The spotlight on Washington State this season will be a bright one following the collapse of the Pac-12. The Cougars are part of a two-team audition along with Oregon State as they try to display their value in the reshaped college football landscape and in the process secure their futures beyond the next two football seasons.
FILE - Washington State head coach Jake Dickert walks on the field during a break in play in the first half of an NCAA college football game against Washington , Nov. 26, 2022, in Pullman, Wash. Washington State quarterback John Mateer throws a pass during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Northern Colorado, Sept. 16, 2023, in Pullman, Wash.
Dickert said the realization that the team needed to focus inward came a few weeks after the last season ended. The Cougars started last season 4-0 to gain some national attention, only to lose six straight and then wrap up the year with a 24-21 loss to Washington in the Apple Cup. Washington State should have a chance to be successful. While their former Pac-12 brethren are off playing in the Big Ten, Big 12 and ACC now, the Cougars and Oregon State will play mostly against Mountain West competition. Washington State’s rosterThere are questions mostly on the defensive side of the ball. But Dickert is confident.
If Mateer falters, the Cougars can turn to transfer Zevi Eckhaus, who was a finalist for the Walter Payton Award as the top player at the FCS level last year at Bryant.Washington State will need to replace four key players on defense after the loss of defensive linemen Brennan Jackson and Ron Stone Jr. and defensive backs Jaden Hicks and Chau Smith-Wade.
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