Cougs picked last in P12N

[CougPatrol]

At least by one writer...

This guy picked WSU to finish 3-9 / 1-8, and has Cal winning the league at 11-1.

I don't agree with his prediction of WSU, I think we'll finish 6-6; however Cal is my breakout team this season as well. I expect the Bears to challenge for the P12N and for Wilcox to leave after the season.

https://www.cbssports.com/college-f...college-football-season-challenge-oregon-usc/

 

[SaveFerris]

Cal @ 11-1 and OSU ahead of us with 2 more Pac 12 wins? OSU is breaking in a new QB as well.

Wins over Houston, Idaho, and Stanford and 5 home losses. Ok.

 

[etowncoug]

At least by one writer...

This guy picked WSU to finish 3-9 / 1-8, and has Cal winning the league at 11-1.

I don't agree with his prediction of WSU, I think we'll finish 6-6; however Cal is my breakout team this season as well. I expect the Bears to challenge for the P12N and for Wilcox to leave after the season.

https://www.cbssports.com/college-f...college-football-season-challenge-oregon-usc/

No one can accuse them of being too cautious with their predictions.

 

[Flatlandcoug]

At least by one writer...

This guy picked WSU to finish 3-9 / 1-8, and has Cal winning the league at 11-1.

I don't agree with his prediction of WSU, I think we'll finish 6-6; however Cal is my breakout team this season as well. I expect the Bears to challenge for the P12N and for Wilcox to leave after the season.

https://www.cbssports.com/college-f...college-football-season-challenge-oregon-usc/

Cal could breakout.....or they could continue to lose to 80% of the teams that they play against that have winning records. Only time will tell.

 

[longtimecoug]

At least by one writer...

This guy picked WSU to finish 3-9 / 1-8, and has Cal winning the league at 11-1.

I don't agree with his prediction of WSU, I think we'll finish 6-6; however Cal is my breakout team this season as well. I expect the Bears to challenge for the P12N and for Wilcox to leave after the season.

https://www.cbssports.com/college-f...college-football-season-challenge-oregon-usc/

this is a typical assessment of the Cougs, mention 3 players graduated and a new coach, then predict 9 losses

 

[Coug1990]

this is a typical assessment of the Cougs, mention 3 players graduated and a new coach, then predict 9 losses

Yep. We have written this story before. Only replacing Cougar graduating players count. Only the Cougars replacing systems matter.

Frankly, the logic fails of so many writers is funny. They never learn. Yes, you can put the Cougars last. That is fine if you actually use critical thinking. WSU has been able to replace the QB without missing a beat for years. WSU has been able to replace receivers without missing a beat. Plus,they rotate WR's more than any team in the conference, so the guys who are left are experienced multiple year starters (not to mention injured former starter Calvin returns).

 

[CougEd]

Yep. We have written this story before. Only replacing Cougar graduating players count. Only the Cougars replacing systems matter.

Frankly, the logic fails of so many writers is funny. They never learn. Yes, you can put the Cougars last. That is fine if you actually use critical thinking. WSU has been able to replace the QB without missing a beat for years. WSU has been able to replace receivers without missing a beat. Plus,they rotate WR's more than any team in the conference, so the guys who are left are experienced multiple year starters (not to mention injured former starter Calvin returns).

If I didn't have a Coug bias, what did WSU do through transfers, recruiting, coaching to help the the writers ease the problems they had on defense? Also, historically there has been a transition year, whether it was Walden, Erickson, Wulff (many years), Leach that I could see why writers think we will struggle in 2020. Leach won fewer games his first year than Wulff won in his last, and the same players were returning. There will be a system adjustment, a new QB, new leadership, and a team that won 3 games in conference.

A writer could make an argument we are in rebuild mode and I wouldn't think they are totally crazy for that take with our defensive problems.

 

[Coug1990]

If I didn't have a Coug bias, what did WSU do through transfers, recruiting, coaching to help the the writers ease the problems they had on defense? Also, historically there has been a transition year, whether it was Walden, Erickson, Wulff (many years), Leach that I could see why writers think we will struggle in 2020. Leach won fewer games his first year than Wulff won in his last, and the same players were returning. There will be a system adjustment, a new QB, new leadership, and a team that won 3 games in conference.

A writer could make an argument we are in rebuild mode and I wouldn't think they are totally crazy for that take with our defensive problems.

But, that is not what he wrote. He wrote that the Cougars have to replace a QB and two receivers. If he had written about the defense as the reason for his prediction, then he would have had a better argument. Why is it more of a problem for the Cougars that most of the league who also has to replace a QB and receivers. Especially when the Cougars have done a better job than any team of plugging and playing a QB's and WR's.

 

[BiggsCoug]

If I didn't have a Coug bias, what did WSU do through transfers, recruiting, coaching to help the the writers ease the problems they had on defense? Also, historically there has been a transition year, whether it was Walden, Erickson, Wulff (many years), Leach that I could see why writers think we will struggle in 2020. Leach won fewer games his first year than Wulff won in his last, and the same players were returning. There will be a system adjustment, a new QB, new leadership, and a team that won 3 games in conference.

A writer could make an argument we are in rebuild mode and I wouldn't think they are totally crazy for that take with our defensive problems.

The offense has some play makers. They need to be smartly coached and have great play calling.

QB will be interesting. A kid that can run a little bit really helps.

Special teams has to be smartly coached to gain an advantage in some hidden yards.

Defense is a chinese fire drill.

 

[spongeworthy12]

The offense has some play makers. They need to be smartly coached and have great play calling.

QB will be interesting. A kid that can run a little bit really helps.

Special teams has to be smartly coached to gain an advantage in some hidden yards.

Defense is a chinese fire drill.

From what I have seen, Rolo seems to favor a mobile qb and runs some read option.

I was watching the Hawaii-Colorado State game from 2018 and they ran the ball a lot. The backs had 23 carries that game and the qb had 13 carries for 96 yds. Maybe take a few off for sacks...but spreading the field when you have a qb who can take off and keep the chains moving is a deadly weapon.

And yes, I agree on defense. It's gonna be bad.

 

[BiggsCoug]

From what I have seen, Rolo seems to favor a mobile qb and runs some read option.

I was watching the Hawaii-Colorado State game from 2018 and they ran the ball a lot. The backs had 23 carries that game and the qb had 13 carries for 96 yds. Maybe take a few off for sacks...but spreading the field when you have a qb who can take off and keep the chains moving is a deadly weapon.

And yes, I agree on defense. It's gonna be bad.

A qb that can run adds another dimension to the offense. It holds the linebackers for a beat or two. It makes the DC be honest or else he will pay for dropping 8.

MB with 20 or more carries per game wins games for WSU. Even if the yardage isnt big it makes the defense defend the run. It makes the linebackers be linebackers instead of safeties. It’ll chew some clock and keep the defense off the field.

A weak defense needs some help. You have to give them long fields to defend. The special teams has to be spot on. The offense has to score touchdowns. If you can win the time of possession battle you should have fresher kids. That could help in the 4th quarter.

WSU isnt a school that can overcome poor coaching. Some schools can be coached poorly, play badly and still win. That aint WSU. Every aspect of the team and game has to be on it.

If that happens, Rolo takes them bowling. If not, well, itll suck.

 

[CougPatrol]

What I’m most curious to learn about Rolo as a coach is the toughness of his team. Leach ran a soft system, but I always felt that his teams were tough. He didn’t allow slacking at the training table, the weight room, the classroom, and it translated to wins on the field. His teams kind of adopted his F-U attitude, and they always felt like they were going to win. It’ll be interesting to see how Rolo’s teams compare.

 

[sellas]

Every defensive coach is an upgrade from the crapshow coaching last year. DC quitting halfway through a season. ? That is mental.

Offensive minded coaches who aren't stubborn and will attack defenses where vulnerable keeping them off balance. As Biggs said, give the f'ing backers something to think about rather than just dropping into zone and having Jimmy Freakin Lake giggle at the moronic 'game plans'.

 

[Coug90]

What I’m most curious to learn about Rolo as a coach is the toughness of his team. Leach ran a soft system, but I always felt that his teams were tough. He didn’t allow slacking at the training table, the weight room, the classroom, and it translated to wins on the field. His teams kind of adopted his F-U attitude, and they always felt like they were going to win. It’ll be interesting to see how Rolo’s teams compare.

Some say the S&C coach is the second most important coach in a college program. The position has evolved quite a bit over the years and there’s a lot of mental conditioning integrated into these programs rather than just running and lifting. I don’t know much about Rolos guy, but him and his staff will play a big part in how tough the team is.

 

[cr8zyncalif]

If Cal has a breakout season, it will be one of the few in their history. They often have a good group of athletes. They seldom meet expectations. They look good on paper...but if they turn that into a great season it will be a surprise.

However, the same guy who picks Cal to only have one loss would probably be the same guy who picks us last.

 

[Coug90]

If Cal has a breakout season, it will be one of the few in their history. They often have a good group of athletes. They seldom meet expectations. They look good on paper...but if they turn that into a great season it will be a surprise.

However, the same guy who picks Cal to only have one loss would probably be the same guy who picks us last.

They also lost a couple guys who were the heart and soul of their defense. Evan Weavers don’t grow on trees, and the ones that do grow on trees usually don’t go to Kal. Reasonable fo assume their D will take a step back.

 

[spongeworthy12]

A qb that can run adds another dimension to the offense. It holds the linebackers for a beat or two. It makes the DC be honest or else he will pay for dropping 8.

MB with 20 or more carries per game wins games for WSU. Even if the yardage isnt big it makes the defense defend the run. It makes the linebackers be linebackers instead of safeties. It’ll chew some clock and keep the defense off the field.

A weak defense needs some help. You have to give them long fields to defend. The special teams has to be spot on. The offense has to score touchdowns. If you can win the time of possession battle you should have fresher kids. That could help in the 4th quarter.

WSU isnt a school that can overcome poor coaching. Some schools can be coached poorly, play badly and still win. That aint WSU. Every aspect of the team and game has to be on it.

If that happens, Rolo takes them bowling. If not, well, itll suck.

I agree. Running the ball gives the lb's more reads and slows them down a half step or so.

Another thing...in your scenario where we run the ball a bit more, that is less perfect throws the qb's have to make.

Less chances for sacks. Less chances for ints.

Perfect example is the Oregon game. 3rd and 25 and we pass the ball from our own endzone. Stupid call and we throw a pick 6.

Many times its not the plays you make...it's the mistakes you don't make that win games.

 

[BiggsCoug]

I agree. Running the ball gives the lb's more reads and slows them down a half step or so.

Another thing...in your scenario where we run the ball a bit more, that is less perfect throws the qb's have to make.

Less chances for sacks. Less chances for ints.

Perfect example is the Oregon game. 3rd and 25 and we pass the ball from our own endzone. Stupid call and we throw a pick 6.

Many times its not the plays you make...it's the mistakes you don't make that win games.

Turnovers killed WSU last year. Combined with poorly coached and poorly made play calls, Leach pissed away another 10 win season even with a weak defense.

 

[Coug1990]

I saw this ESPN Bill Connolly article on Brand Y. Although it is about the entire NCAA football, it is related to the topic of next season's Pac 12 race.

https://www.espn.com/college-footba...football-teams-most-returning-production-2020

USC, Stanford, Arizona and CAL return a lot. UCLA is in the 60's. ASU, OSU. WSU and Oregon are grouped together in the 70's and 80's.

The uw, CU, and Utah are in the hundreds. Look where Utah is.

I ask again, why does replacing a QB and WR's supposedly hurt WSU more than the rest of the conference? I remember making this same exact point last season when the same old "experts" had replacing Minshew an impossible task and two years ago when replacing Falk, Morrow, Johnson-Mack, etc.

 

[Glad Cougar]

I saw this ESPN Bill Connolly article on Brand Y. Although it is about the entire NCAA football, it is related to the topic of next season's Pac 12 race.

https://www.espn.com/college-footba...football-teams-most-returning-production-2020

USC, Stanford, Arizona and CAL return a lot. UCLA is in the 60's. ASU, OSU. WSU and Oregon are grouped together in the 70's and 80's.

The uw, CU, and Utah are in the hundreds. Look where Utah is.

I ask again, why does replacing a QB and WR's supposedly hurt WSU more than the rest of the conference? I remember making this same exact point last season when the same old "experts" had replacing Minshew and impossible task and two years ago when replacing Falk, Morrow, Johnson-Mack, etc.

Regarding the QB position, it could be that the "experts" notice we don't have a returning QB who has taken a snap of D-1 football. Other teams may or may not have at least some experience returning, even if they weren't starters. I'm not overly worried about it but it could help explain, along with the defensive problems we had last year, the low expectations for the Cougars.

Glad Cougar

 

[mikalalas]

I saw this ESPN Bill Connolly article on Brand Y. Although it is about the entire NCAA football, it is related to the topic of next season's Pac 12 race.

https://www.espn.com/college-footba...football-teams-most-returning-production-2020

USC, Stanford, Arizona and CAL return a lot. UCLA is in the 60's. ASU, OSU. WSU and Oregon are grouped together in the 70's and 80's.

The uw, CU, and Utah are in the hundreds. Look where Utah is.

I ask again, why does replacing a QB and WR's supposedly hurt WSU more than the rest of the conference? I remember making this same exact point last season when the same old "experts" had replacing Minshew and impossible task and two years ago when replacing Falk, Morrow, Johnson-Mack, etc.

Part of this is the experts viewing WSU thru the Lens of the Erickson/Mike Price era of WSU football.

Back then, a QB, WR loss meant 1,2,3 bad years after 1 good year, before another good year when had a good QB, WR, etc again, followed by that QB, WR leaving, and the next 1,2,3 seasons bad before another good season, rinse, wash, repeat.

Leach changed that. But 7 years of SUCCESSFUL PLUG AND PLAY, wont change the so called experts perception thats still back in the Price Era. It would take 13 to 17 straight years of successful plug and play before experts got out of the Mike Price past, and into the now.

The next part for those experts who are more aware, is that they wonder if Rolo will be more like Mike Price, or if he can continue Leach successful plug and play.

Many experts wont believe WSU/Rolo able to continue Leach successful plug and play until if Rolo does it

As far as the why does it hurt WSU more part.

Again that goes back to Mike Price Era. Back then, rosters were RAZOR THIN, and it took 3,4,5 years to develop a QB, WR, and if 1 left, there wasnt a replacement that could do well next season.

That Hurt WSU more. Other teams back then had way more DEVELOPED DEPTH, EXPERIENCE, etc, then WSU, so another Pac 12 team losing its QB, WR, didnt hurt them as much as it hurt WSU.

The exception was, is Ore St, who was, is in pretty much same kind of boat as WSU.

They the experts dont recognize that today's WSU roster is DEEPER, more consistently developed, experienced then in the Price Years, thanks to leach.

And again for those who are aware, they again worry if Rolo can keep it going.

For those who say but then why dint they worry about Lake, etc, keeping it going at UW?

UW, etc, historically has a history of plug and playing coaches(Some UW coaches were plug and play, some werent(But the perception is that UW can plug and play coaches), so that why the experts think UW wont miss a beat under Lake, but wonder if Rolo can keep it going for WSU.

What the experts dont see, and ED doesnt see as well, that Rolo will likely keep it going for at least 1,2,3 years on Leach's Roster alone, similar to Doba in 2003. Doba INHERITED Price's roster, and had 2 good years because of that, before starting to tank.

ED, and the Experts cite Leach going 3-9, worse then Wulf did the year before, but they dont realize the DUMPSTER FIRE that Leach INHERITED that had to FIX. If Leach had inherited the Roster that he is leaving Rolo, Leach would have gotten 6,7,8 wins, plug and play, just like Doba had a awesome year with Mike Price's roster in 2003.

But the ED, and the experts dont get that. Their heads are stuck in the Mike Price years, and thats why ED, and the experts will pick WSU last or close to last, which wont change until if WSU has 13 to 17 straight years of successful plug and play, because thats what it would take for the experts to not perenially pick WSU either last or close to last.

 

[95coug]

Turnovers killed WSU last year. Combined with poorly coached and poorly made play calls, Leach pissed away another 10 win season even with a weak defense.

If the O does what it’s supposed to, and takes care of the ball, we beat UCLA and Cal, and end up 8-4.

It’s tough to pin Oregon and Arizona state on the offense, both of those were meltdowns by the D. Sure, the offense could have scored another TD, but they did enough that even a mediocre D wins. If you want to blame those on the offense, there’s your 10 wins, but I don’t think that’s reasonable.

Utah and UW were losses either way. Neither unit showed up for us.

We shouldn’t have lost to Air Force, but if we’d done the above we wouldn’t even have played them, so they don’t count in the season replay.

 

[BiggsCoug]

If the O does what it’s supposed to, and takes care of the ball, we beat UCLA and Cal, and end up 8-4.

It’s tough to pin Oregon and Arizona state on the offense, both of those were meltdowns by the D. Sure, the offense could have scored another TD, but they did enough that even a mediocre D wins. If you want to blame those on the offense, there’s your 10 wins, but I don’t think that’s reasonable.

Utah and UW were losses either way. Neither unit showed up for us.

We shouldn’t have lost to Air Force, but if we’d done the above we wouldn’t even have played them, so they don’t count in the season replay.

Was there a pick 6 and then 2 point conversion in the Oregon game? Or am I reading the box score wrong? If so, how does the offense giving up 6 points help? How about the kickoff UO returned to the 39 yard line? Probably better off kicking it into the endzone and forcing them to start at the 25.

uw and Utah sure would have been nice to score more than 13 points. Actually show up and make a game of it. Tough to blame those on the defense when they need to pitch damn near a shut out to win.

The defense is an easy punching bag. I think it's bullshit to minimize the offense's piss poor play calling, pick 6's, turnovers and games where they just didn't show up. Scoring 13 points in 2 different games with 7 of 11 guys NFL caliber talent??? Really??? In a down year for talent in the league???

Another season with meat left on the bone because of poor coaching. That was a 10 win team pissed away by Leach.

 

[425cougfan]

Was there a pick 6 and then 2 point conversion in the Oregon game? Or am I reading the box score wrong? If so, how does the offense giving up 6 points help? How about the kickoff UO returned to the 39 yard line? Probably better off kicking it into the endzone and forcing them to start at the 25.

uw and Utah sure would have been nice to score more than 13 points. Actually show up and make a game of it. Tough to blame those on the defense when they need to pitch damn near a shut out to win.

The defense is an easy punching bag. I think it's bullshit to minimize the offense's piss poor play calling, pick 6's, turnovers and games where they just didn't show up. Scoring 13 points in 2 different games with 7 of 11 guys NFL caliber talent??? Really??? In a down year for talent in the league???

Another season with meat left on the bone because of poor coaching. That was a 10 win team pissed away by Leach.

Not easy to top "55,000-seat stadium in Pullman" or "WSU 55, Rutgers 0," but this may have done it.

 

[spongeworthy12]

Was there a pick 6 and then 2 point conversion in the Oregon game? Or am I reading the box score wrong? If so, how does the offense giving up 6 points help? How about the kickoff UO returned to the 39 yard line? Probably better off kicking it into the endzone and forcing them to start at the 25.

uw and Utah sure would have been nice to score more than 13 points. Actually show up and make a game of it. Tough to blame those on the defense when they need to pitch damn near a shut out to win.

The defense is an easy punching bag. I think it's bullshit to minimize the offense's piss poor play calling, pick 6's, turnovers and games where they just didn't show up. Scoring 13 points in 2 different games with 7 of 11 guys NFL caliber talent??? Really??? In a down year for talent in the league???

Another season with meat left on the bone because of poor coaching. That was a 10 win team pissed away by Leach.

Can't disagree there.

We knew going into the season that the defense was going to suck and the offense was going to have to be a juggernaut...which it should have been with the weapons we had.

For some reason Leach gets a pass for running an offense that only puts up 13 pts twice in a season by being quirky.

I was too distracted by the pair of Double D's sitting next to me during the ASU game to recall it in detail but I thought the offense did enough that game.

Drawing Air Force was punishment from the football gods for not playing up to our potential.

 

[BiggsCoug]

Can't disagree there.

We knew going into the season that the defense was going to suck and the offense was going to have to be a juggernaut...which it should have been with the weapons we had.

For some reason Leach gets a pass for running an offense that only puts up 13 pts twice in a season by being quirky.

I was too distracted by the pair of Double D's sitting next to me during the ASU game to recall it in detail but I thought the offense did enough that game.

Drawing Air Force was punishment from the football gods for not playing up to our potential.

7 of 11 positions on offense NFL caliber vs. 0 of 11 positions on AF's defense NFL caliber. 21 points.

That's terrible.

 

[95coug]

Was there a pick 6 and then 2 point conversion in the Oregon game? Or am I reading the box score wrong? If so, how does the offense giving up 6 points help? How about the kickoff UO returned to the 39 yard line? Probably better off kicking it into the endzone and forcing them to start at the 25.

uw and Utah sure would have been nice to score more than 13 points. Actually show up and make a game of it. Tough to blame those on the defense when they need to pitch damn near a shut out to win.

The defense is an easy punching bag. I think it's bullshit to minimize the offense's piss poor play calling, pick 6's, turnovers and games where they just didn't show up. Scoring 13 points in 2 different games with 7 of 11 guys NFL caliber talent??? Really??? In a down year for talent in the league???

Another season with meat left on the bone because of poor coaching. That was a 10 win team pissed away by Leach.

Even with the pick 6, the offense left the field with a lead. Bad ST play and a porous defense gave it away. Again, even a mediocre defense wins that game. Hell, even if our D played as well as they did the first 57 minutes of that game, we win. Instead they folded up and went home early.

Even scoring at our season average, we lose to Utah, because the D made Tyler Huntley look like Patrick Mahomes. And we weren’t going to score our season average because Utah’s was the best D and worst matchup we faced this season. Similar argument applies to UW.

This offense didn’t play to its potential all season. Always seemed to have one foot on the brake. Add in a defense that barely had a pulse, and it makes a team that I can hardly believe could have won 8 games. But that was their ceiling. 10 wins was out of reach with our defensive flaws.

 

[spongeworthy12]

Even with the pick 6, the offense left the field with a lead. Bad ST play and a porous defense gave it away. Again, even a mediocre defense wins that game. Hell, even if our D played as well as they did the first 57 minutes of that game, we win. Instead they folded up and went home early.

Even scoring at our season average, we lose to Utah, because the D made Tyler Huntley look like Patrick Mahomes. And we weren’t going to score our season average because Utah’s was the best D and worst matchup we faced this season. Similar argument applies to UW.

This offense didn’t play to its potential all season. Always seemed to have one foot on the brake. Add in a defense that barely had a pulse, and it makes a team that I can hardly believe could have won 8 games. But that was their ceiling. 10 wins was out of reach with our defensive flaws.

I'm gonna play the role of Switzerland in this argument and go down the middle.

Our D is what it is and expecting a mediocre performance in the Oregon game is asking too much imo. If we don't throw the pick six, which was one of the stupidest play calls I have ever seen, we probably win the game. They could have went down to score on the ensuing punt. But stupidity gave them 6 points.

I don't see us beating Utah. Should have scored more points but they just flat out beat us.

Cal was piss poor.

UW is on Leach every year. The was a winnable game and the same stupid game plan got laughed by Jimmy Lake...as it should have.

 

[dgibbons]

Was there a pick 6 and then 2 point conversion in the Oregon game? Or am I reading the box score wrong? If so, how does the offense giving up 6 points help? How about the kickoff UO returned to the 39 yard line? Probably better off kicking it into the endzone and forcing them to start at the 25.

uw and Utah sure would have been nice to score more than 13 points. Actually show up and make a game of it. Tough to blame those on the defense when they need to pitch damn near a shut out to win.

The defense is an easy punching bag. I think it's bullshit to minimize the offense's piss poor play calling, pick 6's, turnovers and games where they just didn't show up. Scoring 13 points in 2 different games with 7 of 11 guys NFL caliber talent??? Really??? In a down year for talent in the league???

Another season with meat left on the bone because of poor coaching. That was a 10 win team pissed away by Leach.

Simple Jack has spoken.

 

[95coug]

I'm gonna play the role of Switzerland in this argument and go down the middle.

Our D is what it is and expecting a mediocre performance in the Oregon game is asking too much imo. If we don't throw the pick six, which was one of the stupidest play calls I have ever seen, we probably win the game. They could have went down to score on the ensuing punt. But stupidity gave them 6 points.

I don't see us beating Utah. Should have scored more points but they just flat out beat us.

Cal was piss poor.

UW is on Leach every year. The was a winnable game and the same stupid game plan got laughed by Jimmy Lake...as it should have.

Switzerland, you’re agreeing with me.

I don’t think Oregon can be pinned on the offense. Neither can ASU, Utah, or UW. I DO blame the offense for the UCLA and Cal losses. Obviously the D played a role too, but the offense gave a bad D no room for error.

 

[BiggsCoug]

Even with the pick 6, the offense left the field with a lead. Bad ST play and a porous defense gave it away. Again, even a mediocre defense wins that game. Hell, even if our D played as well as they did the first 57 minutes of that game, we win. Instead they folded up and went home early.

Even scoring at our season average, we lose to Utah, because the D made Tyler Huntley look like Patrick Mahomes. And we weren’t going to score our season average because Utah’s was the best D and worst matchup we faced this season. Similar argument applies to UW.

This offense didn’t play to its potential all season. Always seemed to have one foot on the brake. Add in a defense that barely had a pulse, and it makes a team that I can hardly believe could have won 8 games. But that was their ceiling. 10 wins was out of reach with our defensive flaws.

I think 10 wins was out of reach with our coaching flaws.

Scoring 35 on Utah and the uw makes it a much different game. I don't think Utah had the offense to keep pace in a shootout with WSU. The uw had a bunch of guys that thought they were better than they really were. And I wasn't impressed with either of those defenses or offenses. WSU needed to help its defense by putting up numbers. Hell, even *gasp* running the ball and chewing some clock.

2019 was a year when Leach had to be the guru coach. He never left Key West. I don't think he ever understood how narrow the margin for error was at WSU. Every game on the schedule WSU had a shot at.

 

[dgibbons]

I think 10 wins was out of reach with our coaching flaws.

Scoring 35 on Utah and the uw makes it a much different game. I don't think Utah had the offense to keep pace in a shootout with WSU. The uw had a bunch of guys that thought they were better than they really were. And I wasn't impressed with either of those defenses or offenses. WSU needed to help its defense by putting up numbers. Hell, even *gasp* running the ball and chewing some clock.

2019 was a year when Leach had to be the guru coach. He never left Key West. I don't think he ever understood how narrow the margin for error was at WSU. Every game on the schedule WSU had a shot at.

Simple Jack gets simpler.

 

[etowncoug]

This defense was so bad, I'm going to give the offense a pass for this year. Not to say the offense couldn't have been better. Simply limiting the explosives on defense makes us a much better team and stepping up the sacks/turnovers would have made us a 8-9 win team.

 

[etowncoug]

Simple Jack gets simpler.

 

[Glad Cougar]

7 of 11 positions on offense NFL caliber vs. 0 of 11 positions on AF's defense NFL caliber. 21 points.

That's terrible.

Certainly not good, but not as bad as it might look. WSU had the ball vs. Air Force for 16 minutes in a 60 minute game. We had 8 possessions and should've been able to score more than 3 TDs for sure... but turned the ball over on downs 3 times with MB getting stuffed on 4th down twice inside the 5 yard line.

What I'll always remember most about the Cheez-It Bowl was the insanely designed defense we used against that Air Force offense. It guaranteed long, sustained drives for the Falcons and fewer possessions for the Cougars.

Glad Cougar

 

[BiggsCoug]

Certainly not good, but not as bad as it might look. WSU had the ball vs. Air Force for 16 minutes in a 60 minute game. We had 8 possessions and should've been able to score more than 3 TDs for sure... but turned the ball over on downs 3 times with MB getting stuffed on 4th down twice inside the 5 yard line.

What I'll always remember most about the Cheez-It Bowl was the insanely designed defense we used against that Air Force offense. It guaranteed long, sustained drives for the Falcons and fewer possessions for the Cougars.

Glad Cougar

It was a crap game plan. How do you not run wild against AF dbs??? How do you not have a plan to stop their option??? Jeez, make a few calls around their league and get some ideas and film.

 

[cr8zyncalif]

The D plan was probably the most inept concept I've ever seen against an option. How could you grow up as a football coach and not understand that you need an end that hits the QB any time an option moves outside the tackles? Didn't they teach that as a FR or SO in high school??? If there is another way to play D against an option I don't know what it is. And to use a 3 man front and try to make that hit with an outside LB instead of a DE is a guarantee of 2-3 free yards on every play....more if the safety or another LB can't cover the pitch. Just too stupid to merit much comment.

 

[sellas]

The 3 on the line, drop 8 in coverage against AF is a bad plan?

 

[dgibbons]

The 3 on the line, drop 8 in coverage against AF is a bad plan?

I’m sure it was Gordon’s fault.

 

[Observer11]

Let's be honest.......




When was the last time anybody from CBS watched a Pac 12 game?