COUGARS

We weren't supposed to be back on here until Friday, but, thanks to a little nudge from the guy that matters, we are. So you won't miss your report from Washington State football practice, or your information from around the conference. Read on.
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• Washington State: My first newspaper job was, if I remember right, when I was about six (he can't remember now, and either can I). My dad worked for the Los Angeles Times in circulation, and it was expected that, no matter what, you put your head down, attacked the job and helped get the news out. That attitude, which led him to put a chair next to a table, tell me to stand on it and put the Home magazine into the Sunday comics, still courses through our veins, so here we are. Links and the like. ... We weren't at practice, of course, but John Blanchette was and he filed this column concerning Brandon Rankin and how he fits into the WSU tradition. ... The sports information office's Joe Nickell was there as well, and he had this report on the WSU website, which includes some video interviews. He also has some highlight video here from the morning. ... A practice report from the Daily News' Christian Caple. ... WSU has one practice this afternoon and two more on Thursday. ... The Seattle Times' Bud Withers has this story on James Montgomery. ... A story on the nation's super college football fans includes the WSU flag guy, as well it should. ... Someone asked a while ago about the Montana State game time. It will be 4 p.m. and might still be on television. ... Finally, some notes out of Oklahoma State.

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• Around the Pac-10: The Times' Bud Withers continues his spin around the conference with this Arizona preview. ... Which Pac-10 true freshmen are going to contribute? ESPN.com's Ted Miller has his list. ... Another look at how the conference might split. There is some new information, including, as I read it, that commissioner Larry Scott is amiable to changing the revenue formula. ... Washington: Former UW tight end Kavario Middleton talks with Todd Milles about his situation. ... The ones went up against the twos at practice yesterday and, as should happen, the ones won. ... Oregon State: Oregonian columnist John Canzano and Beaver star James Rodgers have a chat. ... So how good is Oregon State? Chris Dusfresne thinks highly of the Beavers. ... Oregon: Still no change in the quarterback battle. ... The Ducks defense features speed just about everywhere. ... Cal and Stanford: Nothing here to pass on. ... USC: Former assistant coach Todd McNair has appealed his NCAA penalties. ... UCLA: The Bruins are still trying to improve their running game. ... Arizona State: More notes, these from Tuesday's practice. No, there is no quarterback decision yet. ... Arizona: This defensive end stands out in more ways than one.

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• That's all we have this morning. Thanks for all the messages of support. It means a lot. As for posts here, we'll play that by ear. Until we return ...

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