COUGARS

FROM PULLMAN -- Some days, we write a lot of words. Others, we write even more than a lot of words. Yesterday was one of those days. Read on for some more words about Washington State, its football team, and the practices of its football team.

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We will start you off with our story about the re-sculpting of Logan Mayes, who added nearly 30 pounds in the past eight or so months. Also, we posted on the blog about yesterday's spirited practice session. ... The Moscow-Pullman Daily News has a story about the emphasis being placed on WSU's special teams. If you've been to a practice this summer, you'd know exactly how much Eric Russell values the fundamentals in that department. ... CougCenter was down last night for maintenance, but since it's back up and running, I can link this interesting post by Brian Floyd. ... Here's a look at the Mike Leach bobblehead doll, which will be given to the first 10,000 fans inside Martin Stadium on Oct. 13 before the California game. ... Bernard Lagat qualified for the 5,000-meter final at the Olympics yesterday. ... Aron Baynes scored four points in eight minutes for Australia in a loss to the United States yesterday. ... The WSU basketball team beat the North's Bears, 77-64, in Sydney last night.

Around the Pac-12 ... Some unfortunate news out of Washington yesterday, as UW announced that running back Deontae Cooper will miss yet another season after tearing the ACL in his right knee, Cooper's third ACL tear in two years. Kasen Williams is hoping to take the next step at receiver. ... An Arizona receiver is making the transition to defense. ... Taking a look at Arizona State's special teams. ... Jeff Tedford learned about tight ends from Bill Belichick. ... Oregon's Kiko Alonso has star potential. The Ducks are actually healthy to begin camp. ... Checking in at Oregon State's practice. ... UCLA's defensive backs will have their hands full with Pac-12 offenses this season, just like everyone else. ... Matt Barkley says the heat doesn't bother him, because he's so focused. Umm, yeah, me too. ... Utah will once again count on its defensive line to be the backbone of its defense. ... Colorado is counting on a young cornerback to be a leader this season.

All for now. We'll be back from practice later.

Christian Caple can be reached at christianc@spokesman.com. Twitter: @ChristianCaple

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