PAC-12 Preview Part I
Washington Huskies
Washington was picked to be No 1 team in the PAC-12 according to preseason poll by west coast media. The Huskies coming off 10 win season in 2017 and a Fiesta Bowl appearance.
Four year starter Jake Browning will have the luxury of having four offensive lineman upfront to protect him. Then running back Myles Gaskin who gained over 1,300+ yards the last three seasons.
This offensive firepower is a key reason the PAC-12 media has picked the Huskies.
Head Coach Chris Peterson now entering his fifth season at the helm will have his team ready for their first opening season test in Atlanta. They will play in Chick fil A kickoff verse Auburn.
The Huskies returns eight starters on defense with the defensive backfield intact make opposing QB’s make tough decisions.
They will play the Apple Cup in Pullman this year, and travel to Utah, UCLA, Oregon, and Cal.
The future of the Huskies looks bright with a top 15 recruiting class signing a good mix of skill and lineman.
Prediction 10-2
Washington State Cougars
Washington State Cougars will be fighting to find coach Mike Leach identity on the field. The offense only returns three starters and no QB’s with an FBS snaps. Leach is known for his air attacks, but these will be the season he will have to lean on the seven returning defensive stars.
The Cougars last year finished with 9-4 record making Leach look good. They had quality wins over USC, Stanford, and Utah that took them to a Holiday Bowl appearance.
This opportunistic defense who back seven will be ready for the high flying PAC-12 scheme. The change in coaches of the defensive side will get little time to get use to.
They signed 25 players for the 2018 football season. Running back Max Borghi was a hugh last day signee that you could say the snatched from Stanford.
So we’re a college town. The other thing is 365 days a year, it’s the Cougs,” said Leach, “They’ll remember a game you played the rest of your life.”
These are a few big selling points on Pullman but this year will be an uphill battle in 2018.
Prediction 5-7
