Mike Leach has been nothing short of fantastic for Wazzu, but now faces a huge rebuild and questions about his own future.
Under Leach, the cougars have been the epitome of the Air Raid offense invented by Leach’s mentor Hal Mumme: Fast, fun, and high scoring. In each of the past two seasons, the Pac-12 North came down to the apple cup, meaning Leach is doing something right. However, many are quick to forget that Leach was all packed to take the Tennessee job before it evaporated, his AD is no longer with WSU, and he is now posting obviously fake conspiracy videos on twitter. As good of a coach as he is, it will be interesting to see how much of his antics the administration will put up with. It feels eerily like 2009 Texas Tech.
Prestige Ranking: 4
Before Leach arrived, the Cougars were an absolute dumpster fire. Since he has been there, he has posted a 38-38 record, and has competed for the division title the last two years. They haven’t won it yet (that is what happens when you run into a buzz saw like Washington), but his consistency is key here.
Returning Starters: 11
Offense: 4
WR Kyle Sweet, WR Renard Bell, LT Andre Dillard, C Fred Maulgoa
Saved by Eastern Carolina is not a phrase that is said often, but it is looking pretty likely for the Cougars. Following Luke Falk’s departure and the tragic death of Tyler Hilinksi, Washington State had no real experience on the roster. True freshman Cammon Cooper was a touted recruit, and is the future of the position, but Leach would likely like SOME experience at the position. This is where Gardner Minshew comes in. The grad transfer threw for 16 touchdowns with the pirates last season, and seems to be the front runner heading into the season.
Running back James Williams is set to be the featured man in his junior season. Of course, this is a Leach offense, and the value in a back comes much more in the passing game. Williams is the team’s leading returning receiver, totaling 71 receptions for 482 yards last season.
Having read The Perfect Pass, about Hal Mumme and the Air Raid (you should), the offense is explained as helping less physically talented teams to out scheme and win. This means your recievers did not have to be the most talented to win. That being said, the Cougars have some good options in senior slot-man Kyle Sweet and sophomore Tay Martin, who was electric down the stretch last year.
The offensive line was a let down last season, and returns two starters and has a new position coach. However, this may be a case of new blood actually helping the group. LT Andre Dillard is a stud and should at least keep the blindside well protected.
Defense: 7
DE Nnamdi Oguayo, LB Peyton Pelluer, LB Jahad Wood, NB Hunter Dale, CB Marcus Strong, CB Darrien Molton, SS Jalen Thompson
The biggest loss on the defensive side of the ball is not actually stud lineman Hercules Mata’afa, but the architect of the whole thing: Alex Grinch. Grinch now Co-DC at Ohio State, helped mastermind a defense that ranked 16th in the country. New coordinator Tracy Claeys has head coach experience, but it will be interesting to see if he can keep the unit on the same trajectory Grinch set them on.
On the defensive line, End Nnamdi Oguayo seems poised to take over the star role, recording four sacks a season ago. The defensive line was a strength for the defense last year, especially in the tackle for loss department, and players will need to step up to ensure that does not fall off a cliff.
Linebacker will be both the deepest and strongest position on the team this year. Headlined by sixth-year captain Peyton Pelluer, the group has a mix of veterans and young bucks to ensure continuity. If the defensive line struggles at first, and it very well might, look for the linebackers to try and pick up the slack.
In the secondary, strong safety Jalen Thompson returns for his junior season. Perhaps the most talented player on the team, leading them in returning tackles and interceptions. The secondary should be extremely talented, and can help build off of forcing 28 turnovers a season ago. But if injuries mount towards the end of the year, the lack of depth will become readily apparent.
Special Teams: 0
Kicker Jack Crane looks to be taking over place kicking duties after handling kickoffs last year.
Punter Oscar Draguicevich is a JUCO transfer with a power leg.
Tyroil Smoochie-Wallace All Name Team Member: Oscar Draguicevich
Key Losses: Luke Falk, Hercules Mata’afa
Luke Falk was one of the best QBs in school history, and will be sorely missed since none of the current QBs have thrown a game pass in a WSU jersey.
Mata’afa was an animal. He basically did everything on that defensive line, and was one of the best lineman in the conference.
Five Year Recruiting Rank: 46
Leach has always been more about how a player fits scheme as opposed to recruiting rankings, likely because he believes it is a conspiracy. As we can see, this tactic has worked fairly well for him in recent years. On top of this, no one really wants to go to Pullman, which definitely hurts recruiting.
Alcohol Prediction for Fans: Moonshine
I believe in every fiber of my being that Leach has A. invested in illegal moonshine brewing or B. Brews his own. I bet that shit is strong too.
Outlook:
I love the air raid, I really, really do. That being said, I don’t have a whole lot of faith in the cougs this year. I think they can make a bowl, but it is a rebuilding year. It is also very possible that the new AD and Leach begin to clash, a la Texas Tech. On top of this Leach literally had one foot out of the door in the offseason, so who knows how much longer he will be in Pullman. And of course, who the hell knows what else is going to come off of his twitter?