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Pac 12 Football: Preseason 2016 Conference Power Rankings

By Ryan Young

Dec 5, 2015; Santa Clara, CA, USA; Stanford Cardinal running back Christian McCaffrey (5) scores a 28 yard reception and touchdown against the Southern California Trojans in the fourth quarter of the Pac-12 Conference football championship game at Levi
Dec 5, 2015; Santa Clara, CA, USA; Stanford Cardinal running back Christian McCaffrey (5) scores a 28 yard reception and touchdown against the Southern California Trojans in the fourth quarter of the Pac-12 Conference football championship game at Levi /
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Oct 10, 2015; Eugene, OR, USA; Washington State University Cougars quarterback Luke Falk (4) throws the football during the third quarter in a game against the Oregon Ducks at Autzen Stadium. The Cougars won in double overtime 45-38. Mandatory Credit: Troy Wayrynen-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 10, 2015; Eugene, OR, USA; Washington State University Cougars quarterback Luke Falk (4) throws the football during the third quarter in a game against the Oregon Ducks at Autzen Stadium. The Cougars won in double overtime 45-38. Mandatory Credit: Troy Wayrynen-USA TODAY Sports /
  • Last Season Record: 9-4 Overall, 6-3 Pac-12
  • Season Opener: Eastern Washington | Sept. 3
  • Key Games: Washington, Oregon

I don’t think Washington State gets enough credit as a football team.

They finished 9-4 last season, which is respectable in the Pac-12. Quarterback Luke Falk, who threw for 38 touchdowns last season, is back for another year, and has a lot of talented receivers behind him.

The defense has a veteran secondary — one that allowed just 13 touchdown passes last year. While they have potential to be strong again, though, the current defensive line group is young — and they could struggle to stop the run game.

Washington State is truly sitting in a good place, though. After rebuilding a program that was at the bottom of the conference, a six win season this year would mean back-to-back postseason appearances for the first time in 13 years.

This Washington State team could truly go either way. They could have a ton of success and ride out the momentum from a stellar season last year. Or, things could go very differently.

Next: Number 6

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