Smoke may force Cougs to re-book opener

Due to the raging wildfires in eastern Washington, air quality has been affected to such an extent that the Cougars are considering rescheduling — 0r moving — their Sept. 5 home opener against Portland State, according to reports by The Spokesman-Review. The air quality index Tuesday reached 85; anything above 100 is considered unhealthy.

“We’re watching it really close,” Washington State athletic director Bill Moos told the Spokesman-Review. “Of course we are concerned about the health and safety of our student athletes and our fans, as well as coaches and staff. I’m hoping we will get some relief with some rain. We’re testing it every day.”

Moos has considered the idea of moving the game indoors to the Kibbie Dome on the campus of the University of Idaho. But its capacity is approximately 16,000, less than half that of Martin Stadium, Nothing has been decided.

If a replacement venue can’t be found, the schools could reschedule for the weekend following the Nov. 27 Apple Cup. Or, they might explore the idea of playing at CenturyLink Field, where the Cougars do not have an annual “Seattle game” scheduled this season.