Closing Arguments Which team is this year's South Carolina?(brief notes from college football)(Brief Article)

Washington State

Just four years ago, Ryan Leaf was a Heisman candidate who capped a magical fall by leading Washington State to the Rose Bowl. Since then, the Cougars have fallen apart as quickly as Leaf's pro career, going 10-24 overall and 3-21 in league play. But the slide will end this season.

The offense will have the benefit of not one, but two quarterbacks--Jason Gesser and Matt Kegel--who can make the Wazzu one-back spread hum. Both played a big part in Washington State's season-opening 36-7 win over Idaho.

The real reason for hope is running back Dave Minnich, a 27-year-old ex-Marine who is married with children. He's an underrated sort who has an unparalleled work ethic. A young offensive line just has to open holes.

Receivers Nakoa McElrath and Mike Bush looked like answers vs. Idaho. The same can be said for the defensive line, which has something to prove after getting steamrollered in 2000. The back seven will be good, but a better pass rush is needed to relieve pressure on a secondary that often is left on an island by a gambling defense. Billy Newman and Lamont Thompson are a top safety tandem, and linebacker Raonall Smith looks like a future pro.

Don't discount the crafty coaching of Mike Price, who shook up his coaching staff. He knows how to motivate on the Palouse. Price also gets a break in the schedule. There is no game with Southern California, and save for the Cougars' season-ender at Washington, every road game (Boise State, Arizona, Stanford and Arizona State) is winnable.

Temple