First time in a decade I'm excited about the future

[CougPatrol]

I get that a lot of people (including myself) are still mourning the outcome of the Cal game, but for me, this is the first time in a decade that I've been genuinely excited about the future of our football program.

It feels to me that we've finally reached the point where we can legitimately compete with MOST of the teams in our conference. For SO MANY YEARS, I was watching our games with the hope that we didn't get boat raced by 40 points. It's different now. Our offense puts pressure on their defense. Our defense can rush the passer. Our secondary can hit people. We have a young linebacker who is all over the field. We also now have corners who can read the QB and aren't afraid to jump routes.

Last I checked, we have something like 33 of our 44 kids on our offensive and defense 2-deeps coming back. Special teams is a polarizing topic right now, but all 12 of our kickers, punters, and return men are coming back. Our starting QB is still very young and will only get better.

I'm probably in the minority here, especially this week, but I really like this team and how they play.

 

[CougEd]

I get that a lot of people (including myself) are still mourning the outcome of the Cal game, but for me, this is the first time in a decade that I've been genuinely excited about the future of our football program.

It feels to me that we've finally reached the point where we can legitimately compete with MOST of the teams in our conference. For SO MANY YEARS, I was watching our games with the hope that we didn't get boat raced by 40 points. It's different now. Our offense puts pressure on their defense. Our defense can rush the passer. Our secondary can hit people. We have a young linebacker who is all over the field. We also now have corners who can read the QB and aren't afraid to jump routes.

Last I checked, we have something like 33 of our 44 kids on our offensive and defense 2-deeps coming back. Special teams is a polarizing topic right now, but all 12 of our kickers, punters, and return men are coming back. Our starting QB is still very young and will only get better.

I'm probably in the minority here, especially this week, but I really like this team and how they play.

And if we get boat raced are you going to feel the same way? I am probably more frustrated than ever. Maybe for the same reason that you show hope. Two years in a row we should have beat Cal and did not. We lost to PSU not because of talent. We lost to Rutgers not because of talent...we didn't give ourselves a chance with the youth in the secondary last year. But we are still inexperienced, but better.

But there are still going to be those games where it should be a win and isn't . That is frustrating.

 

[Cougatron]

You are absolutely correct Patrol we aren't a talent disadvantaged team anymore. What we are is young.

While people get tired of perpetually being a young team...we had to do it this way to get talented kids to come up and play for us.
Early playing time equals opportunity, and that was what WSU was selling, and year over year we got better and better and better players.

Eventually we will cross into a thresh hold like the other teams where we are an older team, and with depth we keep bringing in guys who can compete at the Pac 12 level.

We were so so behind, and I know everybody wants to win because we had been losing for so long, but the reality is that because we had been losing so long it takes a while to shake out of it.

Look at someone like Matafa or Harrington... those are young young guys...and they are making plays... guys like Luani gave our defense some much needed experience and toughness. Guys like Pippins White and Molton are growing up, and we still have players like Dotson and Pelleur that are young and making an impact. We still haven't seen Hameed back. and the defense will grow, and from what we have seen early it's very promising.

Offensively we have a young QB that has just 8 starts who despite his short comings has performed well for a guy with just 8 starts. To put it in perspective Tuel is 3-5 as a starter. Yes that's not great, but Goff's 1st year he won 1 game. That's it. 1 game. Tuel was 4-22. There is so much upside to where we will be competing at in the next few years.

This year it's about experience. Everything is about experience and trying to get to a bowl game which is still a possibility, but Falk will be here with another two years. I told people we were about 1 year away from not just being competitive, but being good, and I stick by it.

 

[Cougatron]

And if we get boat raced are you going to feel the same way? I am probably more frustrated than ever. Maybe for the same reason that you show hope. Two years in a row we should have beat Cal and did not. We lost to PSU not because of talent. We lost to Rutgers not because of talent...we didn't give ourselves a chance with the youth in the secondary last year. But we are still inexperienced, but better.

But there are still going to be those games where it should be a win and isn't . That is frustrating.

This is what was frustrating. This void that screwed us, and people putting their frustrations on the guy who broke the streak. That's frustrating. I get annoyed with poor plays just like anyone else, but this team is competitive while being very young, and that makes me happy.

 

[Coug95man2]

And if we get boat raced are you going to feel the same way? I am probably more frustrated than ever. Maybe for the same reason that you show hope. Two years in a row we should have beat Cal and did not. We lost to PSU not because of talent. We lost to Rutgers not because of talent...we didn't give ourselves a chance with the youth in the secondary last year. But we are still inexperienced, but better.

But there are still going to be those games where it should be a win and isn't . That is frustrating.

To use your term, isn't your statement all about your "expectations"? For those that are showing hope, they respond to you by saying, "Well, it's better than losing a game because we are inexperienced WITH a lack of talent, which we've had recently. Your expectations have been, win more quickly with your timeline in mind. I'd submit, those of us with "hope" realize it isn't about our timeline, it isn't even about CML's or Moos' or the players timeline. I'm sure everyone wished we'd be winning, year 1. IMHO, it comes together when it comes together. As we see improvement, that shows we are getting closer. I think we're are continually getting closer to success.

 

[CougPatrol]

And if we get boat raced are you going to feel the same way?

Yea, I will. I expect that we'll get drilled at least once, maybe twice this season. Stanford's been drilling everyone they play. Oregon routes teams routinely at Autzen. I don't base my expectations (or optimism) for WSU football on whether or not we get blown out because, like you, I've watched us get blown out almost every season since the late 1970's.

The historical recipe for success at WSU is something that "appears" to be happening now. The development of a solid, underclassman QB. A litany of young skill position players with substantial depth. Offensive and defensive lines that can hold their own against the majority of conference opponents. A defense with an athletic secondary and some aggressive players in the front-7.

Leach heads into his pivotal 5th season next year with what should be our best starting lineup since 2006. On paper, we should put up a lot of points against everyone we play. We get the "extra" conference home game in 2016, but we do unfortunately have USC and Utah back on the schedule.

So yea, I'm excited. The years when we've fielded good teams almost always have been when the team has played together the previous year. The only team that I've ever been pleasantly surprised by was the 1994 team, but even then I figured we'd have a strong defense.

 

[Coug95man2]

Yea, I will. I expect that we'll get drilled at least once, maybe twice this season. Stanford's been drilling everyone they play. Oregon routes teams routinely at Autzen. I don't base my expectations (or optimism) for WSU football on whether or not we get blown out because, like you, I've watched us get blown out almost every season since the late 1970's.

The historical recipe for success at WSU is something that "appears" to be happening now. The development of a solid, underclassman QB. A litany of young skill position players with substantial depth. Offensive and defensive lines that can hold their own against the majority of conference opponents. A defense with an athletic secondary and some aggressive players in the front-7.

Leach heads into his pivotal 5th season next year with what should be our best starting lineup since 2006. On paper, we should put up a lot of points against everyone we play. We get the "extra" conference home game in 2016, but we do unfortunately have USC and Utah back on the schedule.

So yea, I'm excited. The years when we've fielded good teams almost always have been when the team has played together the previous year. The only team that I've ever been pleasantly surprised by was the 1994 team, but even then I figured we'd have a strong defense.

I'd also like to add something. There are many, many examples where a coach doesn't "get it done" fast enough for the impatient alum and so he gets fired and within the next year or 2, the team does well. I hate that. Not because whatever given program is successful but because the success is based on the hard work that happened in previous years by another coach. And the fans give the other guy the kudos'. I don't want to be that. Such an ignorant concept. I want to give our coach all the time in the world, as long as I see improvement. And I've seen improvement, year to year. As long as that trend continues, I don't want to fire CML (as if that's even going to happen in the near future. Not saying anyone is putting that out there either) and then let another have the success CML deserves. JMHO.

So in that light, I'm content with our program. I want more wins, no question. But we'll get there.

 

[Cougatron]

We get the "extra" conference home game in 2016, but we do unfortunately have USC and Utah back on the schedule.
.

Utah won't be nearly as good next year. They are losing their starting QB, starting RB two starting WRs...punter etc. They have a lot of seniors in key positions (part of the reason for their success) the Utah this year...is not the Utah next year by far.

USC? No starting QB no starting RB...losing 5 seniors on defense. They will still be good because they are USC, but we can beat them.

There is a lot to be optimistic about because next year we will be one of the more mature teams while others are trying to find their future.

 

[YakiCoug]

Yea, I will. I expect that we'll get drilled at least once, maybe twice this season. Stanford's been drilling everyone they play. Oregon routes teams routinely at Autzen. I don't base my expectations (or optimism) for WSU football on whether or not we get blown out because, like you, I've watched us get blown out almost every season since the late 1970's.

The historical recipe for success at WSU is something that "appears" to be happening now. The development of a solid, underclassman QB. A litany of young skill position players with substantial depth. Offensive and defensive lines that can hold their own against the majority of conference opponents. A defense with an athletic secondary and some aggressive players in the front-7.

Leach heads into his pivotal 5th season next year with what should be our best starting lineup since 2006. On paper, we should put up a lot of points against everyone we play. We get the "extra" conference home game in 2016, but we do unfortunately have USC and Utah back on the schedule.

So yea, I'm excited. The years when we've fielded good teams almost always have been when the team has played together the previous year. The only team that I've ever been pleasantly surprised by was the 1994 team, but even then I figured we'd have a strong defense.

Some were never allowed to feel excited about 6 and 40, and you shouldn't be allowed to feel good now.

 

[JBrown4435]

Yes, we lost, but the game on Saturday sure was fun to watch for the most part. Our defense was flying around and getting the ball. We got some pressure on Goff and forced him to make some bad throws. Pippins played an awesome game and we are creating turnovers and potential turnovers. If we can do the same to Oregon I will be very happy and hopefully we pull off the win!

 

[SCglory]

Utah won't be nearly as good next year. They are losing their starting QB, starting RB two starting WRs...punter etc. They have a lot of seniors in key positions (part of the reason for their success) the Utah this year...is not the Utah next year by far.

USC? No starting QB no starting RB...losing 5 seniors on defense. They will still be good because they are USC, but we can beat them.

There is a lot to be optimistic about because next year we will be one of the more mature teams while others are trying to find their future.

USC: no starting RB? Madden going away is not that big a deal. Not with Jones, Davis (2), Adoree Jackson. Wild card is Browne

if you look at Sark's recruiting, it seems to me is actually trying to change SC's tradition in QBs.....recruiting dual threats

 

[chipdouglas]

I'm really no more or less optimistic than I was at the beginning of the season. We were so lousy to close it out last year, and we had so many games that SEEMED to suggest something about the future and didn't, that I'm not reading into it much.

I'm a bit surprised that so many people here are so optimistic as a result of another loss. We had Cal in our clutches and let them out. This was a game that was circled on our calendar because of last year, and which no doubt an enormous amount of planning and heart went into, only to lose. Haven't we all seen a close, emotional loss followed by a string of subsequent letdowns and unexpected blowouts?

Sorry, I've just seen us drop too many close, emotional games and follow them up with disaster to let myself read anything into this. I'm surprised more here don't recognize this pattern - we've seen it before.

 

[CougPatrol]

I'm a bit surprised that so many people here are so optimistic as a result of another loss.

First of all, I don't begrudge you for your pessimism. WSU has earned that reaction from our fans.

Speaking only for myself, I see progress. 5 years ago, we couldn't beat anyone outside of the UNLVs of the world. We were physically overmatched in just about every game. 69-0, 66-13, etc were routine drubbings.

Now, we're able to stand toe to toe with "most" programs. Cal isnt elite IMO, but they're 5-0. We play Oregon this week, and while I won't predict a win, I'm very confident we'll move the ball at will against them. Most of our remaining games outside of Stanford seem like we have a legit chance. When's the last time that's happened?

As a season ticket holder, I'm now looking forward to all of our remaining games this year and next season. In fact, I think we're going to blow the doors off of someone real soon.

 

[Coug82]

I"m not certain, but doesn't each PAC 12 team "miss" 2 Teams each Season for 2 years ? In WSU's case Utah & SC this yr and next?

 

[wazzucougs96]

Leach heads into his pivotal 5th season next year with what should be our best starting lineup since 2006. On paper, we should put up a lot of points against everyone we play. We get the "extra" conference home game in 2016, but we do unfortunately have USC and Utah back on the schedule.

Our conference opponents won't shift again until 2017. We get UCLA at home next year, and travel to Colorado. After that, it is like one of the AZ schools that drops off and gets replaced by Utah.

 

[kayak15]

I get that a lot of people (including myself) are still mourning the outcome of the Cal game, but for me, this is the first time in a decade that I've been genuinely excited about the future of our football program.

It feels to me that we've finally reached the point where we can legitimately compete with MOST of the teams in our conference. For SO MANY YEARS, I was watching our games with the hope that we didn't get boat raced by 40 points. It's different now. Our offense puts pressure on their defense. Our defense can rush the passer. Our secondary can hit people. We have a young linebacker who is all over the field. We also now have corners who can read the QB and aren't afraid to jump routes.

Last I checked, we have something like 33 of our 44 kids on our offensive and defense 2-deeps coming back. Special teams is a polarizing topic right now, but all 12 of our kickers, punters, and return men are coming back. Our starting QB is still very young and will only get better.

I'm probably in the minority here, especially this week, but I really like this team and how they play.

Agree completely. The light at the end of the tunnel is getting larger and brighter and this time we can be reasonably certain that it isn't an oncoming freight train.

 

[Cougsocal]

I get that a lot of people (including myself) are still mourning the outcome of the Cal game, but for me, this is the first time in a decade that I've been genuinely excited about the future of our football program.

It feels to me that we've finally reached the point where we can legitimately compete with MOST of the teams in our conference. For SO MANY YEARS, I was watching our games with the hope that we didn't get boat raced by 40 points. It's different now. Our offense puts pressure on their defense. Our defense can rush the passer. Our secondary can hit people. We have a young linebacker who is all over the field. We also now have corners who can read the QB and aren't afraid to jump routes.

Last I checked, we have something like 33 of our 44 kids on our offensive and defense 2-deeps coming back. Special teams is a polarizing topic right now, but all 12 of our kickers, punters, and return men are coming back. Our starting QB is still very young and will only get better.

I'm probably in the minority here, especially this week, but I really like this team and how they play.

It is a whole lot easier to be optimistic when you see P-12 talent on the field and they play for the Cougs. The "talent gap" deniers don't get it, or won't admit it. But is nice to see a Cougar defense that looks quick and doesn't make kids like Jake Locker look like Usian Bolt. It hard not to get pumped when you have freshmen playing, and doing well, rather than playing and getting run over.

It is a great start, but let's not delude ourselves. We will need to replace 6 seniors on defense next year, and our receiving corp, while strong on possession, is weak in dynamic ability. Finally, can we take it to the next level with a QB who lacks dynamic skills?

 

[CougEd]

To use your term, isn't your statement all about your "expectations"? For those that are showing hope, they respond to you by saying, "Well, it's better than losing a game because we are inexperienced WITH a lack of talent, which we've had recently. Your expectations have been, win more quickly with your timeline in mind. I'd submit, those of us with "hope" realize it isn't about our timeline, it isn't even about CML's or Moos' or the players timeline. I'm sure everyone wished we'd be winning, year 1. IMHO, it comes together when it comes together. As we see improvement, that shows we are getting closer. I think we're are continually getting closer to success.

Actually 95, the "timeline is "fine". It is pissing games away that you have because you are getting junior varsity alignments on special teams. You now have given away four or five games. That isn't a timeline issue. Again, I said I am frustrated more than ever because we fix our special d1 experience. Special teams have cost us thre games to date in the last two years, if not more. Rutgers, which set the tone last season. (muffed punt late) Cal last year and this year.

 

[CougEd]

This is what was frustrating. This void that screwed us, and people putting their frustrations on the guy who broke the streak. That's frustrating. I get annoyed with poor plays just like anyone else, but this team is competitive while being very young, and that makes me happy.

That was a long time ago Tron. They went bowling with inferior talent, in your estimation. Giving games away is something that is correctable.

 

[CougPatrol]

It is a whole lot easier to be optimistic when you see P-12 talent on the field and they play for the Cougs. The "talent gap" deniers don't get it, or won't admit it. But is nice to see a Cougar defense that looks quick and doesn't make kids like Jake Locker look like Usian Bolt. It hard not to get pumped when you have freshmen playing, and doing well, rather than playing and getting run over.

It is a great start, but let's not delude ourselves. We will need to replace 6 seniors on defense next year, and our receiving corp, while strong on possession, is weak in dynamic ability. Finally, can we take it to the next level with a QB who lacks dynamic skills?

Apart from the losses on our defensive line, I don't think we'll see any dropoff in our back-7. In fact, I think all of the underclassmen backups are more talented and will benefit from being coached by Grinch this season.

Defensive Seniors with their projected replacements in parenthesis.

Paulo (Mitchell, Ekuale, Barber)
Vaeao (Mata'afa, Ekuale, Barber)
McClennan/Palacio (Mata'afa, Tago)
Allison (Luvu, Tago)
Taliulu (Parker)

I think next years defense will be the best we've had since 2003

 

[bogusto]

Actually 95, the "timeline is "fine". It is pissing games away that you have because you are getting junior varsity alignments on special teams. You now have given away four or five games. That isn't a timeline issue. Again, I said I am frustrated more than ever because we fix our special d1 experience. Special teams have cost us thre games to date in the last two years, if not more. Rutgers, which set the tone last season. (muffed punt late) Cal last year and this year.

Just in case you've deluded yourself into believing we lost the Rutgers game, Ed, I am here to remind you that we didn't.

 

[fingerdisco]

Special teams have cost us thre games to date in the last two years, if not more. Rutgers, which set the tone last season. (muffed punt late) Cal last year and this year.

So having the most sure-handed receiver on the team in R. Cracraft in to take the punt is on ST? What else can they do--pull all 11 players off the field and let their punter drive it deep into the Coug side of the field?

 

[CougEd]

Just in case you've deluded yourself into believing we lost the Rutgers game, Ed, I am here to remind you that we didn't.

I thought we lost the Rutgers game in Seattle. Let me know how I "deluded" myself. But thanks for the reminder.

 

[bogusto]

I thought we lost the Rutgers game in Seattle. Let me know how I "deluded" myself. But thanks for the reminder.

Sorry, didn't realize you were invoking ancient history, once again, to evolve a present-day argument.

 

[CougEd]

So having the most sure-handed receiver on the team in R. Cracraft in to take the punt is on ST? What else can they do--pull all 11 players off the field and let their punter drive it deep into the Coug side of the field?

Sorry, didn't realize you were invoking ancient history, once again, to evolve a present-day argument.

Last year was ancient history. I suppose the current history would be the PSU game where they pooch kick to an offensive lineman who was at the 20 and we fumble that ball and are fortunate to get the ball back. It goes to inexperience at the ST coach level. And it shows...and that isn't ancient history.

 

[YakiCoug]

Last year was ancient history. I suppose the current history would be the PSU game where they pooch kick to an offensive lineman who was at the 20 and we fumble that ball and are fortunate to get the ball back. It goes to inexperience at the ST coach level. And it shows...and that isn't ancient history.

It was nearly Chris Ball-esque.