Pac-12 Football - 2021 Washington State Cougars Preview
In creating our Washington State Cougars preview 2021, we noted that last season was an anomaly for this team that has posted a winning record since 2015, making five straight bowl appearances. Last season, the Cougars tied California for last place in the Pac-12 North with a 1-3 record. They scored 27.0 PPG, which ranked 10th in the conference, but they allowed 38.5 PPG, which ranked 11th. Nationally, that second stat ranked 118th. For this team to regain its footing, huge corrections on defense are needed. Plus, the offense must offer a more balanced attack. This team was third in passing last season, but they were 10th in rushing.
Washington State Offense
Who will start at quarterback? Will it be returning sophomore Jayden de Laura or Tennessee graduate transfer Jarrett Guarantano? In his freshman season, de Laura was inconsistent. Plus, in the off-season, he was arrested for DUI and missed much of the spring practice sessions. Although there are losses at wideout, the athletic and speedy Travell Harris returns as does the proficient Renard Bell. Last season, Harris had 29 catches for 340 yards and Bell posted 33 receptions for 337 yards. Each caught two TD passes.
Running back is solid with senior Max Borghi leading the way and Dean McIntosh following close behind. Borghi, who missed most of last season due to injury, is a massive dual threat. In 2019, he rushed for 817 yards and had an additional 597 receiving yards while scoring a total of 16 TDs. In 2020, McIntosh, who filled in for Borghi, averaged 6.2 YPA while making 52 carries and scoring three times. The O-line returns all but one starter and features Abraham Lucas, a premium player.
Washington State Cougars Preview 2021 - Defense
This defense has talent but last season they lacked consistency. The interior of the frontline lacks depth, however the edges are sound. Brennan Jackson (19 TKLs, 1.5 SCKs, 2.0 TFL) is at one end and Ron Stone (13 TKLs. 1.5 SCKs, 0.5 TFL) is at the other. The linebacking unit includes three six-year seniors, Jahad Woods, Justus Rogers, and Dillion Sherman. Last season, Woods recorded the second-most tackles for the Cougars (31) while posting one sack, 3.5 TFL, two PBU, and one QBH. If this side of the ball is going to show improvement. These three players must contribute mightily.
The corners are solid and deep; however, the safety spots are a concern. Last season, CB Jaylen Watson played well, disrupting pass plays and using his athleticism and 6’3” frame to get the job done. Senior George Hicks III will start at the other corner while senior Armani Marsh plays nickel back. Expect to see senior Daniel Isom at strong safety while free safety is up in the air.
Specialists
Returns will be handled by the speedy and elusive Harris who last season averaged 10 yards per punt return and 21.9 per kick return. Our Washington State Cougars preview 2021 sees Australian freshman Nick Haberer replacing NFL-bound Oscar Draguicevich. Last season, Draguicevich placed eight of 19 punts within the 20-yard-line while averaging 46.7 YPP. Sophomore Dean Janikowski replaces Blake Mazza who last season was 4-4 on field goals and 12-13 on extra points.
Washington State Cougars Preview 2021 - Projection
Even though some people see this team finishing as high as fourth this season, our Washington State Cougars preview 2021 projects them to end up fifth. The QB situation could go either way, while the defense must take some major steps forward to be effective. If their D can make big strides, the Cougars have a shot at fourth place. But we don’t see that happening.
Pac-12 Football - Washington State Cougars 2021 - Predictions:
Fifth Place - Pac-12 North
No Bowl Berth