College Football News previews WSU

Good morning. Another college football-dedicated website previewed the Cougars this week and, like many 2016 previews, had many more nice things to say than in years past. Isn't it crazy what a really good year and a gigantic upgrade over the past regime will do?

The preview hit all the high notes, and even touched on a few things that many of us know, but isn't necessarily common knowledge, such as Kyrin Priester moving to the slot. Heck, even guys like Logan Tago and Dylan Hanser got mentioned.

They view the new left side of the offensive line as the biggest key to the offense, and I can't disagree. If Dillard and O'Connell prove to be compentent replacements, there is no limit to what this offense can produce. On defense, it's all about the pass rush, and that starts with Hercules Mata'afa. If he elevates his game like we know he can, the pass rush shouldn't miss a beat.

One area I thought they'd talk about that was overlooked was the run defense. While WSU's defense dramatically improved overall last season, the run defense a bit of a liability. If WSU can shore up its run defense, the defense as a whole can take another big leap forward in Alex Grinch's second season.

There's also this:

Washington State Will Be Far Better If …

the special teams evolves into an asset. There’s a lot to like about the Cougar offense and defense, but the program’s third unit leaves a lot to be desired. Rather than boost either side of the ball, the special teamers were a drain, making life harder on the O and the D. In 2015, Washington State lacked pop in the return game, allowed 14.4 yards per punt return and showcased weak legs on kickoffs and punts. If the Cougs can get their special teams in order, everyone is going to benefit.

While #specialforces got better as the season progressed, there is still a tremendous amount of room for improvement. First and foremost would be returning a kick for a score for the first time since the Hoover administration.

Enjoy the 4th of July. Go Cougs.

Football

Washington State Cougars Football Preview 2016 | College Football News
The Cougars were a good offensive team in 2015, which is the bare minimum expectation for Mike Leach’s Air Raid attack. But Leach and his players hope to be a notch or two more prolific in 2016, thanks in large part to the return of Luke Falk, one of the nation’s premier quarterbacks.

Preview 2016: Top 10 Washington State Football Players | College Football News
Falk is Mike Leach’s latest prolific pupil, coming off a remarkable first season as a full-timer on the Palouse.

Basketball

Daugherty Adds Johanna Muzet to Upcoming Class - Washington State Athletics
Washington State Women's Basketball Head Coach June Daugherty announced Wednesday the addition of guard Johanna Muzet to the 2016 recruiting class.

Beer

Best beer I had this week: 21st Amendment makes a really good summer wheat beer called Hell or High Watermelon. I decided to try another one of their products, Toaster Pastry is an India-style red ale which is malty like a typical red but also mixes in a nice hoppy bite. It was quite good, and I'm sure it is available in the Pacific Northwest, if you are so inclined.

Lagunitas Brewing founder takes another turn away from his craft-beer-firebrand persona - MarketWatch
Tony Magee wants to use some of the big-brewer money and tricks he’s picked up along the way to do "craft" things.

Non-Sports

How a college drug ring hid in plain sight - Post and Courier
It was one of Charleston’s bigger drug busts: A network of present and former College of Charleston students and other 20-somethings accused of funneling hundreds of thousands of dollars of cocaine, pills and other narcotics into downtown’s white-hot party scene.