Pac-12 Preview: Oregon Or Stanford In The North?
By Jason Gold
Dec 21, 2013; Albuquerque, NM, USA; Washington State Cougars quarterback Connor Halliday (12) throws a pass in the second quarter against the Colorado State Rams during the Gildan New Mexico Bowl at University Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Reasons Why They Will Win: Washington State is on the way up in the conference. Under Mike Leach, the Cougs at least competed against some of the toughest competition that Pac-12 had to throw at them last season. Wazzu beat USC at the Coliseum in the weird defensive battle in the history of the conference, beat Arizona in Tuscon, and somehow managed to almost beat AUBURN at Auburn in the season opener…you know, that team that ALMOST WON THE NATIONAL TITLE! There pass only offense is conducive to the Pac-12 style of play and Connor Halliday can win you a couple of ballgames. It’s just not nearly enough to compete with the best the Pac-12 has to offer.
Reasons Why They Won’t Win: Talent. That’s it. The scheme is there at Washington State to succeed right now; however, a lack of talent across the board is the determining factor as to why Wazzu isn’t able to compete with the Oregon’s or Stanford’s at this point. It’s not impossible. Washington State has a proud tradition in this conference and were a feared opponent as recently as 2002. They’re getting closer under Leach, but it’s going to be a couple of years before the make any sort of noise in the Pac-12.
Best Case Record: 7-5
Worst Case Record: 4-8