Washington State started the 2023 season strong.
The Cougars went 4-0 in their first four outings, including two ranked wins over Wisconsin and Oregon State at home. But then they lost their next six contests, which dropped them out of the AP Top 25. However, they did end the year with a blowout victory over Colorado and a narrow, three-point loss at in-state rival Washington, which made a run to the national championship.
Things will be a bit different now, though. Most of the previous members of the Pac-12 left WSU and Oregon State for other power conferences, and the Cougars and Beavers were left to make a scheduling agreement with the Mountain West for 2024.
Washington State may not be considered a Group of Five school, but the Cougars could certainly alter the postseason picture for several Mountain West teams.
Washington State Football’s Betting Odds & Over/Under Win Total
Washington State’s win total Over/Under is 7.5, with Under 7.5 at -115 and Over 7.5 at -105, via BetMGM.
Washington State Football’s 2024 Schedule
8/31 vs. Portland State
9/7 vs. Texas Tech
9/14 @ Washington
9/20 vs. San Jose State
9/28 @ Boise State
10/12 @ Fresno State
10/19 vs. Hawaii
10/26 @ San Diego State
11/9 vs. Utah State
11/16 @ New Mexico
11/23 @ Oregon State
11/30 vs. Wyoming
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Washington State Football Searching For An Answer At Quarterback
Cameron Ward was among the most productive passers in the FBS a season ago for Washington State. But he has transferred to Miami, leaving the Cougars to find another QB.
John Mateer is in the mix after being a backup for OSU. He threw for 235 yards and two touchdowns with one interception on 13-of-17 passing in 2023. Bryant transfer Zevi Eckhaus, who was the Big South Offensive Player of the Year and a Walter Payton Award finalist last season, is also challenging for the starting role.
Running backs Dylan Paine (150 yards and one touchdown on 25 carries) and Djouvensky Schlenbaker (146 yards on 33 carries and 32 yards and a touchdown on five catches) are among WSU’s leading returning rushers.
Wide receiver Kyle Williams is back after tying for second on the team with 61 receptions and six touchdowns to go with 842 receiving yards. Wide receiver Carlos Hernandez (24 catches for 258 yards) and tight end Cooper Mathers (251 yards and a touchdown on 21 receptions) are also back.
For WSU’s offensive line, tackles Esa Pole and Fa’alili Fa’amoe as well as guards Christian Hilborn, Brock Dieu, and Rodrick Tialavea return with varying levels of starting experience.
Only three of WSU’s top 10 tacklers from a season ago are returning. But the Cougars brought in some standout defenders via the transfer portal, so that should help on that end.
Linebacker Kyle Thornton paced the team with 87 tackles to go with 4.5 tackles for loss and a sack in 2023. Linebacker Taariq (Buddah) Al-Uqdah recorded 40 tackles and two TFLs. Defensive back Kapena Gushiken racked up 36 tackles, five pass breakups, 1.5 TFLs, and a sack. EDGE Nusi Malani is WSU’s leader in sacks among returning players as he totaled 24 tackles, four for loss, and 2.5 sacks.
2024 Washington State Football Season Prediction
I predict Washington State will go Over 7.5 wins but won’t make the College Football Playoff.
There’s plenty of toss-up games on WSU’s schedule in my mind. But most of those potentially close matchups will be in Pullman, which is an advantage for the Cougars.
I think WSU is capable of beating Portland State, San Jose State, Hawaii, San Diego State, Utah State, and New Mexico – all but SDSU and UNM play at WSU. I’m also anticipating WSU will lose at Washington, at Boise State, and at Fresno State – all within a month’s time – as well as at Oregon State, which should be a close battle.
That leaves WSU needing to beat Texas Tech and Wyoming to reach eight wins. But again, those games are at home. And I think this Cougars team will be plenty motivated to prove it still deserves to be considered a “power” program, so I think WSU will win both of those games and will end the season on a high note in a bowl.
