Washington State Cougars will benefit from more run and less shoot in 2021
To field a winning team in 2021, the Washington State Cougars must make some changes to their offense.
When Nick Rolovich was hired to take over the Washington State Cougars football program last year, it was a shift in offensive philosophy. The Cougs went from Mike Leach’s “air raid” to the “run and shoot,” favored by new coach Nick Rolovich. Some may see it as semantics because they are both considered open offenses. But the differences are very real.
In 2021, the offense needs to change a little more. Wazzu needs more of the run and less shoot to maximize their chances to win. As a former quarterback, it may go against Rolovich’s instincts. Then again, as a head coach, it’s what his team needs to do to be successful and head back to a bowl game.
Backs
Starting with the good stuff, Washington State’s strongest position is running back. Max Borghi and Deon McIntosh make for a formidable one-two punch. Both are good with the ball in their hands from scrimmage or catching it out of the backfield.
Borghi is back in Pullman for his senior season. Injuries limited to only one game in 2021. In the season finale against Utah, he had 95 yards and a score on 10 carries. Not a surprise to anyone who saw him play the two previous years. In 2019, he finished with 871 rushing yards (10th in Pac-12), 1,414 yards from scrimmage (2nd), and 16 touchdowns (2nd).
While Borghi was out, McIntosh seized his opportunity. The transfer from Notre Dame gained 323 yards and three TDs on 52 carries. He’s a threat to break any run. Together, the duo should be able to gain yards and play a good game of keep away.
Max Borghi’s first touchdown of the year
pic.twitter.com/ew77PkknOO— Cougar Sports Network (@CougSportsNet) December 19, 2020