Coach Paul Wulff better win some conference games this year. If not, he can start packing his bags and move back to Woodland, California.
There is much debate as to who is the best team in the nation, but there is absolutely no controversy when labeling the worst team in the BCS. This illustrious honor goes to the Washington State Cougars. Folks over at Pullman were blanketed in conference play last year and haven’t won a road game since George Bush was in office. Thank the lord Jesus they did manage one win last season in an OT miracle over Southern Methodist University.
Looking at the numbers (disclaimer: Cougars fans please skip this paragraph, it’s not pretty), the Cougars were ranked last in the Pac 10 in practically every statistical category on both offense and defense. Compared to the entire league, the Cougars were 100th in passing (177.9 ypg), 118th in rushing (70.7 ypg), 119th in points scored (12 ppg), and 118th in points against (38.5). From a statistical standpoint, you can’t do much worse, even if you tried.
Coach Paul Wulff’s biggest concern coming into the 2010 season is the severe lack of depth, experience, but most of all, talent. Only 2 starters return on a line that was so bad last season that every starter should have been charged with conspiracy to commit manslaughter as Kevin Lopina and Marshall Lobbestael got sacked an unprecedented 53 times. QBs are no strangers to getting walloped. In the last 2 seasons, the top 3 QBs were all out due to injuries all at the same time. In some instances, the back-up punter had to come in as QB to finish the game.
Though the team ranks tops in the Pac 10 for returning starters (8 offense; 7 defense), fans rather see some new blood in a group that has gone 3-22 in the past 2 seasons. The Cougars have not been to a bowl game since 2003 and don’t expect to see them bowling (except at Zeppoz) come 2010, 2011, or 2012. It’s a shame because Washington State is a great academic institution and a strong member of the Pac 10, it’s just the football team has taken a sharp nose dive that will take a miracle to overcome.
The good news: Paul Wulff is a fantastic leader and a strong coach as this was evident during his Eastern Washington University days. If the fans and boosters can be a little more patient, he will turn this program around. If not, Washington State’s only #1 ranking will be topping the list for worst team in the Pac 10 and BCS year in and year out.
