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

By Erich Hilkert | Jul 19, 2017

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) /

4 of 6

PULLMAN, WA – OCTOBER 15: Head coach Mike Leach of the Washington State Cougars directs his players from the sidelines during the game against the UCLA Bruins at Martin Stadium on October 15, 2016 in Pullman, Washington. Washington State defeated UCLA 27-21. (Photo by William Mancebo/Getty Images)

PULLMAN, WA – OCTOBER 15: Head coach Mike Leach of the Washington State Cougars directs his players from the sidelines during the game against the UCLA Bruins at Martin Stadium on October 15, 2016 in Pullman, Washington. Washington State defeated UCLA 27-21. (Photo by William Mancebo/Getty Images) /

3. Alex Grinch

This marks Alex Grinch’s third season in Pullman. The Cougars improved significantly in Grinch’s first season as defensive coordinator, going from allowing 38.6 points per game to allowing 27.7 points per game. Grinch helped the defense improve the 2015 total, going down from 27.7 to 26.4 points per game.

More from Washington State Cougars

Grinch brought in the aforementioned attitude of trying to create turnovers. With the Cougars returning most of the starters from last season, there is no reason to believe the defense cannot improve in 2017.

The Cougars return talented cornerbacks Marcellus Pippins and Darrien Moulton. Pippins had two interceptions last season, while Moulton led the defense with seven passes defensed.

The team also returns pass rusher Nnamdi Oguayo and defensive end Hercules Mata’afa. Mata’afe led the Cougars with 5 sacks and 13.5 tackles for a loss.

Home/Washington State Cougars