One team that I feel has been overlooked as a potential turnaround team in the upcoming college football season is the team that calls Pullman, Washington home: the Washington State Cougars. Paul Wulff took over a moribund program when he arrived as the new head football coach at his alma mater in 2008. The fact that he only has five wins under his belt in his first three seasons at WSU is a huge concern for fans. of the WSU. Program.

In fact, a very vocal fan base did not want him to return for a fourth year. Fortunately for him and his program, athletic director Bill Moos saw enough progress behind the scenes to bring him back for a fourth year. He will now have the opportunity to lead a team that is understood by most of the players that he brought on.

The newly formed Pacific-12 conference did the Cougs no favors when they decided to split the divisions geographically into North and South, leaving them with two potential top-five teams nationally (Oregon and Stanford) in their division. Still, despite all the ‘expert’ tipsters predicting the Cougars will finish last in their division, with a losing record, I think this is the year they turn the corner and win at least six games, which which makes them eligible for a bowling game. .

The reason I’m optimistic about the Coug’s chances is this: Paul Wulff didn’t make the mistake of blindly looking for the best players available, but he looked for the best players he could find who possessed the mental and physical characteristics what did he want. build a team around. The character of the team is not yet where he wants it to be, but I have seen positive changes in the direction they are heading.

I was surprised by the response I got when I was talking to a couple of current players during the offseason. I mentioned that I looked at their schedule and I could see them win eight games this year if things went well, and they looked at me like I was crazy and said “just eight?” That attitude has been missing from this show for a number of years now, and the fact that they believe again should be cause for celebration among Coug fans.

I also think his schedule is favorable this season. I have often said that it starts with belief and nothing helps belief more than a little boost. Looking at their schedule, it’s not unrealistic to think this team could be 5-0 going into their game against Stanford. A top Pac-10 coach told me years ago when USC dominated the conference, “Every season USC is on top and the next six teams aren’t that different; what separates them is who starts fast and starts believing.” in themselves.” This could be the year this benefits the Cougs.

Of course, the Cougs are not without their problems. The team still lacks the kind of depth necessary to endure a series of injuries and still reach its potential. It would also be helpful if WSU receives a waiver for defensive lineman Brandon Rankin, who is practicing but ineligible for game action after failing to meet current NCAA eligibility requirements.

Despite those concerns, I have few reservations in predicting a late-season bowl game for the Cougs. Best of all, if that happens, I suspect the belief of the Coug fans will start to catch up with that of the players on his team.

Posted in The Mind Side Blog Supertao.com