Can any Pac-12 team make the playoffs this year? The Pac-12 teams a year ago were not good enough to be legitimately considered for the CFB Playoff, and the stigma of Washington's lackluster performance in the 2016-17 playoff as the 4th and final seed in still casts quite a shadow of doubt over the conference.
2019 likely won't be any different for the Pac-12 Conference barring a sensational, “playing out of their skin” type season by one of the handful of Pac-12 QB's listed on the Heisman Winner odds list – Justin Herbert (Oregon), JT Daniels (USC), Khalil Tate (Arizona), KJ Costello (Stanford), or Jacob Eason (Washington).
But even with that type of performance, everything would still have to go right from a team perspective, and when the highest three win totals for all the Pac-12 schools this year are 9 or 9.5 (Oregon, Washington, Utah), chances are we get another CFP Playoff without the Pac-12 represented. There are just too many elite teams from around the country the Pac-12 champion would have to leapfrog, and unless there is chaos all across the country in nearly every Power 5 conference, the Pac-12 should be on the sidelines for a National title once again.
2019 likely won't be any different for the Pac-12 Conference barring a sensational, “playing out of their skin” type season by one of the handful of Pac-12 QB's listed on the Heisman Winner odds list – Justin Herbert (Oregon), JT Daniels (USC), Khalil Tate (Arizona), KJ Costello (Stanford), or Jacob Eason (Washington).
But even with that type of performance, everything would still have to go right from a team perspective, and when the highest three win totals for all the Pac-12 schools this year are 9 or 9.5 (Oregon, Washington, Utah), chances are we get another CFP Playoff without the Pac-12 represented. There are just too many elite teams from around the country the Pac-12 champion would have to leapfrog, and unless there is chaos all across the country in nearly every Power 5 conference, the Pac-12 should be on the sidelines for a National title once again.
Arizona fans are hoping that Tate has learned he is not a pocket passer Arizona – Vegas Win Total 6.5 – Which Khalil Tate will we show up this year? The one that rushed for 1,244 yards in 2017 and won a record 4 straight PAC 12 player of the week awards or the one that rushed for 244 yards last year?
For whatever reason, Tate decided to stay in the pocket and try to be a QB negating his electrifying running ability. Not a good decision as not only did his rishing yards fall off the map his completion percentage dropped too.
Picking up the yards is returning 5’6” scatback JJ Taylor with 1,434 yards. But the receiving corp loses its top five pass catchers. The OL jelled as the season went on and should become a strength this year.
The defense finished 92nd overall last year, an improvement from 119th and 102nd in the prior years. Still, it gave up 33 points per game and 144 over the last three games. They return 9 of their top 13 tacklers but the talent is lacking. The depth is a concern too. The LBs are the strength but there is no pass rush and the secondary will be challenged.
The season really hinges on Tate. If he returns to 2017 form, the Wildcats will be a tough out. But if Tate decides, again, that he is a pocket QB it’s going to be a long bowless season for Arizona.
For whatever reason, Tate decided to stay in the pocket and try to be a QB negating his electrifying running ability. Not a good decision as not only did his rishing yards fall off the map his completion percentage dropped too.
Picking up the yards is returning 5’6” scatback JJ Taylor with 1,434 yards. But the receiving corp loses its top five pass catchers. The OL jelled as the season went on and should become a strength this year.
The defense finished 92nd overall last year, an improvement from 119th and 102nd in the prior years. Still, it gave up 33 points per game and 144 over the last three games. They return 9 of their top 13 tacklers but the talent is lacking. The depth is a concern too. The LBs are the strength but there is no pass rush and the secondary will be challenged.
The season really hinges on Tate. If he returns to 2017 form, the Wildcats will be a tough out. But if Tate decides, again, that he is a pocket QB it’s going to be a long bowless season for Arizona.
Eno Benjamin is the real deal Arizona State – Vegas Win Total 6.5 – ASU was supposed to be bottom dweller after the hiring of Herm Edwards but he surprised everyone by going 7-6. But before he takes too many bows, it’s the exact same record as the year before he came on board. He looks great because the expectations were so low.
The offense led the way. ASU was the only Power Five program to have a 1,500 yard rusher, 3,000 yard passer and 1,000 yard WR. But two of those three cogs are gone, QB Manny Wilkins and stud WR N’Keal Harry.
Star RB Eno Benjamin returns and will operate behind an experienced OL returning four starters. The running game will thrive but the passing game is going to take a step back. Jr QB is adequate but a #1 WR to replace Harry has yet to step up.
The defensive strength is the LBs. Merlin Robertson and Darein Butler were both true freshman with Robertson the PAC 12 defensive freshman of the year. The secondary has become a strength too and returns everyone of note. It’s the DL that will need improvement. It struggled to contain the run and needs to generate more pressure.
The defense also needs to show more consistency. Over the second half of the season the gave up 31 or more points four of six games.
Edwards showed he’s not a total joke. He’ll go bowling again only because he is in the relatively weaker PAC 12 south.
The offense led the way. ASU was the only Power Five program to have a 1,500 yard rusher, 3,000 yard passer and 1,000 yard WR. But two of those three cogs are gone, QB Manny Wilkins and stud WR N’Keal Harry.
Star RB Eno Benjamin returns and will operate behind an experienced OL returning four starters. The running game will thrive but the passing game is going to take a step back. Jr QB is adequate but a #1 WR to replace Harry has yet to step up.
The defensive strength is the LBs. Merlin Robertson and Darein Butler were both true freshman with Robertson the PAC 12 defensive freshman of the year. The secondary has become a strength too and returns everyone of note. It’s the DL that will need improvement. It struggled to contain the run and needs to generate more pressure.
The defense also needs to show more consistency. Over the second half of the season the gave up 31 or more points four of six games.
Edwards showed he’s not a total joke. He’ll go bowling again only because he is in the relatively weaker PAC 12 south.
Evan Weaver is the nation's top returning tackler Cal – Vegas Win Total – 5.5 – Cal is the Michigan State of the PAC 12. Great defense but couldn’t score a lick. The defense was the best in the Pac 12 in pass defense and takeaways, 11th in the nation overall. It returns 8 starters and 8 of their top ten tacklers, including LB Evan Weaver who is the top returning tackler in all of Div 1A.
Cal was second in the nation in picks with 21 and players who accounted for 20 of those return. The defense is loaded and should crack the top 10 overall this year.
The offense is what lost games last year. It was dead last in the PAC 12 in yards and scoring and threw 20 picks, second most in FBS. Cal brought in UCLA transfer Devon Modster to challenge last year’s starter soph. Chase Garbers. The fact that Garbers is still in the lead shows the lack of talent at the position. He’ll improve but there’s a long way to go. Five of the top six WRs are gone so the passing game will continue to struggle. RB Patrick Laird is gone too but the QBs accounted for 800 yards rushing so the run game won’t drop off too severally.
The defense will keep the Bears in games. Last years 12-10 win over Washington where the offense didn’t score a TD is a perfect example. Expect Cal to make a few upsets and keep the PAC 12 North interesting, but while they will go bowling, they won’t make the Championship game.
Cal was second in the nation in picks with 21 and players who accounted for 20 of those return. The defense is loaded and should crack the top 10 overall this year.
The offense is what lost games last year. It was dead last in the PAC 12 in yards and scoring and threw 20 picks, second most in FBS. Cal brought in UCLA transfer Devon Modster to challenge last year’s starter soph. Chase Garbers. The fact that Garbers is still in the lead shows the lack of talent at the position. He’ll improve but there’s a long way to go. Five of the top six WRs are gone so the passing game will continue to struggle. RB Patrick Laird is gone too but the QBs accounted for 800 yards rushing so the run game won’t drop off too severally.
The defense will keep the Bears in games. Last years 12-10 win over Washington where the offense didn’t score a TD is a perfect example. Expect Cal to make a few upsets and keep the PAC 12 North interesting, but while they will go bowling, they won’t make the Championship game.
Shenault has Day 1 potential Colorado – Vegas Win Total – 4.0 – What happened? After starting out 5-0 with wins over Nebraska and Arizona State, the Buffs totally defecated the bedsheets going 0-7, including a loss to lowly Oregon State, to finish the season. Momentum can be fickle.
New OC Jay Johnson is going to install a pro style offense and feature the running game more. But that is not where the talent lies. QB Steven Montez has improved each year and will get invited to a pro training camp. WR Laviska Shenault is a fringe Heisman candidate and will be in the green room next year if he stays healthy.
The RB situation is bleak. The combined attempts for the returning backs is 11 with 43 yards. The OL has been a weakness ranking 11th in the PAC 12 in sacks allowed and 10th in yards per carry.
The defense has stars at each level, De Mustafa Johnson, LB Nate Landman and DB Davion Taylor are all talented but there’s not much depth. Johnson is the only one of last years top six DL returning. Landman the only returning top 3 LB. The secondary is solid though not much experience at safety. The defense has been terrible at generating turnover For the season the Buffs were 109th in forced turnovers. Over the last three games last year the forced zero turnovers and went -11 in turnover margin.
Buffalo will win a couple of games in catch mode with the passing attack but a third straight 5-7 season is likely
New OC Jay Johnson is going to install a pro style offense and feature the running game more. But that is not where the talent lies. QB Steven Montez has improved each year and will get invited to a pro training camp. WR Laviska Shenault is a fringe Heisman candidate and will be in the green room next year if he stays healthy.
The RB situation is bleak. The combined attempts for the returning backs is 11 with 43 yards. The OL has been a weakness ranking 11th in the PAC 12 in sacks allowed and 10th in yards per carry.
The defense has stars at each level, De Mustafa Johnson, LB Nate Landman and DB Davion Taylor are all talented but there’s not much depth. Johnson is the only one of last years top six DL returning. Landman the only returning top 3 LB. The secondary is solid though not much experience at safety. The defense has been terrible at generating turnover For the season the Buffs were 109th in forced turnovers. Over the last three games last year the forced zero turnovers and went -11 in turnover margin.
Buffalo will win a couple of games in catch mode with the passing attack but a third straight 5-7 season is likely
Herbert stayed another rather that get drafted by the Giants Oregon – Vegas Win Total – 8.5 – The Rules changed and the Quack Attack adjusted. No longer the up tempo of old, Mario Cristobal adjusted and was able to average 35 points per game. Leading the charge is next years likely #1 pick QB Justin Herbert. Her threw for over 3,100 yards with 29 TDs and only 8 picks but needs to work on his accuracy a bit. He completed 59% of his passes.
He’s playing behind a stellar OL that returns all five starters with 150 starts. The running game will benefit. It returns 1,800 yards rushing TDs. The receiving game took a hit when Dillon Mitchell left early for the NFL with his school record 1,184 yards and 10 TDs.
The defense held its own last year and is bolstered by an amazing recruiting class. Starting with the overall #1 recruit Kayvon Thibodeaux. Leading tackler LB Troy Dye returns along with the three of the 4 DBs. They were ball hawks grabbing 17 picks last year.
The Ducks are loaded. They have a key game against Auburn in Week1. Win that and they are in the playoff hunt.
He’s playing behind a stellar OL that returns all five starters with 150 starts. The running game will benefit. It returns 1,800 yards rushing TDs. The receiving game took a hit when Dillon Mitchell left early for the NFL with his school record 1,184 yards and 10 TDs.
The defense held its own last year and is bolstered by an amazing recruiting class. Starting with the overall #1 recruit Kayvon Thibodeaux. Leading tackler LB Troy Dye returns along with the three of the 4 DBs. They were ball hawks grabbing 17 picks last year.
The Ducks are loaded. They have a key game against Auburn in Week1. Win that and they are in the playoff hunt.
Jermar Jefferson was a breakout star for the Beavers last year. Oregon State – Vegas Win Total – 2.5 – There was progress in HC Jonathan Smith’s first year. The win total doubled….from 1 to 2. He hopes to continue the upswing by banging the transfer portal hard.
Jake Luton returns (yet again) for his 6th year of eligibility. He’s got a strong arm but has played only 12 games over the last two years due to injuries. He’ll be pushed by Nebraska transfer Tristan Gebbia.
Whoever starts will be throwing to a productive set of WRs. 11 of the top 12 receivers returns plus Nebraska transfer (sense a trend here?) Tyjon Lindsey. The running game features one of the better 1-2 punches in the Pac 12 with Jermar Jefferson, who set the OSU freshman record for yards, and Artavis Pierce, a dangerous threat as a pass catcher.
The OL will be an issue. It gave up 48 sacks and 99 TFLs. Only two starters return and depth is a concern.
A bigger concern is the defense. It was the 2nd worst allowing 537 yards and a whopping 46 points per game. The DL was paper thin and hopes to improve with JUCO transfer Jordan Whitley. The LBs bring in Nebraska transfer (really Corvallis is becoming Lincoln west) and Oklahoma transfer Addison Gumbs. The secondary is experienced but feeble. The Beavers managed to force only 8 turnovers last year, the only Div 1A team with less than 10.
From 1 to 2 to 3? Can the slow progress continue? Perhaps, but don’t expect another doubling with that defense.
Jake Luton returns (yet again) for his 6th year of eligibility. He’s got a strong arm but has played only 12 games over the last two years due to injuries. He’ll be pushed by Nebraska transfer Tristan Gebbia.
Whoever starts will be throwing to a productive set of WRs. 11 of the top 12 receivers returns plus Nebraska transfer (sense a trend here?) Tyjon Lindsey. The running game features one of the better 1-2 punches in the Pac 12 with Jermar Jefferson, who set the OSU freshman record for yards, and Artavis Pierce, a dangerous threat as a pass catcher.
The OL will be an issue. It gave up 48 sacks and 99 TFLs. Only two starters return and depth is a concern.
A bigger concern is the defense. It was the 2nd worst allowing 537 yards and a whopping 46 points per game. The DL was paper thin and hopes to improve with JUCO transfer Jordan Whitley. The LBs bring in Nebraska transfer (really Corvallis is becoming Lincoln west) and Oklahoma transfer Addison Gumbs. The secondary is experienced but feeble. The Beavers managed to force only 8 turnovers last year, the only Div 1A team with less than 10.
From 1 to 2 to 3? Can the slow progress continue? Perhaps, but don’t expect another doubling with that defense.
Michael Pittman and the gang will thrive under the new Air Raid scheme Southern Cal – Vegas Win Total – 7.0 – When Clay Helton tried to spice up the Trojan attack he hired Kliff Kingsbury as OC. Bit Kingsbury bolted for the NFL before the season started so Helton hired another former Texas Tech QB under Mike Leach and Air Raid disciple instead – Graham Harrell. Harrell was OC at North Texas and cranked where he cranked up the yards through the air. Can he do the same with the Pac 12’s least efficient air attack?
QB JT Daniels was thrown to the wolves as a true freshman and struggled. Now he has a year under his belt and should show improvement under a new system. He’ll get a lot of help from a superb WR corps led by Michael Pittman, Tyler Vaughn and Amar-Ra St. Brown.
The running game was non existent last year and won’t be expected to do much this year. And things won’t get going unless the OL improves. They gave up 27 sacks and the tun game was 107th overall. Needing to replace the RT and LG is not a positive sign.
The DL is massive and talented. They generated 27 sacks last year and should improve on the number. But the LBs and secondary need retooling. The secondary is very thin. Half the players on schollies are incoming freshman. At one point walk-ons were in the two deep during spring ball.
If Helton misses another bowl season – he gone. The Trojans will be fun to watch and make a bowl with a little room to spare. They’re a year away from making the Championship game though,
QB JT Daniels was thrown to the wolves as a true freshman and struggled. Now he has a year under his belt and should show improvement under a new system. He’ll get a lot of help from a superb WR corps led by Michael Pittman, Tyler Vaughn and Amar-Ra St. Brown.
The running game was non existent last year and won’t be expected to do much this year. And things won’t get going unless the OL improves. They gave up 27 sacks and the tun game was 107th overall. Needing to replace the RT and LG is not a positive sign.
The DL is massive and talented. They generated 27 sacks last year and should improve on the number. But the LBs and secondary need retooling. The secondary is very thin. Half the players on schollies are incoming freshman. At one point walk-ons were in the two deep during spring ball.
If Helton misses another bowl season – he gone. The Trojans will be fun to watch and make a bowl with a little room to spare. They’re a year away from making the Championship game though,
The Cardinal will rely on KJ Costello's arm again this yeat Stanford – Vegas Win Total – 7.0 – Stanford, I don’t recognize you anymore. It used to be a pound the ball on offense with fantastic defenses (Sound familiar?). 2019 was the year that RB Bryce Love would be invited to sit in the fron row of the Heisman trophy presentation after rushing for oer 2,000 yards in 2017.
I don’t know if HC David Shaw was replaced by his long lost cousin Artie but Stanford abandoned the run (Love’s production dropped by 2/3 and the Cardinal finished 1tth in the Pac 12 in rushing) and relied on the arm of QB KJ Costello. He was efficient, in fact, the most efficient passer in the league last year.
Costello returns for his senior year and has the size and ability to be picked up on Day 2 of next year’s draft. He’ll get solid protection behind a line that has arguably the best bookend tackles in the country. The interior of the line is being replaced so the running game won’t be up to to normal standards. Also, Love is playing in our nations capital and replacement Cameron Scarlett is not as powerful or elusive.
The WRs are young, someone will need to breakout but the TE position is in fine hands with Dalton Schulz a mid round draft pick.
Not only has the run game disappeared but the defense dropped off too. In 2013 it was 3rd against the run, 16th overall. Last year those numbers dropped to 45th and 78th respectively. The DL was fine in getting pressure but needs that standout pass rusher. The LBs replace all four starters from he end of last year and will be an issue. The secondary returns All Pac 12 CB Paulson Adebo but the rest is going to be young and untested.
It’s Stanford. 9-4 is considered a down year. They will be a toughout but with the forst four games of Northwestern (home), USC (road), UCF (road), and Oregon (home) along with road games at Colorado and Washington State getting to double digit wins is going to be tough. The Cardinal will get to a nice bowl but not be in the Pac 12 championship game.
I don’t know if HC David Shaw was replaced by his long lost cousin Artie but Stanford abandoned the run (Love’s production dropped by 2/3 and the Cardinal finished 1tth in the Pac 12 in rushing) and relied on the arm of QB KJ Costello. He was efficient, in fact, the most efficient passer in the league last year.
Costello returns for his senior year and has the size and ability to be picked up on Day 2 of next year’s draft. He’ll get solid protection behind a line that has arguably the best bookend tackles in the country. The interior of the line is being replaced so the running game won’t be up to to normal standards. Also, Love is playing in our nations capital and replacement Cameron Scarlett is not as powerful or elusive.
The WRs are young, someone will need to breakout but the TE position is in fine hands with Dalton Schulz a mid round draft pick.
Not only has the run game disappeared but the defense dropped off too. In 2013 it was 3rd against the run, 16th overall. Last year those numbers dropped to 45th and 78th respectively. The DL was fine in getting pressure but needs that standout pass rusher. The LBs replace all four starters from he end of last year and will be an issue. The secondary returns All Pac 12 CB Paulson Adebo but the rest is going to be young and untested.
It’s Stanford. 9-4 is considered a down year. They will be a toughout but with the forst four games of Northwestern (home), USC (road), UCF (road), and Oregon (home) along with road games at Colorado and Washington State getting to double digit wins is going to be tough. The Cardinal will get to a nice bowl but not be in the Pac 12 championship game.
Joshua Kelley was one of the few bright spots last year UCLA – Vegas Win Total – 5.5 – Expectations were so high this time last year. Chip Kelley and his high powered Pac 12 dominating offenses were coming to town. And then pfffft an 0-5 start to a 3-9 season. UCLA turned out to be a complete overhaul rather than a mere rebuild.
The offense was miserable, finishing 98th overall and not cracking the top 50 in any meaningful category. Dorian Thompson-Robinson was supposed to be the QB of the future but was put in halfway through the first game, struggled and then missed most of the second half of the season due to injuries. This season will determine if he really is the guy.
The OL did not help. It was prone to giving up sacks. But it returns intact and should improve. RB Joshua Kelley was a nice surprise with 1,243 yards including 289 against USC. Epect more from the ground game.
Because the passing game needs help. 5 of the top six WRs return but there is not a lot of talent. Top target TE Caleb Wilson is gone as last years Mr Irrelevant.
The pass defense was bad last year. The run defense worse. The Bruins gave up 30 or more points in nine of 12 games. The DL was ravaged by injuries and got no pressure on the opposing QBs. UCLA finished 117th in sacks. Accordingly, the young secondary was torched. There’s some talent there and should improve..if the DL can generate pressure.
Chip has his work cut out for him. The final game vs Cal could determine if he goes bowling in year 2.
The offense was miserable, finishing 98th overall and not cracking the top 50 in any meaningful category. Dorian Thompson-Robinson was supposed to be the QB of the future but was put in halfway through the first game, struggled and then missed most of the second half of the season due to injuries. This season will determine if he really is the guy.
The OL did not help. It was prone to giving up sacks. But it returns intact and should improve. RB Joshua Kelley was a nice surprise with 1,243 yards including 289 against USC. Epect more from the ground game.
Because the passing game needs help. 5 of the top six WRs return but there is not a lot of talent. Top target TE Caleb Wilson is gone as last years Mr Irrelevant.
The pass defense was bad last year. The run defense worse. The Bruins gave up 30 or more points in nine of 12 games. The DL was ravaged by injuries and got no pressure on the opposing QBs. UCLA finished 117th in sacks. Accordingly, the young secondary was torched. There’s some talent there and should improve..if the DL can generate pressure.
Chip has his work cut out for him. The final game vs Cal could determine if he goes bowling in year 2.
Fotu and Anae's returns gave the Utes a huge boost Utah – Vegas Win Total – 9.0 – The Utes are the defending South Champions and are ready to defend their title. Utah had only seven senior starters in 2018 and brings back nearly every offensive player who touched the football.
The Utes sent six players to the NFL Scouting Combine. But four key players, including running back Zack Moss, chose to stay in school for their senior seasons. Moss went down in week 9 but not before amassing 1,096 yards and 11 scores. He’s an NFL-caliber back.
QB Tyler Huntley also missed the final five games of the year before breaking his collarbone. Pre-injury, Huntley appeared to have taken a huge step forward in his development. He had completed 73 percent of his passes, with a 176.6 passer rating, as Utah topped 40 points in four straight conference wins.
Moss and Huntley will play behind an OL that returns 3 starters but loses two All Pac 12 players. Seven of last year’s top eight receivers in what should one the deepest WR corp is the Pac 12.
Utahs’s chances at a repeat got a huge boost when when defensive linemen Leki Fotu and Bradlee Anae chose to stay in school. They anchored a defense that ranked No. 1 in the Pac-12 against the run and No. 2 overall last season.
The Utes lost there best LB tandem in school history but there is talent in the backups and Penn State graduate transfer Manny Bowen. The secondary is a concern It lost both safeties, so Julian Blackmon moved from cornerback to safety. Jaylon Johnson is an NFL prospect as a junior cornerback.
The Pac 12 opener at USC in week 2 should determine the Pac 12 South. Utah has not won there since 1916. But go ahead Ute fans and buy your Championship game tickets now.
The Utes sent six players to the NFL Scouting Combine. But four key players, including running back Zack Moss, chose to stay in school for their senior seasons. Moss went down in week 9 but not before amassing 1,096 yards and 11 scores. He’s an NFL-caliber back.
QB Tyler Huntley also missed the final five games of the year before breaking his collarbone. Pre-injury, Huntley appeared to have taken a huge step forward in his development. He had completed 73 percent of his passes, with a 176.6 passer rating, as Utah topped 40 points in four straight conference wins.
Moss and Huntley will play behind an OL that returns 3 starters but loses two All Pac 12 players. Seven of last year’s top eight receivers in what should one the deepest WR corp is the Pac 12.
Utahs’s chances at a repeat got a huge boost when when defensive linemen Leki Fotu and Bradlee Anae chose to stay in school. They anchored a defense that ranked No. 1 in the Pac-12 against the run and No. 2 overall last season.
The Utes lost there best LB tandem in school history but there is talent in the backups and Penn State graduate transfer Manny Bowen. The secondary is a concern It lost both safeties, so Julian Blackmon moved from cornerback to safety. Jaylon Johnson is an NFL prospect as a junior cornerback.
The Pac 12 opener at USC in week 2 should determine the Pac 12 South. Utah has not won there since 1916. But go ahead Ute fans and buy your Championship game tickets now.
Jacob Eason is bringing his talents back to Washington Washington – Vegas Win Total – 9.5 – It’s the end of the QB Jake Browning era. Browning had a good run with two Pac 12 championships but had a maddening habit of losing big national games. His replacement could be even better- Georgia transfer Jacob Eason. At Georgia, he won the starting job as a freshman, beat out Jake Fromm as a sophomore until sidelined with a knee injury. He’s an NFL talent He’ll energize an offense that grew stale, finishing 5th in the Pac 12 and struggled to score.
Eason will play behind a stellar OL that returns four starters including all Pac 12 C Nick Harris and day 1 draft pick OT Trey Adams. That will give Eason plenty of tome to throw to a WR corps that returns intact from last year.
The RB position is a question mark as last year’s star Myles Gaskin Is now playing with the Dolphins.
The defense loses a lot of talent. Six of the top seven tacklers are gone from a defense gave up the fewest yards and points in the Pac 12.The DL will reload but the secondary and LBs are a concern.
If Eason plays up to expectations, the Huskie offense will roll but the defense will hold them back from a third Pac 12 title.
Eason will play behind a stellar OL that returns four starters including all Pac 12 C Nick Harris and day 1 draft pick OT Trey Adams. That will give Eason plenty of tome to throw to a WR corps that returns intact from last year.
The RB position is a question mark as last year’s star Myles Gaskin Is now playing with the Dolphins.
The defense loses a lot of talent. Six of the top seven tacklers are gone from a defense gave up the fewest yards and points in the Pac 12.The DL will reload but the secondary and LBs are a concern.
If Eason plays up to expectations, the Huskie offense will roll but the defense will hold them back from a third Pac 12 title.
If Gage is the next Minshew - watch out! Washington State – Vegas Win Total – 8.5 – That was fun. Gardner Minshew’s one year show went better than anyone could have anticipated, as the transfer quarterback broke the Pac-12’s single-season passing record, finished fifth in Heisman Trophy voting and became a cult hero. The graduate transfer route worked so well the Cougars to try again with Gage Gubrud, a former FCS All-American who accumulated more than 11,000 yards of offense and 100 total touchdowns at Eastern Washington, ironically, defeating WSU in his first career start. Can the magic repeat?
Gubrud will have a talented experienced set of WRs. They return seven of the top eight targets with collectively 297 receptions and 30 TDs. There are 2-3 pro prospects in the group.
The offensive line was outstanding in protection last season, giving up just . WSU lost one of the country’s most reliable tackles, Andre Dillard to the Eagles in the first round, but four other starters return.
It’s a very, very thin group in the backfield after RB James Williams left for the NFL, but Max Borghi is an interesting speedster who ran for eight touchdowns last season and can catch.
The overlooked Cougar defense continues to improve. For the fourth straight year. WSU lowered its opponents scoring average. Last year the led the Pac 12 in sacks too. The pressure came from all angles as 14 different players recorded a sack.
There’s an intriguing on the DL as nose tackle Lamonte McDougle, transfers in from from West Virginia. McDougle’s dad, Stockar, played offensive line for Leach at Oklahoma in the 1990s.
LB Peyton Pelluer, last year’s leading tackler is gone, but the Cougars bring back three redshirt juniors in Jahad Woods, Dillon Sherman and Justus Rogers.
The secondary gets tested as teams scramble to catch up. It’s decent and 2 of the four starters return.
It’s the original Air Raid. It goes as far as the QB goes. If Gubrud is the next Minshew watch out. The defense will quietly continue to get better under second year DC and former Minnesota HC and DC Tracy Claeys. WSU finally wins the Apple Cup but misses out on the Pac 12 championship game to Oregon.
Gubrud will have a talented experienced set of WRs. They return seven of the top eight targets with collectively 297 receptions and 30 TDs. There are 2-3 pro prospects in the group.
The offensive line was outstanding in protection last season, giving up just . WSU lost one of the country’s most reliable tackles, Andre Dillard to the Eagles in the first round, but four other starters return.
It’s a very, very thin group in the backfield after RB James Williams left for the NFL, but Max Borghi is an interesting speedster who ran for eight touchdowns last season and can catch.
The overlooked Cougar defense continues to improve. For the fourth straight year. WSU lowered its opponents scoring average. Last year the led the Pac 12 in sacks too. The pressure came from all angles as 14 different players recorded a sack.
There’s an intriguing on the DL as nose tackle Lamonte McDougle, transfers in from from West Virginia. McDougle’s dad, Stockar, played offensive line for Leach at Oklahoma in the 1990s.
LB Peyton Pelluer, last year’s leading tackler is gone, but the Cougars bring back three redshirt juniors in Jahad Woods, Dillon Sherman and Justus Rogers.
The secondary gets tested as teams scramble to catch up. It’s decent and 2 of the four starters return.
It’s the original Air Raid. It goes as far as the QB goes. If Gubrud is the next Minshew watch out. The defense will quietly continue to get better under second year DC and former Minnesota HC and DC Tracy Claeys. WSU finally wins the Apple Cup but misses out on the Pac 12 championship game to Oregon.
Don't forget - the 2019 GO JUMBO trip is Oct 26 at the Westgate SuperBook
