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Washington State and Oregon State Face Uncertain Futures
During the first quarter of the 21st century, the football programs of Washington State and Oregon State enjoyed some success, with combined AP top-10 finishes and conference titles that outshone their peers in the Pac-12. These two teams had been consistent mid-tier power-conference programs, with solid ratings in the SP+ metrics. However, recent events have dramatically altered their trajectories, leaving them in a state of uncertainty and disarray.
Conference Realignment Chaos
Last summer, the chaotic landscape of conference realignment witnessed the Pac-12’s failure to secure a sufficient television deal, leading to a domino effect that saw eight programs making unexpected moves. Powerhouses like Oregon, Washington, Arizona, and others departed for other conferences, leaving Washington State and Oregon State stranded without a home. The Pac-12 as it was known ceased to exist, and these two programs found themselves isolated and abandoned.
Struggling to Stay Afloat
In the wake of these developments, both Washington State and Oregon State entered the 2023 season with something to prove. Washington State impressed early with wins over ranked opponents, while Oregon State found themselves ranked for most of the season. However, both teams faced setbacks, with Washington State losing seven of their last eight games and Oregon State faltering in crucial matchups, leading to a late-season decline.
Player Exodus and Coaching Changes
Compounding their challenges, both programs experienced significant losses in terms of talent. Key players, including quarterbacks and star performers, opted to transfer to other power-conference programs, leaving Washington State and Oregon State with depleted rosters. Additionally, coaching changes further destabilized their situations, with Oregon State’s head coach departing for Michigan State, further adding to the uncertainty.
Historical Precedents: Lessons from the Past
The plight of Washington State and Oregon State is not unique in college football history. Past programs that faced similar challenges and managed to navigate the turmoil have seen varying degrees of success after initially being left behind. By examining the stories of these programs and how they adapted to adversity, Washington State and Oregon State can draw insights on how to chart a course forward amid uncertainty.
Historical Parallels: Precedents from College Football
Raiding the Pacific Coast
The demise of the Pacific Coast Conference in the 1950s serves as a cautionary tale of conference upheaval. Following accusations of misconduct and ethical violations, the conference imploded, leading to the expulsion of certain members. Teams like Montana and Idaho found themselves excluded, forced to seek alternative paths to relevance and competitiveness.
SWC Demise
The Southwest Conference’s collapse in the 1990s offers another perspective on the fallout of conference realignment. Programs like TCU and Houston, once left out in the cold, managed to reinvent themselves and rebuild their football programs. Through strategic hires, sustained success on the field, and a willingness to adapt to new challenges, these programs found their way back into the fold of competitive college football.
Big East Frankenstein
The Big East’s transformation from a powerhouse conference to a fractured entity underscores the complexities of balancing football and basketball interests in collegiate athletics. When football-driven realignment eroded its football stature, remnants of the Big East faced uncertainty and upheaval. Yet, programs like Cincinnati and USF managed to forge new identities and thrive in new environments, showcasing resilience and adaptability.
What’s Ahead for Pac-2
As Washington State and Oregon State navigate the turbulent waters of post-realignment college football, they can draw inspiration from the resilience of programs that faced similar challenges. By learning from historical precedents and leveraging their strengths, these teams have the opportunity to carve out a new path forward, redefining their identities and reclaiming their status as competitive football programs.
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