A way too early projection on next year’s WSU football schedule

That Pac-12 released it’s 2019 schedule on Tuesday and it already has me excited for next season. Seems like a good time to dream on what the Washington State Cougars might do in these match-ups — with the huge caveat that things will probably change quite a bit between now and the start of the season. As of right now the Cougars’ biggest question marks for next year will be quarterback, defensive line (like every year seemingly) and cornerback. Leadership will also be replaced with the huge losses of Gardner Minshew II and Peyton Pelluer.

Cornerback will be hopefully filled by some of the junior college players the Cougars are bringing in, along with Marcus Strong and possibly George Hicks III. Will Cammon Cooper, Trey Tinsley or Anthony Gordon emerge as the next great Air Raid quarterback? Or will there be another grad transfer?

As far as defensive line, we’ll have to hope Jeff Phelps can work his usual magic. The receiving corps, running backs and offensive line along the rest of defense could be some of the best units in the conference. It will be exciting to see this year’s freshman class develop as well. With all that being said, let’s take a look at this schedule.

New Mexico State: Easy win.

Northern Colorado: Again another walkover.

@Houston: This game will be played in NRG Stadium, home of the Houston Texans. This should be a fairly close game, but I think WSU will pull it out.

UCLA: Bruins should be better in their second year under Chip Kelly, but I still like this as a W.

@Utah: Guessing a close road loss for this one.

@ASU: After a bye this feels like a road W over Herm.

Colorado: Should be a nice homecoming win over new coach Mel Tucker

@Oregon: The winning streak against Oregon probably comes to an end.

@Cal: Cougars sneak this one out after a bye.

Stanford: David Shaw is thwarted again by Mike Leach.

Oregon State: Apple Cup tune-up win over the Beavs.

@UW: We know how this is going to go unfortunately.

Looking like an 9-3 season to me. Quarterback play will probably be the key to whether they under- or overachieve this record. What do you guys think?

Football

https://247sports.com/college/washington-state/Article/Washington-State-football-Alamo-Bowl-ticket-sales-Iowa-State-allotment-125953431/

A look at Alamo Bowl ticket sales.

https://247sports.com/college/washington-state/Article/WSU-football-special-teams-Matt-Brock-Oscar-Draguicevich-kickoff-returns-punt-coverage-net-return-yard-average-125852404/

An analysis of Matt Brock’s improvements on special teams.

https://247sports.com/college/washington-state/Article/-Washington-State-football-assistant-coach-salaries-Mike-Leach-Cougs-125950664/

A look at WSU’s assistant coach salaries and how they compare nationally.

https://247sports.com/college/washington-state/Article/Gardner-Minshew-Washington-State-quarterback-Alamo-Bowl-KIRO-Dave-Wyman-125950819/

Alamo Bowl notebook.

Basketball

http://www.spokesman.com/stories/2018/dec/05/cj-elleby-robert-franks-guide-washington-state-to-/

WSU beats Idaho in the battle of the Palouse.