SPRING OBJECTIVES Finding a quarterback who can best operate the new no-huddle offense is Job One. The leader is senior Gary Rogers, who has been the backup the last two years and has seen some playing time when games were on the line, particularly two seasons ago. But Rogers struggled some last season and has never started a game. Therefore, others will also be given a shot, notably juniors Cole Morgan, who entered spring as the backup, Kevin Lopina, a transfer from Kansas State, and redshirt Marshall Lobbestael, one of the plums of the Class of 2007. The Cougars also need to rework the defensive front seven after switching back to a 4-3.
BUILDING BLOCKS The Cougars return four-fifths of an offensive line that allowed WSU to finish second in the conference in total offense, averaging 435.6 yards per game, losing only guard Bobby Byrd. WSU also returns eight starters on defense, which some may say isn't a good thing given that the Cougars allowed a Pac-10 high 32.4 points per game last season. All but one of the back seven returns. The most valuable player returning could be senior WR Brandon Gibson, who led the Pac-10 with 1,180 yards last season and decided to return for another year after flirting with the NFL.
SCHEDULE SITUATION It's a mixed-bag for Wulff in his first season as the Cougars will have some chances early to get a couple of wins but will also play 13 games in 14 weeks, which could be rough on a team that often struggles with depth. The 13th game will be a season-ender at Hawaii Nov. 29, and this could be a good year to catch the rebuilding Warriors. WSU will also face Oklahoma State in their annual game in Seattle, play at Baylor and host Portland State, all decent chances for wins. The Pac-10 slate sees five of nine teams coming to Pullman including USC, Oregon and Washington.
QUOTE TO NOTE "I believe every player has a clean slate. There are some players who maybe felt they didn't have a fair opportunity in the past, whether they did or didn't doesn't really matter at this point. They all have an opportunity to prove themselves and show consistency in their daily lives." -- new WSU coach Paul Wulff on starting anew.
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How will the Cougars new offense fare? Has anyone had a chance to see this no huddle offense run either at Eastern Washington or bend down to see any of the scrimmage. I for 1 am excited to see a change in the whole offense of philosophy. I am looking forward to a bumpy road but also the possibility of an exciting one.
So here it is, what do you think the cougs record is going to be in 2008. Since I only have 8 spaces for an answer and this is on the cougs page I am going to list high projections. Good Luck Cougs in 2008!!!!!
May 3rd, 2008 on the Gator Football homepage will be the first annual fan smack-off. Fans from all over CBSSportsline.com are invited to join a special thread being set-up which will be titled "Smack-off" to talk your best smack at your bitterest rival. Auburn v. Alabama, Michigan v. OSU, USC v. UCLA, Kansas v. Missouri, we'll have it all. We are
Where are all the Cougs....Is this board dead...Lets get behind our team in hoops....Great win for the cougs last night....could have been a disasterous road trip for the cougs...Looks like we have problems against teams with a quick point guard that can penetrate....Can't really keep them out of the lane...which opens up the three like in the Arizona game where we got killed by the 3's and at the
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I'm a huge Beaver fan, but I've got to give it to you guys. Not a winning record, but 5 wins, not bad. I wish you guys wouldn't have missed out on a bowl game. Even despite your record, you could still win a bowl game. Winning 4 of the last 5 games is a good, strong finish. Also a win at the Apple Cup in a wild finish, I call that a successful season. Did Doba get fired or is he sti
