The Miami Hurricanes and Washington State Cougars traveled different paths this year. The Hurricanes seemingly underachieved once again this season which caused the firing of the coaching staff. They managed to finish the season 8-4 after ugly losses and the hiring of Mark Richt could see the team get on the path Washington State found itself on. Mike Leach won Pac-12 Coach of the Year and now looks to guide Washington State to their first bowl game victory in 12 years.
This Washington State team is much different than the one that went 3-9 in 2014. Luke Falk emerged as a star to lead one of the most prolific passing attacks in the NBAA. Falk led the nation with 387.8 passing yards per game while sitting tied for fourth with 36 touchdowns and eight interceptions. He missed the matchup against Washington due to a head injury which caused the Cougars to lose to their in-state rivals. He did return to practice and is expected to play in the bowl game which is good news for Washington State.
With their quarterback under center, Gabe Marks and Dom Williams will be the top two targets on the field against the Hurricanes. The receivers were the keys to the passing attack. Marks had 99 catches for 1,125 yards and 14 touchdowns while Williams added 73 catches for 997 yards and 11 touchdowns. The run game will be critical against a Hurricanes' defense that has struggled in that area. Gerald Wicks could take real advantage of things since Miami has allowed 210.5 yards per game.
At 8-4, the Hurricanes' play certainly did not match their record. The firing of Al Golden was a result of things and now the players must play behind the interim coach who was formally the tight end's coach. The good news for the Hurricanes is that it looks like Brad Kaaya can develop into a real star for the team. He is averaging 274.5 passing yards per game while recording his second straight 3,000-yard season. The Hurricanes are hoping he is the player of the future that can help guide them into a better year in 2016. Stacy Coley and Rashawn Scott will be his two best playmakers going up against an inconsistent Washington State defense.