Can Mike Leach lead Washington State to a bowl in 2015?

The Washington State Cougars are looking to bounce back in 2015 from a disappointing 3-9 season a year ago.

Head coach Mike Leach knows that his team is facing questions, going into the 2015 season. Can Washington State bounce back from last season? Issues at the quarterback position and, on the defensive side of the ball are going to be the main concerns for Cougars’ fans this fall. However, with Mike Leach calling the plays there’s no doubt that, Washington State has the ability to rebound, but it will depend largely on the defense.

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The Cougars have 13 starters returning from last year’s team, which some fans will view as a negative to have that many starters back from a team that finished 3-9, most will see the opportunity that the Cougars have to improve because of all the depth and previous playing time. The Cougars proved that they have the talent to play with anyone, when they took the Oregon Ducks down to the wire, losing 38-30.

Washington State’s quarterback position is likely up in the air for a few weeks. The battle is shaping up to be between Luke Falk and redshirt freshmen Peyton Bender but Falk has the edge after passing for 1,859 yards and 13 touchdowns after Connor Halliday suffered a knee injury last year

The passing game is always going to be the focus of Leach’s offense but, everyone knows he would like to see more production out of his running game this season. The offensive line will have all the starters back this season and some talented incoming freshmen.

Therefore, running back Jamal Morrow should be able to increase his rushing total this season. As long as the rushing game can keep the opposing defense honest, the Cougars will take all they can get on the ground and rely on a little Leach magic to score points with the passing game.

Washington State’s wide receivers all see a number of passes thrown their direction so all should have the opportunity to be productive. If the Cougars have problems moving the chains with the aerial assault, then this could be a long season. One receiver to watch out for this season is River Cracraft. He is 6’4” and will be a nightmare for opposing defenders to cover.

Washington State was in a shootout every week last season and the defense allowed 38.6 points per game. The Cougars’ defense must improve and limit the number of big plays. The offense being able to put up points is great, but if the defense is a sieve that can’t stop running water, then that is a problem. Leach brought in a new defensive coordinator this season to improve the defense, in the form of Alex Grinch. If Grinch can get the defense to cut the number of big plays given up, then this team could contend for a bowl bid.

With Leach calling the plays on offense, scoring is not going to be a problem. If the Cougars can hang on to the ball and take advantage of opportunities, this could be a big year for the team and their fans. The defense has to help out and force the opposing offenses off field. It doesn’t need to be three-and-out every time, but they can’t give up huge plays and big point totals.

I would not be surprised to see the Cougars in bowl contention this season. After all, Leach overachieved at Texas Tech and he should be able to do the same in Pullman.

What do you think Pac-12 fans? Can Washington State pull themselves out of the cellar? Or will this be another difficult season for the folks in Pullman?

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Washington State Football: Can Mike Leach lead Cougars to a bowl game in 2015?

By Tommy Tabler | Aug 9, 2015

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