2008 Washington State Football
August 2, 2008
Washington State welcomes new head coach Paul Wulff to the program to try and resurrect this football team. The Cougars return eight starters on defense and six on offense from a team that ranked 28th nationally in total offense last season. As you can see from their suspect 5-7 record, the defense had a lot to do with the Cougars’ losses. They gave up a combined 87 points in their final two games of the regular season, so just because eight starters are back on this side of the ball doesn’t mean they’ll be much improved. Let’s see how Wulff will fare in his first year with Info Plays 2008 Washington State Cougars football predictions and team preview below.
Offense:
New coach Paul Wulff has his hands full considering four-year starting quarterback Alex Brink is gone. He rewrote school passing records, but will be remembered by his inability to produce wins other than the annual Apple Cup against Washington. Wulff brings over a no-huddle attack on offense. Brink’s understudy, Gary Rogers, is likely going to be the one pulling the trigger under this new offense. Kansas State transfer Kevin Lopina will also push for playing time at quarterback.
The offense has one proven playmaker in receiver Brandon Gibson, an all-league performer. Young talent at this position comes from Daniel Blackledge and Jeshua Anderson, who averaged a ridiculous 31 yards per catch on his 12 grabs last year. There’s a solid three-man group at tight end, led by senior Devin Frischknect. Center Kenny Alfred and guard Dan Rowlands the best two of four returning starters on the offensive line. The Cougars are still looking for a starting running back to emerge. Dwight Tardy is rehabbing a knee after rushing for 676 yards last year, and backup Chris Ivory is working on grades as both missed spring ball. Chantz Staden, California’s top junior college ground gainer, could find himself on the field this season.
Defense:
After playing a 3-4 last year, Wulff brings over the 4-3 scheme to maximize his talents. The Cougars have four starting linebackers returning, but junior Andy Mattingly is best suited at end so the 4-3 is perfect for this personnel. Greg Trent, Kendrick Dunn and Cory Evans are the experienced starters back, though all had their troubles in pass coverage. Health will be crucial with a lack of depth behind this trio. Experienced depth is also an issue up front. The Cougars took a hit in late April when tackle Andy Roof was implicated in connection with a campus fight.
Roof’s loss will be a big blow to the Cougars. A’i Ahmu and career backup Matt Eichelberger are left over at tackle. Kevin Kooyman is a promising talent who was held back by injuries in ‘07, but will be given every opportunity to find a spot in the rotation this year. The secondary is a complete minefield. Cornerback Devin Giles sat out spring due to academics and is a question mark to return. Wulff decided strong safety Alfonso Jackson and the other starting corner, Chima Nwachukwu were better suited to each other’s position. So, technically the Cougars could line up with new starters at all four spots, though Xavier Hicks did start a couple of games at safety last year.
See more about what Cougars’ fans expect from their football team with this 2008 Washington State Football Blog here.
Washington State Football Predictions at Info Plays: 10th in the Pac-10
Four bowl-less years after the best football run in school history led to coach Bill Doba’s departure. His successor is the first Cougar alum in 60 years to head the program. He’ll need to repair the depth ravage by attrition and some poor recruiting choices. Wulff’s no-huddle attack could give the Pac-10 some headaches, but a lack of playmakers and no proven quarterback make it more likely that this will be a year of transition, learning and rebuilding at Washington State.
Pac-10 Wins Expected in ‘08: None Expected
Potential Scares/Losses: CALIFORNIA, OREGON, at UCLA, at Oregon State, USC, at Stanford, ARIZONA, at Arizona State, WASHINGTON