Washington State Football: Too Early Schedule Analysis Pt 1 – Tough Road Slate

Nov 17, 2012; Tempe, AZ, USA; A general view of the Arizona State Sun Devils offensive line during the fourth quarter against the Washington State Cougars at Sun Devil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Allan Henry-US PRESSWIRE

Dates and TV schedules won’t be announced until very close to season kickoff, but the games and sites are set for the Pac-12 Conference. Simply put Washington State’s schedule is as tough as any in the conference next year. It’s good for 2014 though, since the Pac-12 is on a two year cycle with rotation, the Cougs will draw the same bunch of teams at home. But for now let’s look at how the road schedule sets up for WSU and we’ll look at the home bunch tomorrow.

AUBURN

ARIZONA

CAL

OREGON

USC

WASHINGTON

That is a tough assignment. Ok, let’s look quickly and logically (purely from a right now perspective) at this slate of games. Going to Auburn is never easy, even if you carry one of those crimson helmets with the white “A” on them. Two seasons ago at this time Auburn was looking at a National Championship, but after a 3-9 season much like Washington State had and a new coach coming in themselves, this has the opportunity to be a very winnable road game. Maybe the most winnable game on the road in 2013.

Arizona will be back, but without Matt Scott at the helm. However, KaDeem Carey and friends will still be very strong and the Cougs have a rough time in Arizona, as we know. Cal may or may not be back under Tedford and USC will be starting their new qb era. Regardless, WSU has been just awful in road games in Cali for almost a decade. Autzen isn’t a place to expect a win and Washington is always a tough trip in Seattle, but as we know is a totally unpredictable game. One thing is sure though, it’ll be electric in the New Husky Stadium and UW will feed on that and their need for revenge.

We’ll get back into this after Spring practices commence, but for now there’s something to chew on.

Go Cougs!