WSU’s 2016 football opponents approach spring with various goals
PULLMAN – While the 15 football practices given to college football teams in the spring are times for self-improvement and introspection, nothing in sports happens in a vacuum.
Washington State’s on-field success will be somewhat determined by how the Cougars use their spring practice, but also by how their well their opponents use their own.
While WSU has the benefit of relative stability this off-season, many of its Pac-12 counterparts are replacing quarterbacks, coaches or other key contributors.
So, let’s take a look at how WSU’s 2016 opponents are making use of their allotted practices, and what storylines are emerging.
Eastern Washington: The Eagles began spring practice Thursday, and could be facing the program’s most critical spring in years. After three consecutive Big Sky titles, the Eagles dropped to a 6-5 record in 2015. After a season like that, everybody’s job is up for grabs, and finding some answers at quarterback and on the offensive line will be critical for coach Beau Baldwin and his team.
Boise State: The Broncos return Brett Rypien (Shadle Park High), who started at quarterback as a true freshman last season, and second-year coach Bryan Harsin seems to like what he has on both offense and defense. But Harsin has acknowledged that special teams will be a focal point this spring, and the coach is going to be more willing to send starter out on kick teams than he has in the past.
Idaho: Few teams are likely more eager to return to the field than the Vandals, who surely relish the opportunity to focus on football rather than searching for a new conference in 2018 and beyond. The Vandals do have a lot to look forward to in 2016, such as realistic bowl expectations the team finished with a 4-8 record after blowing two three-possession leads.
Oregon: The focus in Eugene will be on a quarterback – Montana State transfer Dakota Prukop and a coach, new defensive coordinator Brady Hoke. If Prukop can adjust to Pac-12 defenses as quickly as last year’s Big Sky transfer, Vernon Adams, the Ducks’ offense should be in good shape. Of course, the UO offense has led the league in scoring since 2006 and should be fine as long as running back Royce Freeman stays healthy. Hoke, the Michigan head coach until 2014, has already received positive reviews from players for his intensity and his emphasis on rushing the passer.
Stanford: The Cardinal kicked off their spring practices in February, and the overwhelming focus was on finding a replacement at quarterback for Kevin Hogan and rebuilding the offensive line. Those questions will linger into the fall, but history indicates Stanford will find a good QB and plenty of stout linemen to block for him.
UCLA: The Bruins are using spring to overhaul their schemes on both sides of the ball, switching to a 4-3 defense and giving new offensive coordinator Kennedy Polamalu control of the offense. Polamalu is expected to emphasize tight ends and fullbacks more than his predecessor, and getting quarterback Josh Rosen comfortable with the new look will be critical for UCLA’s success next season.
Arizona State: Oh look, another quarterback competition. The Sun Devils have a new offensive coordinator, Chip Lindsey, and will take long looks at three QBs to determine who can best run his offense. The battle between sophomore Manny Wilkins and redshirt freshmen Bryce Perkins and Brady White is expected to continue into the fall.
Oregon State: The Beavers didn’t expect to have an open QB spot, but starter Seth Collins transferred after his freshman season. Utah State transfer Darell Garretson appears to have the edge at first glance, but he’s still got to prove he can run OSU’s offense.
Arizona: The Wildcats, who also began practices in February, have an entirely new defensive staff and spring has been the first opportunity for the players to get accustomed to their new coaches, and vice versa.
California: The Golden Bears are opening the 2016 in Australia on Aug. 27, when they will play the first American college football game in Sydney. So, they’ve got to find a replacement at quarterback for Jared Goff quickly. Whoever the new quarterback is will be throwing to a lot of green receivers, so expect plenty of passing periods in Berkeley this spring.
Colorado: Shay Fields is already one of the most prolific pass-catchers the Buffs have had, and the coaches are spending this spring retooling the offense to find even more ways to get him the ball. First-year co-offensive coordinator Darrin Chiaverini wants CU to play faster to wear out defenses, and the players seem to like the change so far.
Washington: Like the Cougars, the Huskies are seeing the spring benefits of having such a young team the previous season. UW started true freshmen at quarterback, running back and left tackle last season, so no position battles there. The entire secondary returns intact and coach Chris Petersen and his staff can spend this spring focusing on the minutiae as the Huskies try to take a step forward in his third year.