Washington State University coach Mike Leach has watched his Cougars change. Wazzu has become a team that can run the football.
The air-raid offense is still alive and well, but Washington State has evolved into a more diverse attack over the last two seasons. In 2014 the Cougars rushed for just 478 yards. That total improved to 1,046 yards in 2015 and hit 1,560 yards last season.
Not coincidentally, the last two seasons at Washington State have been the best during Leach’s 5-year run in Pullman. The Cougars went 9-and-4 in 2015 and 8-5 in 2016.
On Thursday, during PAC-12 Media Days in Hollywood, Leach was asked about the possibility of an even bigger role for the running game this season.
“I think we have the most productive backs in the league. If you add up the yards, we had the most productive backs in the league,” said Leach. “I think it went us, Oregon, Stanford. That’s good company right there. But I do think we’ve got them all back. We’ve got some young guys that have some experience under their belts. So I’m hopeful that we’ll be better.”
The Cougars’ running back-by committee of sophomore James Williams and seniors Jamal Morrow and Gerard Wicks are all back. the 3-pack combined for 22 touchdowns last season.
The Cougars were picked to finish 3rd in the North Division in the PAC-12 Media Poll.
Washington State opens the season September 2nd versus Montana State at Martin Stadium.
(KPUG – Doug Lange with information from Pac-12.com)