It’s not a coincidence that Washington State’s combined 17-9 record the past two seasons coincided with Alex Grinch’s hire as defensive coordinator. Before Grinch’s arrival in 2014, the Cougars allowed an average of 38.6 points per game. Last season that average was down to 26.4.
Translated: The defense has gotten stingier under The Grinch. Last season, WSU gave up almost two touchdowns fewer per game than it did before Grinch took over the defense.
Much of that has to do with the aggressive, turnover-focused style that the high-energy Grinch has introduced on the Palouse. The Cougars have put up some brilliant defensive performances in several games the past two seasons, but there also have been some lapses.