WSU picked to finish last in Pac-12 North

Preseason media predictions are a rite of every fall, and now that we’re about a month away from the start of the season, the Pac-12 has released its media poll predicting how each team will finish this season.

Unfortunately, another rite of most falls is the Washington State Cougars landing near the bottom of the predictions. This year, they landed ... all the way at the bottom:

Now, the 58 points suggests that it was hardly a consensus — if everyone picked the Cougs last, they’d have had just 38 points (1 point for each vote). But still, they’re trailing the Oregon State Beavers by a not-insignificant margin.

It’s not hard to see why the Cougs would be predicted down there; they went through a high-profile coaching change, losing a guy who had taken the program to greater consistency than it had ever experienced, which (of course) necessitates a change in offense — the thing that powered them for the past eight years. Additionally, the defense was a dumpster fire last year, which probably is an insult to dumpster fires everywhere.

But ... it’s also not hard to see how they could easily exceed the low expectations. Beyond just the volatility that will be inherent in this season, there’s an awful lot of talent returning on offense, even if Nick Rolovich didn’t get the benefit of spring drills to break in a new QB. And the defense ... well, even though talent played a major part in the problems last year, it also was pretty obvious that there was a high level of dysfunction.

What about you? Where would you predict the Cougs to finish?

LINKS

Pac-12 preview: Washington State Cougars begin Nick Rolovich era
Former Hawaii coach will replace Mike Leach's Air Raid offense with the run and shoot

'Why not us?': Nine months after his hire, Nick Rolovich will (finally) take the field at Washington State | The Spokesman-Review
On more than one occasion since he was hired at Washington State, Nick Rolovich has stated his admiration for the coaches who built the foundation, shaped the culture and stimulated the passion for the football program he inherited in January.

Pac-12 coaches say they’re ready to go -- at least the ones not in coronavirus isolation: Issues & Answers - oregonlive.com
News and commentary about Division I college football with an emphasis on the state of Oregon.

Rolovich: Cougs’ won’t roll over in pandemic | Sports | dnews.com
Nick Rolovich seemed to understand the rationale of the question. But he answered emphatically: No, his Washington State football team won’t relinquish any competitive edge this season with a view

Predictions for Pac-12’s new schedule – The Daily Evergreen
The Pac-12 released the 2020 football season on Saturday, with notable matchups throughout the seven-game regular season. The regular season starts the weekend of Nov. 6-7, ending with the Pac-12 championship game on Dec. 18. The conference championship will happen two days before the College Football Playoff Selection Committee makes its choices for the national...

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Red All Over: Utah football is actually happening this time, right? - The Salt Lake Tribune

Ducks named Pac-12 favorites, still carry chip on their shoulder
Despite being picked to win the Pac-12 this season, Mario Cristobal and company still feel they have much to prove.

UCLA football coach Chip Kelly eager for Friday’s opening day of full-contact camp – Daily News

Expanding the College Football Playoff field made perfect sense. The sport’s leaders said no. - The Washington Post
College football's frightened leaders whiffed on an ideal opportunity to expand the playoff field.

Wilcox Addresses Media on Pac-12 Media Day | Bear Insider
Cal head coach Justin Wilcox addresses media during today's 2020 Pac-12 Media Day

UCLA football: 5 questions as Bruins open fall camp – Daily News

College Football’s Staggered 2020 Season Means A Busy December
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College football's COVID-19 approach reflects scientific, political gaps
College football is all over the map when it comes to COVID-19, including bus rides to practice 325 miles away. Experts weigh in about why.

Pac-12 preview: Washington State Cougars begin Nick Rolovich era
Former Hawaii coach will replace Mike Leach's Air Raid offense with the run and shoot

'Why not us?': Nine months after his hire, Nick Rolovich will (finally) take the field at Washington State | The Spokesman-Review
On more than one occasion since he was hired at Washington State, Nick Rolovich has stated his admiration for the coaches who built the foundation, shaped the culture and stimulated the passion for the football program he inherited in January.

Pac-12 coaches say they’re ready to go -- at least the ones not in coronavirus isolation: Issues & Answers - oregonlive.com
News and commentary about Division I college football with an emphasis on the state of Oregon.

Rolovich: Cougs’ won’t roll over in pandemic | Sports | dnews.com
Nick Rolovich seemed to understand the rationale of the question. But he answered emphatically: No, his Washington State football team won’t relinquish any competitive edge this season with a view

Predictions for Pac-12’s new schedule – The Daily Evergreen
The Pac-12 released the 2020 football season on Saturday, with notable matchups throughout the seven-game regular season. The regular season starts the weekend of Nov. 6-7, ending with the Pac-12 championship game on Dec. 18. The conference championship will happen two days before the College Football Playoff Selection Committee makes its choices for the national...