A look inside the PAC 12’s most well-rounded team.
Luke Falk (photo, Dean Rutz/The Seattle Times)
Last year, I wrote about the offensive system that Washington State had with QB Luke Falk.
Falk had a successful four-year career for the Cougars, leading WSU to three straight Bowl appearances. His most eye-opening stat was 14,481 career passing yards–the most in program history and eighth all-time nationally.
But there’s more to the story about Falk’s proficiency. It’s the genius of Cougar’s offensive coordinator and head coach, Mike Leach.
Leach, the former Texas Tech coach, has revolutionized the program’s offense. Since his arrival in 2012, Wazzou has torched the PAC-12 in yards in the air and points on the board.
With Faulk gone to the NFL, the Cougars are still on the move. The new man behind center, graduate-transfer Gardner Minshew, came to Pullman from East Carolina University. Nobody beyond locals knew Minshew’s name last year. The nation knows his name now.
The secret to WSU’s continuing success really isn’t a secret at all. It’s mostly a shotgun set to maximize the space across the 53-yard field. By being in this set, it allows more time for receivers to develop routes before the pressure gets to the quarterback.
The Cougars have found success with deep balls and through quick passes near the end zone. Minshew’s favorite targets are wideouts Easop Winston and Dezmon Patmon.
Coach Coryell with QB Dan Fouts (courtesy, Chargers)
WSU’s approach is a modern spin on the old Los Angeles Chargers’ “Air Coryell” offense. That system used the pass to set up the run.
This year, Minshew has 4,325 yards throwing yards with at least two, and possibly more, games to play. It’s an incredible feat for a player who just learned the system.
But there’s more to WSU than what happens on the field. There’s the mustache–Minshew’s mustache–which has become the team’s rally cry. Minshew has earned the nickname, “Mississippi Mustache” (he hails from Mississippi), and every player is on board–including Leach.
Last week, Leach gave a ‘memorable speech’ with his version of the mustache.
It was just one of his many funny contributions. Leach, you see, has become one of the most quotable coaches in America.
Beyond the laughter, though, this team is involved in serious business. Will it make the College Football Playoff? Even if Wazzou beats rival Washington at home this Saturday, a home loss to USC earlier this year could keep WSU from making the Final Four.
But no matter how things turn out, one this is for sure: Washington State is an offensive juggernaut and one of the most entertaining teams in all of college football.
