Mike Leach has proven plenty capable of replacing one prolific quarterback with another Air Raid machine at the position. Last year, Luke Falk’s departure and Tyler Hilinski’s tragic death opened the door for Gardner Minshew to transfer to Pullman and turn himself into a late-round NFL Draft pick. Leach will try to pull off the feat of building up a transfer once again.
This season, it is Eastern Washington transfer Gage Gubrud. A sixth season of eligibility from the NCAA was tempered by an injury early in the spring that kept him out of the picture through recent practices. Still, Gubrud at his best posted 5100 passing yards and 48 touchdowns in the 2016 season. When he does hit the field, Gubrud will not enjoy the protection of offensive tackle Andre Dillard, who went No. 6 in the NFL Draft.
Washington State’s secondary is going to be among the top in the country this year, mirroring the fortunes of other Pac-12 schools. Jahad Woods is another critical cog at weakside linebacker, and he will look to add to the five turnovers he helped generate last season.
With New Mexico State, FCS Northern Colorado, and Houston on the schedule, Washington State has little margin for error based on a non-conference schedule without any Power Five opponents. Having to play at Utah and at Arizona State in interdivisional competition and at both Oregon and Washington in the divisional slate will do a team on the cusp of the Top 25 any favors unless they stay unbeaten as long as possible.