Washington State Football: Can Wazzu Win Five or More Games in 2011?

College football in Pullman has not been pretty the past few seasons. While the dedicated Cougars fans stick by their team, the continued football depression that surrounds this town is truly testing their loyalty.

In springs' past, Washington State’s chances at a successful season seemed to be dead before the start of July. However, Head Coach Paul Wulff has inserted a seed of hope in the minds of his beleaguered fan base.   After a lively spring, Wulff stated that these were the best offseason practices that he has witnessed since he joined the program.

While these semi-sweet words definitely appear promising, it is hard to forget the not-so-distant past.  It can be even harder to forget when the future is as bleak as those dreadful memories.

Although the Cougars are still several years away from contending for a North Division title, there is a light at the end of this long and dreary tunnel.

Pac-12 Football: Washington State Cougars Spring Game Report Card

Spring Game Type: 1st Team (Crimson) vs. 2nd Team (Gray)

Final Score:  Crimson 38, Gray 3

Washington State’s woes seem to be never-ending.  However, according to Paul Wulff, this is the best spring he has witnessed since joining the program.  We will have to see about that.

Offense:

Against the second string defense, Washington’s potential starting lineup looked sublime.  Unfortunately, the Cougars will be facing defenses 100-times tougher than that through the year. 

Senior Logwone Mitz stampeded for 106 yard and two touchdowns, leading the Crimson to a blowout victory against a much-overmatched Gray squad. 

Jeff Tuel also displayed promise for the Cougars.  He was fairly accurate with the ball (12-of-17) and laced a beautiful touchdown pass to Andrei Lintz in the back left corner of the endzone.

However, it is hard to tell how these performances will translate into success in 2011.

Grade: C+

Defense:

Again, with the Cougars’ first team playing against the second squad, the tilt on the scoreboard can be a little misleading.

Shining bright for Washington State on that line in the spring game was defensive tackle Brandon Rankin.  He collected two sacks against the Cougars’ spotty second tier offensive line.    

The Cougars defensive line should be one of their brightest spots all season.

Grade: C+