clearly had a poor showing last week. How much more attention was paid to the ST this week in practice and what steps have been taken to sure up the issues that plagued it last week?

Steve Broussard: Bobby, I definitely agree with you and I think the one thing that we did emphasize this week was personnel. We made a few personnel changes on our punt cover and kickoff cover units. The key to all of that is always the kicker kicking the ball high and where it is supposed to be.

Spokane: Did you play special teams as a Coug and are there any players that might break out this week

Steve Broussard: Yes I did play on special teams. I played on kickoff return as a returner. When I was with the Seahawks I was on the punt team as a personal protector and a kick returner. Also, in my brief stint with the Baltimore Ravens, I played on kickoff cover and punt return teams. Our punter, Forrest Reid ,we have back this week, so he is a guy to look out.

Moderator: Coach, what memories standout from the Aloha Bowl season?

Steve Broussard: The first memory was beating No. 1 ranked UCL (even though I wasn't there) and the second was winning the first bowl game at Washington State in 72 years. Beating No. 14 ranked Houston and Heisman Trophy winner Andre Ware was a great memory. I also remember from that game was setting the Aloha Bowl record at the time with 139 yards rushing, and spending Christmas in Hawaii.

Tyler, Bellevue: Bruiser, what is the best part of being back at WSU and what is your favorite memory from your playing days at WSU?

Steve Broussard: Tyler, the best part of being back here is coaching at my alma mader and having the opportunity to make a positive impact on our young men. My best memory as a player was the Aloha Bowl in 1988.

Moderator: Okay, that's all the time we have. Coach thank you once again for joining us today.

Steve Broussard: Thank you. To our fans, don't lose hope nor sight due to our first game. There are 12 games left. I truly believe: Once a Coug, Always a Coug. Stay positive and Go Cougs!

Moderator: Thank you to everyone for your questions. Remember, to get all the information about WSU Athletics, go no further than wsucougars.com, the official website of Cougar Athletics. Please check back to wsucougars.com for future online chats.