Washington State Football: 2017 season preview, predictions

(Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
(Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images) /
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SAN DIEGO, CA – DECEMBER 27: Luke Falk #4 of the Washington State Cougars runs with the ball during the first half of the Holiday Bowl against the Minnesota Golden Gophers at at Qualcomm Stadium on December 27, 2016 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
SAN DIEGO, CA – DECEMBER 27: Luke Falk #4 of the Washington State Cougars runs with the ball during the first half of the Holiday Bowl against the Minnesota Golden Gophers at at Qualcomm Stadium on December 27, 2016 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images) /

Offense

We all know what Washington State returns at the quarterback position, but what about the rest of the offense?

Gone are Gabe Marks and River Cracraft who combined for 142 receptions and 1,595 yards last season. They also combined for 18 touchdown receptions. That’s a big loss for Luke Falk as two of his favorite weapons have moved on. However, Tavares Martin Jr. returns.

The junior receiver was second on the team with 64 receptions for 728 yards and seven touchdowns last season and is expected to be that No. 1 guy in 2017. He will surpass the 1,000-yard mark. Senior Robert Lewis is also back with some starting experience at receiver — he had nearly 400 yards last season with three scores.

More from Washington State Cougars

Kyle Sweet and Isaiah Johnson-Mack are the two other projected starters at receiver. They combined for 62 receptions and 603 yards last season. There’s no shortage of experience in the receiving corps.

However, the run game struggled. Washington State averaged just 120 yards per game on the ground, good for 114th in the country. James Williams led the team, but he’s gone, giving way to Jamal Morrow. He averaged 6.4 yards per touch last season, but was only given 90 carries.

The offensive line returns three starters, so maybe the run game will gain some traction.

Luke Falk carrying the load again?

If you’re Luke Falk, you have to be asking yourself: where’s my help? He passed for 4,468 yards and 38 touchdowns last season while completing 70 percent of his throws, yet the Cougars finished just 8-5. How much more could he possibly do?

The running backs didn’t get much of a chance to prove their worth despite averaging over 5.0 yards per carry each and that may have put extra pressure on Falk.

We all know Mike Leach likes to have his quarterbacks throw the ball more than most, but can he get the run game going this year and take some pressure off his star quarterback?