2010 Arkansas Razorbacks Preview Odds

Washington State Cougars

5-7, 7-5 ATS, 7th Place in Pac-10

Odds to Win 2010 BCS Championship: +20000 at 5Dimes Sportsbook

The Cougars were, by far, the worst team in the FBS a year ago under second year head coach Paul Wulff. Now, all involved must pick up the pieces and try to return the program to a winning record, something that hasn’t been done since 2003.

Offensive Outlook: Jeff Tuel is likely the starting quarterback this year. He completed 71 of 121 passes for 789 yards, six touchdowns, and five interceptions last year. The offensive line allowed the three quarterbacks to be sacked 53 times, by far the most allowed by any FBS team. Junior Jared Karstetter and sophomore Jeffry Solomon were the top two targets for the 100th ranked passing offense. Karstetter snagged 38 balls for 520 yards and six scores, while Solomon caught 36 balls for 330 yards and a touchdown. The team also welcomes back Johnny Forzani who gained 265 yards and scored twice on just nine catches. The Cougars lose their leading rusher in Dwight Tardy. Taking his place will likely be either junior Logwone Mitz or sophomore Carl Winston. Neither was notable last year, as they combined for 302 yards on 89 carries.

Defensive Outlook: It would be nice to say that the defense offered some bright spots in 2009, but sadly, it was not the case. The Cougars defensive unit was the worst in the nation, allowing 511.8 yards and 38.5 points per game. Opposing quarterbacks were sacked just 12 times. The unit spent an average of 34:08 on the field per game. Expect recruit C.J. Mizell to step in at linebacker. He was the fifth ranked linebacker in the nation and could really spark a defense in desperate need of a playmaker.

The Final Word: The Cougars aren’t going anywhere this year. There are just too many uncertainties on both sides of the ball. Right now, the team just needs to play games and try to find some playmakers and begin to shake off the stink of the past few years. Washington State is going to have to crawl before it can walk into a role as a Pac-10 competitor.

2010 Washington State Cougars Prediction: 1-11, 10th place in Pac-10

2010 Washington State Cougars Schedule
9/4 @ Oklahoma State
9/11 Montana State
9/18 @ SMU
9/25 USC
10/2 @ UCLA
10/9 Oregon
10/16 Arizona
10/23 @ Stanford
10/30 @ Arizona State
11/6 California
11/13 @ Oregon State
12/4 Washington