Washington State Cougars - NCAA Football Odds, Lines & Betting

The Cougars cost themselves a shot at a bowl game last year when they faltered down the stretch, blowing a 6-3 start. And it’s been that way the past few seasons, ever since that spike 2003 when they unexpectedly won 10 games. Last year's 25th-ranked offense returns seven starters, including quarterback Alex Brink, and shows promise of better things this fall.

Brandon Gibson and Michael Bumpus should give Brink one of the best receiver tandems in the land. Brink also has the benefit of playing behind a line that includes three returning starters. The loss of Derrell Hutsona and DeMaundray Woolridge brings the running game into some question. Dwight Tardy and Chris Ivory are expected to fill their large cleats. On defense, there is little to get excited about. Washington State returns just five starters to a defensive squad that ranked 81st in the nation last season. Safety Eric Frampton and pass rusher Mkristo Bruce, Washington State's only two all-conference defenders, are back but there is a sharp drop-off from there. The secondary presents the biggest question mark with just one starter returning to a group that will try to improve on last season's dead-last ranking in the Pac 10.

There is hope in Pullman that the likes of Greg Trent, Jason Stripling and Cory Evans will make for a solid linebacking crew, but that remains to be seen. Compounding the team's troubles are injuries to players such as defensive ends Lance Broadus and Aaron Johnson. Head coach Mike Doba, who will also run the defense this year, will be looking to avoid a fourth straight year without a bowl game - a streak that would be the longest of its kind for the school in 20 years. But without considerable improvement, the Cougars could, in fact, set the unwanted mark and put Coach Bill Doba’s tenure in jeopardy.

BetUS Sportsbook has your NCAA Football betting needs covered. BetUS is your source for NCAA College Football odds, lines and wagering. From preseason to Bowl Championship season, we've got your college football articles, picks and previews. Join BetUS to bet on College Football today!