The Washington State Cougars finished the 2019 season with a 6-7 record. In the Cheez-It Bowl, Washington State was beaten by Air Force 31-21. The Cougars had found a lot of success the last decade for the most part, but there are a lot of changes this offseason. Gone is Mike Leach and in is Nick Rolovich who spent his last four seasons in charge of the Hawaii Rainbow Warriors. 

For fans who were used to the air raid offense under Leach, this team is going to look a little different. Last season the Cougars didn’t run the ball a lot, something that Rolovich will probably make a big emphasis on. The Cougars defense also wasn’t ever elite under Leach, and that could look much the same under Rolovich. The offense this season is probably still going to need to score a lot to make up for some of the shortcomings that the defense has. 

2020 Washington State Cougars Football Schedule 

Day, Date                             Opponent

Thursday, September 3           at Utah State 

Saturday, September 12         Houston  

Saturday, September 19         Idaho  

Saturday, September 26         at Oregon State  

Saturday, October 3               California 

Saturday, October 10             Utah 

Saturday, October 17             at Stanford

Saturday, October 24             OPEN 

Saturday, October 31             Arizona State

Saturday, November 7            at Colorado 

Saturday, November 14          at UCLA    

Saturday, November 21          Oregon 

Friday, November 27              Washington  

Friday, December 4                 Pac-12 Championship

Pick: Just a quick look at the schedule, there is going to be some real challenges. Utah State isn’t going to be an automatic win, and Houston is going to be tough. To end the season the Cougars have to play Arizona State, Colorado, UCLA, Oregon and Washington. There is a chance Washington State is going to go lose all these games. Four seems just about right for Washington State this season, which means the under is the play.