It has been a long wait for football fans on the Palouse.
Whispers of optimism can be heard through the towns of Moscow and Pullman, as the return of football generates a buzz of excitement among fans young and old.Aspiring to a bowl appearance, the Vandals return a wide range of offensive weapons and a strong hope for the future. Just across the state border, the Cougars enter the season on the outskirts of the AP Top 25 poll, so they will be looking to shock peers in the Pac-12 Conference.
Autumn has not always been so kind and positive for the two programs. The Vandals are in the midst of a seven-year bowl drought, while Washington State has not finished the season with a ranking since 2003.
But even the most skeptical of fans have a reason to look at this season in a new light. What both teams initially lack in defensive fortitude, they make up with in formidable offense.
Media outlets have been humming over junior quarterback Matt Linehan, who displayed aerial prowess and a crisp touch during fall camp in Moscow. There is no shortage of receiving weapons for the Vandal quarterback, including senior tight end Deon Watson, who has the ability to line up at either the tight end or wide receiver position.
Meanwhile, the Cougars return the notorious air raid offense with junior quarterback Luke Falk at the helm. He racked up over 4,500 passing yards last season and finished the year with All-Pac-12 First Team honors.
As far as schedules go, Idaho has a favorable outlook for 2016. Arkansas State, the previous Sun Belt champion, is absent from the schedule. The Vandals also do not face conference heavyweight Georgia Southern this season, but they will host Football Championship Subdivision program Montana State to open the year.
On the other hand, Washington State kicks off the season with electrifying road matchups at Boise State and Oregon before facing a relatively uncomplicated second half of the season.
After years of struggle that left football fans in the Palouse feeling empty, supporters of both programs can rest assured that bright days lie ahead this fall.
Josh Grissom can be reached at [email protected] or on Twitter @GoshJrissom