⚡ CFB Dashboard

- Erik Coleman said Washington State has enough returning energy, experience, and offensive talent to contend for the Pac-12 Championship under Kirby Moore. - Coleman said Washington State's offense may need time because the Cougars have a new head coach, offensive coordinator, new players, timing work, blocking schemes, and quarterback strengths to sort through. - Coleman viewed Washington State's ravenous fall-camp defense as a good sign because defenses can be effective sooner with the right attitude. - Washington State retained more than 50 players and added 12 former Power 4 transfers under the new staff. - Washington State has five USA Network games, including the Sept. 19 home opener against Duquesne and an Oct. 24 Boise State game in Pullman.

- Caden Pinnick won Washington State's starting quarterback job by consistently making available plays and correcting mistakes, allowing Matt Miller to tailor the offense around Pinnick's strengths. - Julian Dugger and Owen Eshelman remain close enough to Pinnick that both are preparing as starters and are positioned to step in if needed. - Washington State intends to establish the run with Kirby Vorhees, Maxwell Woods and Leo Pulalasi, while breakout camp performer Tre Hill Jr. has pushed toward a fourth role in the rotation. - Jordan Dees, Darrius Clemons and Branden Ganashamoorthy have improved their command of route alignments, motions and run-game details, but the quarterbacks still need to give them more chances to make plays. - Jonny Lester and Jaylin Caldwell remain in an unsettled right-tackle competition after solid camps, with Miller expecting Washington State to need both during the season.

- Matt Miller's shift- and motion-heavy offense has forced Washington State's defense to improve its communication, checks and ability to adjust before the snap. - Likely starting strong safety Jeremiah Bernard has retained his physical run support while making major progress in coverage during camp. - Defensive coordinator Trent Bray praised quarterback Caden Pinnick's command, ball placement and ability to punish defenses athletically when plays break down. - Washington State's players selected defensive end Linus Zunk, defensive tackle Kaden Beatty and linebacker Keith Brown as defensive captains. - The defensive two-deep is nearly set, though Bray said the final close competitions will be decided during game-week practice.