PULLMAN, Wash. (AP) — A year that began in tragedy for Washington State is wrapping up with the Cougars on the brink of unparalleled success.
Players began spring workouts with heavy hearts after the January suicide of quarterback Tyler Hilinski. The offseason departure of six assistant coaches and head coach Mike Leach's flirtation with the Tennessee job then contributed to the outside perception that little should be expected of the Cougars this year. They were picked to finish fifth in the Pac-12 North.
"Everyone was projecting us to go 3-9," freshman running back Max Borghi said.
The picture today is so much different.