Washington State Football 2014 – Better, Worse or about the Same?

OFFENSE

It’s going to depend on the offensive line. Connor Halliday returns at quarterback and nearly everyone returns at running back and receiver with a few promising freshman added to the mix. Halliday was really good during the second half of the season, if he plays like that for the year, the offense could take a massive jump forward. 

None of that will matter, however, unless the offensive line does its part. The unit was better last year, but still not great, and will replace three starters. The new starters at center, right guard and right tackle will have little to no experience. If they are adequate, the offense should be better.

Washington State QB Connor Halliday

DEFENSE

The defense has the potential to be better, but it will likely be worse to start. Replacing safety Deone Bucannon will be a tall task and the Cougars will have at least three new starters in the secondary. None of which will have much, if any experience. Athletically, they may be upgrades from last year’s group, but there could be a steep learning curve.

The defense that takes the field in Week 1 of 2014 will likely be worse than the defense that took the field in Week 1 of 2013. The defense that takes the field in the 2014 Apple Cup, however, should be better than the unit that played in the 2013 Apple Cup. 

Will Washington State be better, worse or about the same as last year? 

They played a bit above their heads last year to win six games, yet they were only a few plays away from winning eight or nine. The non-conference schedule is a bit easier with Rutgers at home compared to opening at Auburn.

Overall, it’s likely another race to six wins. A 3-0 non-conference start would help. They’ll need to beat Cal at home then find two more wins. I could see another 6-6 season like last year with the better or worse depending on the bowl and maybe whether they can successfully run out the clock if given the chance again.

The range is probably from 4-8 to 8-4. I don’t trust the secondary enough to think 8-4, so I’ll slot in the middle at 6-6 and another bowl trip.

Mark Sandritter of Coug Center provided the information for our Washington State Football 2014 Spring Wrap Up. For more WSU football information, commentary and analysis, you can follow Mark on Twitter @MarkSandritter.