2009 Washington State Football Predictions

Written June 28, 2009 by InfoPlays

2009 Washington State Football Predictions It was a painful first year for coach Paul Wulff, who’s Washington State Cougars went 2-11 last season. Only a winless Washington team kept the Cougars out of the Pac-10 cellar in 2008, but they may not even have that buffer this time around. The hope this season rests on a hint of a running game, with several capable backs and a developing offensive line. They might make progress in controlling the ball and keeping an inexperienced, undersized and marginally gifted defense off the field. Washington State is listed at +10000 to win the Pac-10 Title in 2009 according to NCAA football odds, where the Cougars are clearly the biggest underdog to accomplish this feat.

Offense: The hope that the Cougars can put together a running game helps ease last year’s 2-11 disaster. Running back is the best-stocked position on the team, with five experienced backs returning and the addition of Cal transfer James Montgomery. He’ll challenge four-year starter Dwight Tardy, who struggled last season to the tune of just 481 rushing yards, suffering the lingering effects of a 2007 knee injury. Coach Wulff is pushing for a more physical presence up front. He found discipline in Zach Williams, a junior college transfer who redshirted last year. Center Kenny Alfred and tackle Micah Hannam will provide much-needed veteran leadership.

Kevin Lopina came back from a broken neck to finish 2008 as the starting quarterback. Sophomore Marshall Lobbestael, if he’s fully recovered from knee surgery, is the better thrower. Whoever gets the start must show more mobility considering the offensive line surrendered 43 sacks a year ago. It has been a spell since the Cougars have headed into the season without a proven playmaker at receiver. Speedy Jeshua Anderson has the best resume, but splitting time with track has slowed his progress on the field. An intriguing newcomer is Johnny Forzani, a Canadian who practiced with the Calgary Stampeders last year.

Sign up for a new account at BetUS and they’ll credit your account with $500 bonus money once you deposit $500 or more! Then you can get your college football betting underway with extra cash!

Defense: Two years ago, Andy Mattingly was a blossoming star at linebacker. But Wulff took over and shifted him to defensive end where he disappeared last season. Now he’s back at his most comfortable position, and the Cougars need the 91 tackles he recorded as a sophomore. Alex Hoffman-Ellis is a newbie at middle linebacker, and on the other side Louis Bland could eventually develop into a game-changer.

Washington was the worst team in the nation against the run in 2008, and that’s a problem considering the Cougars don’t know if they have a capable defensive tackle. Back surgery kept Bernard Wolfgramm out of spring ball. If anything, the Cougars are thinner at defensive end, where Kevin Kooyman’s development has been stalled by injuries. Strong safety Xavier Hicks has turned around a troubled stay at WSU and he’s now the defensive leader. Chima Nwachukwu is improving at the other safety spot, but the cornerback situation is dire is Romeo Pellum doesn’t return from a spring suspension.

Sign up for a premium package from InfoPlays to get in on all of our NCAA football picks in 2009! We have thrived in the handicapping business for 21 years, and our football picks will have your bankroll in black numbers come season’s end!

If you liked this article, you may also be interested in:

No comments yet, but your thoughts are welcome!

Comments

Got something to say?