1. Find some consistency on defense
The good news for Washington State is that they return 10 defensive starters from last season. The bad news is that these are the same players that contributed to the Cougars being ranked 93rd in the nation in points allowed per game (31.4) and 111th in total yards allowed per game (452.5).
Not all the blame could be made the players as the defensive coaches made poor adjustments to a defensive team that has talent. The Cougars encountered in games where they gave up 30 or more points to an opposing team eight times, with seven opponents against Pac-12 foes.
The Cougars’ defense gave up 67 points in the loss to UCLA early in the season and 53 points in the late-season win against Oregon State. Defensive coordinator Tracy Claeys resigned in early October due to his poor performance.
Nick Rolovich hired Wyoming Cowboys defensive coordinator Jake Dickert for the same position with the Cougars. Dickert has been the defensive coordinator for the Cowboys for the past three seasons. Last season, the Cowboys’ defense ranked 11th in points allowed per game (17.8), 12th in rushing yards allowed per game (109.1), and 43rd in total yards allowed per game (365.8). The Cowboys also had multiple contributors for on defense accumulate 83 tackles for loss.
The Cougars have multiple players that can be consistent playmakers under Dickert. Senior inside linebacker Jahad Woods led the team last season in total tackles accounted for with 141, solo tackles with 73, and tackles for loss with 10. He will be the biggest impact player on the field for the defensive side of the ball. Senior defensive tackle/end Will Rodgers accounted for 27 total tackles, six tackles for loss, and led the team in sacks accounted for with four.