clock menu more-arrow no yes mobile

Filed under:

WSU's special teams a big question mark for 2015

Improvement in the kicking game could determine whether the Cougars go bowling

Gabe Marks looks to be a factor in the return game.
Gabe Marks looks to be a factor in the return game.
Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

ESPN.com took a look at Pac-12 North special teams this week and put WSU in the "we'll see" category. After ranking dead last in most categories in the kicking game, is there any hope for things to get better in 2015?

A couple things stand out as hopeful signs for this year. I think that the coaching staff's emphasis on recruiting speed and athleticism should show improvement on the coverage teams. Mike Leach also seems to be very high on Eric Mele, who is going into his first full season as special teams coach. With a full spring under his belt maybe things will start to come together.

As far as kicking and punting goes, the Cougars have to hope that 3-star recruit Matt Abramo is the real deal and can be solid in both areas after losing punter Jordan Dascalo in the spring. It's a big ask of a true freshman.

Veterans Gabe Marks and Jamal Morrow were handling kick return chores during the spring. Hopefully they can show more explosiveness than we have seen in the past in the return game. I'm curious to see what Marks does in particular.

Do you guys think the special teams will show substantial improvement next year? Will it be the difference between WSU going to a bowl game or not?

*****

Football

Position Unit Review: Pac-12 North special teams - Pac-12 Blog - ESPN
This installment of the Pac-12 North position review looks at the special teams, where Oregon seems set to lead the way in 2015.

Steve Gleason Act awaits presidential approval - Pac-12 Blog - ESPN
A bill named in honor of former Washington State football player Steve Gleason will head to President Barack Obama's desk for approval.

Pac-12 coaching hot seat ratings: North - Pac-12 Blog - ESPN
The initial euphoria accompanying Mike Leach's hire has dissipated. Is 2015 a make-or-break season for the Cougars?

Position unit review: Pac-12 North defensive backs - Pac-12 Blog - ESPN
The Pac-12 blog moves on to the secondary and we start up North. And the moral of this story is: Hey, North QBs, throw the dang ball.

'Official' Pac-12 returning starters - Pac-12 Blog - ESPN
The Pac-12 has published its 2015 football media guide and it includes an "official" tabulation of returning starters.

Pac-12 ultimate road trip: Week 2 - Pac-12 Blog - ESPN
We're heading to East Lansing, Michigan, for the matchup between Michigan State and Oregon.