Heading into their matchup with the UNLV Rebels this Friday, Washington State quarterback Jeff Tuel's knee injury suffered last week will be a key factor in the success of the Cougars tonight down in Vegas.

Kyle Rancourt over at Coug Center explains how important Tuel's health will be, because a QB controversy could boil over if he has a bad game, and backup Connor Halliday could step in nicely if need be.

If Tuel's knee is good to go, he should statistically have a very good game against a bad Rebels defense. Heck, last year Marshall Lobbastael threw for 361 yards and 5 TDs. If Tuel's knee isn't 100%, I'd expect Halliday to step up and have a good game, as well. For the sake of my sanity, however, I hope Tuel throws for 600 yards and 6 TDs.

I think most Coug fans would agree with that last statement. Tuel was 20-26 for 171 yards and 2 touchdowns against Eastern Washington last week.

The Rebels and Cougars get it on Friday night at 6 p.m. PT from Sam Boyd Stadium in Las Vegas.

For more on Washington State, head over to Coug Center.