Connor Halliday Looks To Throw Washington State Up PAC-12 Ranks
Oct 31, 2013; Pullman, WA, USA; Washington State Cougars quarterback Connor Halliday (12) throws a pass against the Arizona State Sun Devils at Martin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
The Washington State football team has been desperately trying to climb their way out of the lower ranks of the PAC-12 and become legitimate contenders within the conference and NCAA. They have a lot they need to improve on, such as their running game. They only averaged 53 yards per game last season, but this was countered by their big time passing attack.
Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY SportsitMark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Behind QB Connor Halliday, WSU was able to rank themselves 4th in the FBS in passing yards. They averaged an incredible 368 yards per game, and this upcoming season the team hopes to do the same thing. SB Nation put together an interesting article showing the growth of Halliday over the last season, something that is encouraging to see.
After watching the spring game, there is no indication that the run game has improved much, so if the Cougars hope to see any kind of success, it will ride heavily on the shoulders of Halliday. Offseason recruiting showed Wazzu lean heavily on the defensive side of the ball, especially the secondary, which will hopefully take some of the pressure off of the offense.
You simply cannot win with a one dimensional team. The Cougars need more than a strong passing game to improve their record in 2014.
Still, it is nice to have Halliday playing under center. Should he have another great season, it will not only help the crimson and grey, but his draft stock is sure to improve as well. Let’s face it, it’s always nice to see a WSU alum make it into the NFL, and with Marcus Trufant retiring, the league is in need of more Cougs.