As we move closer to the September 2nd kickoff with Washington State, it's time to take a closer look at the Cougars. I think everyone realizes now that this game is not a lay down. Everyone remembers last year's home opener against Georgia Tech.In digging around the internet I found some interesting stats on Washington State...
They have won 10 games in 3 of the last 5 seasons (01,02,03).
They have 9 wins and 8 losses away from home over the last 3 seasons.
They beat #5 ranked Texas 28-20 in the Holiday Bowl in 2003. They were 9 point underdogs going into that game.
Last season the Cougars led a 10 win UCLA team 38-21 in the second half, they led Oregon St 30-16 in the second half, they led Cal 38-28 and had the ball in Cal territory with 6 minutes left in the game. They missed two late field goals while trailing Arizona St by three in the fourth quarter. They were stopped on downs at the Oregon five and gave up a last second field goal vs the Ducks, and they LOST every one of these games!!!!!
They averaged scoring 33.5 points per game which is more points per game than Auburn averaged scoring last season.
Against the line since the start of the 2000 season they are 10-7 vs non conference teams and also 10-7 as an away underdog.
They are 4-1 against the spread all time vs the SEC.
They gave up 31.5 points per game last season.
Their turnover margin was -5 last season.
Their returning kicker hit 14 of 22 Field goals last season with a long of 48 yards and three of the misses were from 50 or longer.
The Cougars campus in Pullman is only eight miles from the campus of the University of Idaho.
Martin Stadium holds 37,600 and their average attendance last season was 34,506.
Their head coach, Bill Doba, has been on the coaching staff at Washington State since 1989.
His offensive coordinator has been in that position for 6 years and his defensive coordinator is in his 4th season with the Cougars.
Their quarterback, Alex Brink, has the second highest efficiency rating returning to the Pac 10 this season.
Their star receiver, Jason Hill, has the second highest receiving yards returning to the Pac 10 this season.
The Pac 10 had a winning pct. of 57.1% in non-conference games vs. BCS conference schools.
The Pac 10 was 3-2 in their bowl games and had four teams finish in the Top 25.
Obviously their strength is at the wide receiver position. Jason Hill is a two time All-Pac 10 selection and their other receiver, Michael Bumpus was an honorable mention selection. They will be looking for a new tailback this year which should have an effect on the passing game early in the year.
Below is a link from a Stanford web site that examines the Cougars in-depth and gives you a better understanding of what to expect opening night.
Click here to read...
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2 comments:
Jay, I just came back from the Pacific Northwest and took a little drive out to Pullman from Seattle to take a look at the school. I got a lot of angry looks as I walked through the campus. Maybe it was the Auburn shirt I was wearing that people took offense to when they saw me. I will say that Pullman may not be at the end of the world but it's pretty close.
Greg, that's awesome. Good for you. I've actually been there myself. I was in Spokane a couple of years ago and then drop down to Idaho and made a detour through Pullman. I agree with you 100%. No wonder Mike Price lost his mind when he got to Alabama.
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