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Washington State Football: 5 reasons the 2016 season was no fluke

By Erich Hilkert

PULLMAN, WA - OCTOBER 25: Head coach Mike Leach of the Washington State Cougars takes the field in the game against the Arizona Wildcats at Martin Stadium on October 25, 2014 in Pullman, Washington. (Photo by William Mancebo/Getty Images)
PULLMAN, WA - OCTOBER 25: Head coach Mike Leach of the Washington State Cougars takes the field in the game against the Arizona Wildcats at Martin Stadium on October 25, 2014 in Pullman, Washington. (Photo by William Mancebo/Getty Images) /
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PULLMAN, WA – OCTOBER 25: Head coach Mike Leach of the Washington State Cougars takes the field in the game against the Arizona Wildcats at Martin Stadium on October 25, 2014 in Pullman, Washington. (Photo by William Mancebo/Getty Images)
PULLMAN, WA – OCTOBER 25: Head coach Mike Leach of the Washington State Cougars takes the field in the game against the Arizona Wildcats at Martin Stadium on October 25, 2014 in Pullman, Washington. (Photo by William Mancebo/Getty Images) /

5. Schedule

Washington State doesn’t have the easiest schedule in the conference, but the Cougars have an easier slate than Stanford. The Cardinal must play USC on the road, Utah on the road and UCLA from the South division. Washington State has a tough slate from the South, but the team gets USC and Colorado at home and play Utah on the road.

USC was flawless at home last season, so getting to play the Trojans at home is a big strategic advantage. Also, the fact that Washington State, a team that has struggled mightily to start the season in recent years, starts the season with five straight home games is an advantage, too. Washington State also plays Stanford at home.

The Cougars do play Oregon on the road and close out the season with Utah and Washington on the road.

The team’s nonconference schedule is middle of the road; some Pac-12 teams have bigger challenges (USC, for instance) while other teams have easier slates.

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