Picking the Cougars: Projections for all 12 of Washington State’s 2017 football games
Judging by the last few seasons, you may have a better chance of choosing the correct Powerball numbers than predicting Washington State’s schedule with 100 percent accuracy.
The same team that’s lost five consecutive season openers also has a penchant for breaking off mid-year winning streaks and beating Pac-12 powerhouses with reuglarity. The Cougars head into 2017 carrying a two-game losing streak to the Big Sky Conference (Portland State, 2015, and Eastern Washington State, 2016), but also two-game winning streak against Oregon, which has two national title game appearances in the last seven years. Last season, they lost to Boise State, but clubbed Stanford.
So it’s anyone’s guess what the Cougars will do this fall. For now, guessing is all we can do, and that’s exactly what we’ll do. Below are predictions for each of Washington State’s 12 games this gall.
Montana State at Washington State (Sept. 2) – An FCS foe from the Big Sky Conference? A dual-threat quarterback? That’s always been a troubling concoction for the Cougars, but lightning can’t strike thrice, can it? Ever so cautiously, I say no. Mike Leach finally wins a season opener, then takes to Twitter to chide all of those who said he couldn’t. Cougars/@Coach_Leach 45, Bobcats 28 (1-0).
Boise State at Washington State (Sept. 9) – It’s an ideal night for ex-WSU quarterback Mark Rypien if nephew Brett can dial up a few scoring drives for the Broncos without ever putting his Cougars in danger. And oh yeah, that McNichols guy is gone. Phew. Cougars 35, Broncos 24 (2-0).
Oregon State at Washington State (Sept. 16) – This isn’t how former Idaho quarterback Jake Luton envisioned himself making his first start on the Palouse, but he’ll certainly take it. As far as arm talent goes, Luton may have more than the guy on the Cougars’ sideline, but it’s asking a lot of the Oregon State QB to upset a nationally-ranked team in just his third start. Falk outplays Luton and the Cougars outplay the Beavs. Cougars 41, Beavers 30 (3-0, 1-0).
Nevada at Washington State (Sept. 23) – Many are tabbing this as a trap game for the Cougars. They’re 3-0, USC is on deck and although the WSU coaches won’t admit it, they’ve already downloaded Sam Darnold’s game tape on their iPads. There’s a scenario where the Cougars take this game lightly, but still, can you even name a Nevada player? Cougars 31, Wolf Pack 14. (4-0)
USC at Washington State (Sept. 29) – The Trojans have already beaten a solid Stanford team and just pulverized Cal and Texas. They look the part of a national contender and simply cannot be stopped. Quick, someone call Mike Breske! This looks like the toughest road game on USC’s schedule and maybe I give the Cougars a win if this game is played in a mid-November snow storm. But the Trojans escape with a victory and it ends up being a relatively quiet night for Pullman PD. Trojans 28, Cougars 24. (4-1, 1-1)
Washington State at Oregon (Oct. 7) – Royce Freeman, the senior edition, not only looks like a pro running back, but someone who’s spent two to three years in an NFL conditioning program. Not only can the Oregon brickhouse lift the heaviest barbell in Eugene, but he’s bound to lift his whole team on a few occasions this year. This isn’t one of them. Hercules Mata’afa, Daniel Ekuale and Peyton Pelluer build a wall not even Freeman can break and the Poly Cougars trade hugs with Joe Salave’a on the way out. Cougars 37, Ducks 28. (5-1, 2-1)
Washington State at Cal (Oct. 13) – The short week is a factor, sure, but it’s Aug. 25 and the Bears, eight days from their season opener, are still unsettled on a starting quarterback. Things can get weird in Berkeley, but an upset almost seems preposterous. Again … these guys don’t have a quarterback. Falk and the Air Raid hum to an easy win. Cougars 50, Golden Bears 31. (6-1, 3-1)
Colorado at Washington State (Oct. 21) – It’s no longer the Sefo show in Boulder and while first-year starter Steven Montez will no doubt do a fine job of leading the Pac-12 South champs, it’s a tall order to ask such a young defense – and first-year defensive coordinator – to slow the Air Raid in Pullman. The Buffaloes keep it close for three quarters, but in the fourth, the Cougars say “CU later” and pull away for win No. 7. Cougars 41, Buffaloes 35 (7-1, 4-1)
Washington State at Arizona (Oct. 28) – Falk has another immaculate passing game against the Wildcats. Don’t you remember, the UA signal-caller is the guy who took his job at Oaks Christian High in California. Falk certainly does. The WSU quarterback throws for 450 yards and five touchdowns and it’s a breeze for the Cougars in the desert. Cougars 45, Wildcats 17. (8-1, 5-1)
Stanford at Washington State (Nov. 4) – For the bazillionth year in a row, Stanford will boast one of the top offensive lines in college football. That should give Keller Chryst enough time in the pocket to decide whether he wants to check down to Bryce Love or make a quick trip to Ferdinand’s. If this game is decided on time of possession, the Cardinal win handily. But college football fans love a good redemption story and with 25 seconds left on the clock, Falk and the offense set up Erik Powell for a 32-yarder. “It’s up, it bends to the left, it straightens out … aaaaanddd it’s good.” Cougars 27, Cardinal 24. (9-1, 6-1)
Washington State at Utah (Nov. 11) – The Stanford win took a lot out of the Cougars – not to mention the previous eight weeks of interrupted football. The Utes have been in Salt Lake City since Oct. 28 and they’ve had seven days off since Friday’s game against UCLA. Forget what the Golden State Warriors said about Salt Lake City nightlife. The town awakens for this top-25 matchup and the Cougars are stifled on the road for the first time. Utes 34, Cougars 29. (9-2, 6-2)
Bye week – Finally, a breather. It couldn’t have come at a better time, too.
Washington State at Washington (Nov. 25) – Presumably, the Huskies have found a way to lose at least once in Pac-12 play leading up to the 110th Apple Cup. It’s all on the line. Pac-12 North supremacy, Evergreen State bragging rights, Falk v. Browning, the whole kit and caboodle. The Cougars haven’t scored 20 points in this game since 2012, but they get there by halftime. The Huskies whimper into halftime trailing 24-21, but they’re a different breed of dog in the third quarter. There’s still a talent gap here and UW wins the second half 17-7 to set up a North-South title game with USC. Huskies 38, Cougars 31. (9-3, 6-3)