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Thursday night marks the beginning of BYU’s 2012 football season. The expectations are high for the BYU Cougars as they enter their second year of independence and prepare to face the Washington State Cougars.
Washington State is led by new head coach Mike Leach, a BYU alumnus. Leach comes from Texas Tech and is expected to bring his “air raid” offense to the team.
The last few seasons for Washington State have been disappointments. The team has not had a postseason appearance in eight seasons and last year finished 4-8. The team is looking to make this its turn-around season.
This will be the fourth meeting between BYU and Washington State. BYU leads the series 2-1.
Offense Washington State’s offense is going to be the star of the team. Last season, the team was ranked ninth in the country in passing and is expected to be a top team in passing again this season.
The offense will be led by senior quarterback Jeff Tuel. Tuel was sidelined much of last season due to injuries but is expected to return as a top quarterback in the nation this year.
Tuel is currently on the O’Brien Outstanding Quarterback Award watch list. He has a 60 percent career passing completion rate, which is expected to climb throughout this season.
Along with Tuel, junior wide receiver Marquess Wilson will propel the team's offense.
Last season, Wilson caught 82 passes for 1,388 yards and 12 touchdowns. Wilson also was named to the Second All Pac-12 Team last season.
Wilson also is on the Maxwell Outstanding Player Award and Biletnikoff Outstanding Receiver Award watch lists.
Do not expect to see many running plays from this team. But when it does run the ball, look for Ricky Galvin to be running.
Galvin was the team’s leading rusher last year, rushing for 602 yards and five touchdowns.
Defense
The Washington State defense needs to make significant improvements this season if it wants to excel with the offense. Last season, the team's defense ranked 82nd in the country.
Linebacker Travis Long will be one of the only returning starters this season. Last season, he was a leading linebacker with 42 tackles and 12 tackles for loss.
The secondary will be this defense’s main strength, led by safety Deone Bucannon and cornerback Damante Horton.
Bucannon had 60 tackles last season and Horton caught four interceptions.
This game marks the beginning of an exciting season for the BYU Cougars. The Washington State offense will present a challenge to them, but if they accept the challenge and win, it could be a season to remember.
