WSU dropping in the preseason rankings

Every year, the Orlando Sentinel rankings the college football FBS programs from No. 1 to No. 120-whatever (128 this year). And every year the Orlando Sentinel tends to have WSU slightly lower than many of the other outlets. That is again the case this year, but in an even wider fashion.

While it's still early in preview season, it appears the Cougars may slot in that mid-60s range. That is where the early S&P+ projections have WSU as Chet wrote about on Friday. The Orlando Sentinel does not have WSU in the 60s. The Orlando Sentinel doesn't have WSU in the 70s, or even the 80s. Instead, the Cougars check in at No. 97, barely breaking 100.

Here is a bit of the blurb from the Sentinel:

The pass defense was abysmal in 2014, with the Cougars allowing close to 300 yards per game through the air. Grinch's expertise is the secondary, so his guidance should help a young, talented group of players in 2015.

Like I said, WSU always seems to rank a few spots lower there compared to other places, but No. 97 is quite the drop. WSU was No. 81 last year, No. 80 in 2013 and No. 84 in 2012. I remember 2012. I don't want to experience what 13 spots worse than 2012 is like.

*****

Football:

Washington State is chasing bowl bid despite departures, Cougars ranked No. 97 - Orlando Sentinel
Washington State is No. 97 in the Orlando Sentinel's college football preseason rankings

Which schools might do The Drive next? - Pacific Takes
2. Washington State Speaking of colorful coaches that could provide endless sound bites... I am pretty sure Mike Leach would be gold on The Drive and I think it is only a matter of time before Leach is a permanent football talking head anyways. I think the Washington State program could also use the buzz and the one-of-a-kind setting of Pullman could provide a lot of fun.

Golf!

Bayley Qualifies for U.S. Open Sectionals - Washington State University Official Athletic Site
Washington State men’s golf student-athlete Derek Bayley qualified for the U.S. Open Sectional Qualifiers, Wednesday, after firing a single-round 68 during the U.S. Open Local Qualifier at Settlers Bay Golf Course in Wasilla, Alaska, May 20.