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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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TEMPE, AZ – OCTOBER 22: Rrunning back Gerard Wicks #23 of the Washington State Cougars rushes the football past linebacker Salamo Fiso #58 of the Arizona State Sun Devils during the first half of the college football game at Sun Devil Stadium on October 22, 2016 in Tempe, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
TEMPE, AZ – OCTOBER 22: Rrunning back Gerard Wicks #23 of the Washington State Cougars rushes the football past linebacker Salamo Fiso #58 of the Arizona State Sun Devils during the first half of the college football game at Sun Devil Stadium on October 22, 2016 in Tempe, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /

2. Offensive line and running back

Having a dynamic running game helped make Mike Leach’s “air raid” offense even more lethal in 2016. After averaging 80 yards rushing per game (which was a huge improvement from 2014’s 40 rushing yards per game average) in 2015, Washington State improved to rushing for 121 yards per game in 2016.

Part of the improvement can be attributed to depth in the backfield with James Williams receiving most of the carries, Jamal Morrow being the most talented pass catcher out of the backfield, and Gerard Wicks being more of a power back.

Leach isn’t known for having a bellcow running back in his offense. However, distributing carries between three backs helps keep things fresh on offense and Williams and Morrow offer as much value as receivers as they do running the ball.

The team also ran the ball more than in previous years because of the strength of the offensive line. Offensive guard Cody O’Connell is one of the most talented lineman in the Pac-12.  Returning 2016 starters Cole Madison and Andrew Dillard add strength to the line at tackle.

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