Washington State Cougars
2001 record: 10-2 (6-2) Coach: Mike Price (22nd season, 119-119; at WSU, 73-75, 13 years) Starters returning: 9 offense, 6 defense, 1 specialist

Outlook: First of all, throw out the silliness. Yes, Washington State crashed and burned after bowl seasons in 1992, '94 and '97. Yes, the Cougars haven't had consecutive winning seasons since 1988-89. And, yes, coach Mike Price has never posted consecutive winning seasons.

Blaa. Blaa. This team won't crash. It will have a winning season and will play in a bowl game. The question is: which bowl?

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	Washington State Cougars

With 16 starters, including nine on a high-powered offense, returning from last season's 10-2 team as well as a favorable schedule, the Cougars are poised for a big season.

Much of that is based on senior quarterback Jason Gesser, a legitimate Heisman Trophy candidate. Last season, he displayed a swashbuckling toughness, throwing for 3,010 yards and 26 touchdowns, numbers that outperformed Oregon quarterback Joey Harrington.

The Cougs offensive line returns intact, while the receivers, led by 6-foot-6 Mike Bush, are outstanding. And watch out for Florida State transfer, Devard Darling, a standout during spring practices.

Finding a workhorse tailback and tight end are the only questions on offense. The defensive line is deep and talented. Junior tackle Rein Long is an emerging star, while ends D.D. Acholonu and Isaac Brown both had 9.5 sacks last season.

Both safeties have to be replaced, most critically free safety Lamont Thompson, who led the team in tackles (93) and interceptions (10) last year. Also, the linebackers are unproven and only moderately talented.

The schedule is ideal, with no Oregon State, and USC, Oregon and Washington all pay visits to Martin Stadium. The Cougs also finagled a bye week before the Huskies come to town on Nov. 23, when temperatures figure to hover around single digits.

Key game: It would be obvious to tap the consecutive home games against Oregon and Washington, but a non-conference tilt at Ohio State on Sept. 14 could determine how special this season will be. If Gesser shines and the Cougars triumph, Heisman Trophy and Rose Bowl talk will be the rage in Pullman.

Keep an eye on: Running back Jermaine Green. The J.C. transfer wowed the team with his speed during spring practices. If he's a potent threat, this offense should roll.

It's a good year if . . . Eight or nine victories would be a success, but the Cougars are thinking Rose Bowl or bust.

Ted Miller covers the Pac-10 for the Seattle Post-Intelligencer.