Washington St Cougars 2022 College Football Preview
June 13, 2022
2021 Recap
Record – 7-6
ATS – 8-4-1
The COOGS only managed to win a single game in September but they rallied after that and finished on a 6-2 HEEEETER. They lost to Central Michigan in their bowl game but it was a decent campaign, particularly when you consider that they had to make a change in head coach, AND they took their bitter rival Washington behind the WOODSHED in a 40-13 beatdown.
Washington St Cougars 2022 Outlook
OFFENSE
There’s a brand new look at the QB position as all four (!) men who attempted a pass LY are GOING GOING GONE and in comes FCS star Cameron Ward (47-10 TD to INT, 4,648 yards at Incarnate Word LY) to lead the offense. It’ll certainly help Ward to have his former HC Eric Morris working as OC, but this is a significant step up in class, and note that the Cougars lose their top-two WRs (Jackson, Harris) who combined for over 1800 yards and 16 TDs in 2021. There still seems to be some legit talent in the WR room and they’ve added a transfer from Oregon St and will get Renard Bell back from injury (33 receptions in 4G ! 2020). The run game is often a secondary thought in these parts but they lose almost all their production at RB including their top-two (Borghi, McIntosh) who totaled over 1,400 yards and 15 TDs on the ground between them LY. The OL returns just two starters and they were mediocre in 2021 (3.9 YPC, 31 sacks allowed). There’s potential for fireworks in the THROW GAME but we’d be surprised if they had any kind of balance.
DEFENSE
Washington St was SNEAKY GOOD on defense last year, particularly vs the pass as they booked a rock solid 16-15 TD to INT mark (#20 FBS pass efficiency D). They allowed just 24 PPG (#5 PAC 12) and even tho they were medicore vs the run (#80 FBS) they were EXCELLENT at taking the ball away (29 takeaways, #5 FBS). There are mixed signals heading into this season. The good news? The DL returns everyone including 1st Team PAC 12 DE Ron Stone (6.5 sacks). Not so good? They lose their top-two tacklers and elite LB duo Jahad Wood and Justus Rogers who combined for 183 tackles in 2021. The secondary is less experienced and it’ll be almost impossible for the COOGS to duplicate the number of takeaways that they bagged last year. We anticipate a mild drop in overall production.
SPECIAL TEAMS
The kicking game is in good shape with return of punter Nick Haberer and 1st Team PAC 12 PK Dean Janikowski (14-17 FG LY). They could use some spice at KR and PR.
Schedule Analysis
Overall – It’s not too bad. They have to face Utah and USC from the former South division but are a 98000 STAR SAFE AND EFFECTIVE LOCK to win two non-conference games (not the one at Wisconsin). There are only five road games to deal with and they’re much better at home (see below).
Potential ATS Trouble Spot – September 17th – Colorado St
They should be able to book a win in this event but they face the Rams after a MEAT GRINDER with Wisconsin and PAC 12 play is on deck. We’re almost certain to avoid laying double-digits with the home team in this one.
Season Win Total
per 5Dimes June 13
Over 5.5 +145
Under 5.5 -175
MEGALOCKS says:
Lean: Under
The majority of our 471 sets of power ratings have them missing out on bowl eligibility. There’s definitely some upside if the new offense clicks in a big way but we’d want to see a ‘5’ to play the ‘over’ in this market.
MEGAmazing Tidbits
Over the last ten seasons, Washington St is a respectable 37-22 at home (.627) but just 23-28 ON THE HIGHWAY (.451).
Pullman, Washington is approximately 2,600 miles from civilization. **
** needs fact check
MEGALOCKS Outlook:
It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to figure out that the Cougars’ fortunes are tied to the success of the new QB and how quickly they can get things rolling with the THROW GAME. The defense will probably be ‘average’ so we anticipate the offense being under a lot of pressure from start to finish. Anywhere from five to seven wins feels like a reasonable expectation. We’ll guess 5-7.
Want more Washington St Football ?
WEBSITE
https://wsucougars.com/sports/football
FORUM
https://247sports.com/college/washington-state/Board/Football-Forum-103296/
https://washingtonstate.forums.rivals.com/forums/the-cougar-lair.8/
NEWS
http://www.spokesman.com/cougs/
https://www.espn.com/college-football/team/_/id/265/washington-state-cougars