Benton Bangs, another former Washington State backfield star, joined the team in November.
Dietz, who had led the 1915 Washington State team to an undefeated season and a victory in the 1916 Rose Bowl, agreed to take the position.
[3][4] After two early victories in September, the season was interrupted in October when the Spanish flu pandemic caused a quarantine of Mare Island.
[5] The Oakland Tribune on October 2 reported that, despite the quarantine, the football team continued its daily practice.
[6] After the quarantine was lifted, the team won eight consecutive games, including four victories during a two-week trip to the Pacific Northwest.