How the Cougs fared in the 2017 NFL season

The NFL season is still far from over, but for the Cougs it is very close. Only Destiny Vaeao is still playing — and his chances to keep playing rest on the shoulders of Nick Foles.

For the rest of the Cougs, the offseason has begun, but before we look ahead to 2018, let’s look back at how they fared this season.

Here is how the rest of the Cougs wrapped up the year.

Deone Bucannon - Arizona Cardinals - Linebacker/Safety

Bucannon might have been headed for the Pro Bowl if not for a troublesome ankle injury. Bucannon played in 12 games this season, finishing with 82 tackles, a sack, an interception and two forced fumbles. That was despite missing all of training camp and the start of the season due to injury. He also missed time later in the season. The 25-year-old had his option picked up for next season he will return to Arizona.

Xavier Cooper - New York Jets - Defensive Line

It was an eventful season for Cooper. He began his third NFL season with the Cleveland Browns, but was waived at the end of training camp. He was claimed the next day by the San Francisco 49ers and appeared in five games. He was released in October before signing with the New York Jets where he appeared in another eight games.

For the year, Cooper played in 13 games, finishing with 17 tackles, 1.5 sacks and a pass deflection. Cooper will head to the offseason as a restricted free agent should the Jets tender him a contract.

Joe Dahl - Detroit Lions - Offensive Line

Dahl started off the year in a reserve role, but suffered a leg injury that landed him on Injured Reserve. He was activated later in the season and played in six total games, including three starts. Dahl earned some praise for his play and should contend for a starting role next season.

Shalom Luani - Oakland Raiders - Safety

Luani appeared in every game during his rookie season, even starting one. He played mostly on special teams, and finished with 18 tackles and a pair of passes defensed. The Raiders are bringing in an entirely new coaching staff, so Luani will have a fresh start next season.

Destiny Vaeao - Philadelphia Eagles - Defensive End

Vaeao made the postseason for the first time in his career. He played in 11 games during the regular season, finishing with 10 tackles and one pass deflection. Vaeao battled a shoulder injury, but will now be the Cougs lone representative in the postseason.

Vince Mayle - Baltimore Ravens - Tight End

After bouncing around practice squads the last couple of years, Maybe spent all season with the Ravens. He appeared in all 16 games and played a major role on special teams. Offensively, he didn’t catch a pass, but did get two rushing attempts, including this 1-yard touchdown.

Kache Palacio - Seattle Seahawks - Linebacker

Palacio spent most of the season on the Seahawks practice squad. He was signed to the active roster late in the season, but was only on the active roster for one game before being released and re-signed to the practice squad.

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Mike Leach’s legal drama with Texas Tech is still going:

New lawsuit filed in Mike Leach's feud with Texas Tech
Mike Leach’s war against Texas Tech is headed back to court, this time to gain access to records related to his firing from the university in 2009.

Women’s basketball:

Cougars stumble in closing seconds against Utah – The Daily Evergreen
WSU women’s basketball lost 81-79 to University of Utah in the closing seconds of Sunday’s game.