Wazzu: Devoted to Proving Its 'Power' Status Endures

© Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports

Only two teams remain in the Pac-12 Conference—the Washington State Cougars and Oregon State Beavers. For years, the Pac-12 had been one of the Power Five conferences. Now, however, many refer to the Power Four, omitting the Pac-12 from the "power" ambit. But, are the Cougars and Beavers still "power" teams? Only time will tell.

This article focuses on Wazzu and its motivation to retain "power" status. A sequel will follow, focusing on Oregon State.

Wazzu's 2024 Schedule

Oregon State and Washington State have entered into an interim scheduling partnership with the Mountain West Conference. For the 2024 season, OSU and WSU agreed to pay the MWC $14 million, and in exchange, the Beavers and Cougars will play seven games each against MWC teams. Neither team will be eligible for the MWC championship, and the scheduling partnership might be extended to 2025.

Wazzu's 2024 schedule is:

• Aug. 31: Portland State

• Sept. 7: Texas Tech

• Sept. 14: at Washington

• Sept. 20: San Jose State

• Sept. 28: at Boise State

• Oct. 12: at Fresno State

• Oct. 19: Hawai'i

• Oct. 26: at San Diego State

• Nov. 9: Utah State

• Nov. 16: at New Mexico

• Nov. 23: at Oregon State

• Nov. 30: Wyoming

Quarterback Contest

Cameron Ward was the Cougars' signal caller last year and was one of the best in the FBS. However, he transferred to Miami, leaving a vacancy at the critical position. The two leading candidates for the spot are last year's backup, John Mateer, and transfer Zevi Eckhaus, who was the 2023 offensive player of the year in the Big South Conference for the Bryant University Bulldogs of the FCS. Mateer is a redshirt sophomore. He saw action in 12 games last year.

Head coach Jake Dickert begins his third year at the helm for Wazzu. The coach is slated to announce the team's starting QB on Aug. 17.

WR Kyle Williams

Wazzu's dynamic wide receiver Kyle Williams will likely be the first target of the Cougars' QB. Over his college career, Williams has 2,411 receiving yards (No. 4 among active FBS players), 178 receptions (No. 7) and 15 touchdown receptions (No. 15). Last year for the Cougars, he started all 12 games, hauling in 61 passes for 843 yards and 6 touchdowns. He has been named to the Biletnikoff Award Watch List.

Williams has also been named to WSU's Leadership Council.

He is a hard worker who spends ample time in the film room. In a recent interview, he stated, "That's why they say 90 percent of the game is emotional but 10 percent is mental. I’m always in the film room, seeing what I can get better at. I'm my biggest critic at the end of the day, and that's how I feel like all the greats are."

2024 Predictions for WSU

Last year, the Cougars had impressive wins over Wisconsin, Oregon State and Colorado. Winning against opponents like that gives Wazzu support for the position that it should retain its status as one of the nation's "power" teams.

BetMGM set Wazzu's 2024 win total over/under at 7.5. Hero Sports expressed the opinion that the Cougars will go "over" and end the season on a high note, landing in a bowl game. If that prediction proves accurate, then Wazzu's case for retaining "power" status will be further fortified.