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College Football Rankings: Top 25 after spring practice

By Cody Williams

Nov 26, 2016; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide quarterback Jalen Hurts (2) scrambles out of the pocket against the Auburn Tigers during the second quarter at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 26, 2016; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide quarterback Jalen Hurts (2) scrambles out of the pocket against the Auburn Tigers during the second quarter at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 27, 2016; San Diego , CA, USA; Washington State Cougars quarterback Luke Falk (4) looks to pass against the Minnesota Golden Gophers during the second quarter at Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 27, 2016; San Diego , CA, USA; Washington State Cougars quarterback Luke Falk (4) looks to pass against the Minnesota Golden Gophers during the second quarter at Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports /
23

Washington State Cougars

2016: 8-4, 

We’ll know early in the 2017 college football season whether Mike Leach’s Washington State Cougars can finally get over the hump, at least to some degree. They have a tough September slate that includes a date with Sam Darnold and the USC Trojans. The defense hasn’t exactly been the strength of the Cougars in recent years, which doesn’t bode well for their overall prospects. But this might be one of the better defenses that Washington State has had in some time.

With nine defensive starters coming back, Leach is going to have an experienced group on the field, and one that is going to be able to generate pressure on opposing quarterbacks. Though that’s not the end-all of defense, that can make life easier on a defense when playing in the Pac-12. Thus, there’s at least optimism and promise on that side of the ball for this group.

Meanwhile, the offense really shouldn’t be a worry for the Cougars. That, of course, starts with star quarterback Luke Falk electing to return for another year with Washington State. However, there’s more at play than just that with the offense. Despite losing Gabe Marks and John Thompson at receiver, they have Tavares Martin Jr. and Dezmon Patton, among others, ready to take up the mantle. They’ll be explosive, but it’s all about consistency and defense for Washington State to be taken seriously in 2017.

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