2014
Washington State
College Football
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Schedule and Odds
Mike Leach has this team on the upswing, there’s no doubt about that. Washington State compiled just Four Conference wins from 2009 to 2012, but the Cougars managed Four Pac-12 wins in 2013 and made it to a bowl Game. Wins at USC and Arizona highlighted the season, but they also only lost by a touchdown to Auburn in the first Game of the season.
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This offense is going to stay in the mold of passing a ton. Connor Halliday attempted 714 passes last year, which was 55 above the second-most and 111 passes above the third-most. That’s a lot, and with those passes comes interceptions, 22 of them. He needs to get that number down, especially against the better defenses. Of course, he also had 34 TDs which can’t be forgotten. The Cougars return most of their studs in the receiving Game with Gabe Marks (74 receptions, 807 yards, 7 TDs), River Cracraft and Vince Mayle (7 TDs). This group should be more efficient in 2014.
The main question for the WSU offense is on the offensive line where they lose three starters and don’t have a lot of experience coming in. Considering pass-blocking is a huge part of this offense, they’ll need to get that part settled. In the backfield, Marcus Mason and Theron West should see carries. The amount of sacks that Halliday took brought the team average per carry down to 2.9 YPC, so don’t put all the blame on the RBs.
The defense had a problem of putting together a string of good Games last year, allowing 50-plus points in Four of five Games, but also stopping teams like USC and Arizona on the road throughout the year. There’s only two expected senior starters for this group, but the front seven has some experience unlike the secondary. The three starting linemen can help the new corners out a bit if they can get to the QB often. Linebacker Darryl Monroe leads this unit, but doesn’t get much respect in the conference.
The Cougars weren’t really great against the pass last year, so even though they lose five seniors in that area, it’s not like they can get much worse. If the secondary can show any kind of promise, this defense will be better than a year ago.
Mike Leach’s goal is to start competing more in the Pac-12 and they sort of did that last year, equaling Oregon State’s record and only one win away from Washington. However, Stanford and Oregon are still a ways away.
Washington State should open up the season 3-0, although Rutgers won’t be as easy as the other two. Opening up Pac-12 play with Oregon doesn’t help much, but at least that Game is home as well. Reaching those Four Conference wins will likely require some road upsets again. Winning at Utah is their best chance along with Games at Oregon State and Arizona State. However, it wouldn’t be wise to count on the Cougars for wins against Arizona and USC again, or even Washington in the finale.
Reaching a bowl Game is a possibility, but beyond that will be tough without a consistent defense. It’s going to fall on Halliday to limit turnovers and the secondary to limit big plays.
2014 Washington State Football Schedule
Aug. 28 vs. Rutgers
Sept. 5 at Nevada
Sept. 13 vs. Portland State
Sept. 20 vs. Oregon
Sept. 27 at Utah
Oct. 4 vs. California
Oct. 10 at Stanford
Oct. 25 vs. Arizona
Nov. 1 vs. USC
Nov. 8 at Oregon State
Nov. 22 at Arizona State
Nov. 29 vs. Washington