Pac-12 North: Separating the contenders from the pretenders

Sep 19, 2015; Pullman, WA, USA; A group of Washington State Cougars look on during a game against the Wyoming Cowboys during the second half at Martin Stadium. The Cougars won 31-14. Mandatory Credit: James Snook-USA TODAY Sports

Washington State Cougars

After the opening week debacle against Portland State, the Cougars have rebounded nicely. Sure, a loss to a FCS school at home is never a good thing, but perhaps it motivated the players to practice harder and make sure that this year is not another lost season for the program.

After all, Rutgers might be a team in complete disarray following multiple player suspensions and a coach recently accused of academic misconduct and later suspended, but a west coast team from the Pac-12 travelling all the way to New Jersey for a road game against a power five conference opponent is going to be tough no matter who shows on up on the opposing sideline.

The Cougars saved their season with a comeback win against the Scarlet Knights and followed it up with a home victory over the Wyoming Cowboys. In their Pac-12 opener, they will face another surprise team in the California Golden Bears, owners of a sparkling 3-0 record. This will be a tough match-up on the road against a good team, and it will go far in determining the season for both squads.

The Cougars have a powerful air attack, a staple of head coach Mike Leech, with quarterback Luke Falk completing 73 percent of his passes with eight touchdowns and just one interception. Of course, that came against a FCS school, one of the worst FBS programs in the nation in Wyoming, and a program melting down before our eyes in Rutgers, but, it is still impressive.

Washington State’s defense has been a bit more suspect, allowing Portland State to run all over field for 233 yards and three touchdowns. Against Rutgers, they allowed 198 yards rushing and a per carry average of 5.4 yards. While they shut down the Wyoming Cowboys running game most of the game, they still let Cowboys quarterback Cameron Coffman go 25-of-36 for 296 yards, two touchdowns and just one interception. The defense has issues.

Those issues on defense will be what limits this year’s Cougars from finally emerging from the darkness the program has languished in since the departure of Mike Price.

Verdict: Pretender

Next: Washington Huskies