Pac-12 football preview: Trojans and Ducks the teams to beat
Washington State
WASHINGTON STATE— Key players: QB Jeff Tuel, WR Marquess Wilson, WR Dominique Williams, DE Travis Long, S Deone Bucannon, T John Fullington. Returning starters: offense 6, defense 7.
Notes: The Cougars were looking for a fresh start after firing Paul Wulff and got a big one with the hiring of Leach. The former Texas Tech coach is known for his innovative offense and way of doing things, and has already shaken things up in Pullman. ... Tuel labored through injuries last season and Leach has said he will have to compete with Connor Halliday for the starting job this season. ... Washington State had a hard time keeping its quarterbacks healthy with its offensive line ranking among the worst in the country in allowing sacks.
Notes: The Cougars were looking for a fresh start after firing Paul Wulff and got a big one with the hiring of Leach. The former Texas Tech coach is known for his innovative offense and way of doing things, and has already shaken things up in Pullman. ... Tuel labored through injuries last season and Leach has said he will have to compete with Connor Halliday for the starting job this season. ... Washington State had a hard time keeping its quarterbacks healthy with its offensive line ranking among the worst in the country in allowing sacks.