After a full spring and summer analyzing the rosters and match ups heading into week 1, its time to pick a winner and loser.
Mike Leach rolls his most talented roster since taking the reigns in late 2011. This team returns all 5 starting offensive lineman, a bevy of receivers, and a quarterback with 3 career starts. The defense looks to reload up front and in the secondary, where a mixture of junior college transfers and a freshman look to make an immediate impact.
Portland State comes into Pullman 1 year after falling 59-21 to WSU. The Viks kept things respectably close until Connor Halliday opened the floodgates en route to 544 yards and 6 Touchdowns through the air.
The Viks were within 14 points in the 3rd quarter but that was as close as things would get. So how will the game turnout this year?
Junior college transfer quarterback Alex Kuresa has dual threat capabilities that will test the approach of new Defensive Coordinator Alex Grinch. With the exception of a few trick plays, it is hard to see the Portland State offense being able to sustain drives.
Luke Falk should have no problem controlling the offense against PSU. An increased focus on the run attack should keep passing lanes open all game long. Falk has a chance to surpass Halliday’s numbers from last year making the bus ride back to Portland a somber one.
Nov 22, 2014; Tempe, AZ, USA; Washington State Cougars quarterback Luke Falk (4) against the Arizona State Sun Devils at Sun Devil Stadium. The Sun Devils defeats the Cougars 52-31. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Prediciton: 62-13 WSU
What is your prediction for tomorrow’s game?