Stefanie Loh looks at five keys to the 2016 WSU football season, including health and replacing the production in the pass rush.
1. Win the season opener
In Mike Leach’s four seasons as head coach, the Cougars have never won their season opener. Expectations are higher this year after their 9-4 finish last season. If the Cougs want to convince their fans that the tide has turned and the program truly is on an upswing, beating Eastern Washington in their season opener would be a good start.
2. Stay healthy at key spots
Quarterback Luke Falk is the triggerman in Leach’s Air Raid, and his health is likely to be directly proportionate to WSU’s success this season. Behind Falk, the Cougs don’t have any quarterbacks with game experience. A couple of other thin spots are at nose tackle behind Robert Barber, and on the offensive line.
3. Prove they can handle winning
The Cougs went into almost every game last season as the underdog, and they’ve traditionally thrived playing that role. So the question now becomes, “Can they get ahead and stay ahead while keeping a good head on their shoulders?” They’re no longer the secret of the Pac-12 North. Now, they have to prove they belong in the discussion for the North title.
4. Advance the run game
The run game finally took off for WSU in 2015 and the Cougs’ backs more than doubled their per game rushing average from the season before. It helped keep opponents honest and gave Falk an extra tool to work with. It would be nice to see the Cougs find creative ways to use their embarrassment of riches at the running back position and continue to advance the ground-game component of the Air Raid this year.
5. Replace production in the pass rush
Of the 33 sacks WSU’s defense managed in 2015, 24 came from players who are no longer on the team. Hercules Mata’afa (7 sacks) is WSU’s best returning pass-rushing threat, but the Cougars will also need other defensive players to step up and harass opposing quarterbacks.