COUGARS

As camp winds on for Washington State, starters at many key positions have yet to be named. Such is not the case at other Pac-10 schools, including WSU's first opponent. Read on for our usual morning post.
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• Washington State: If we had to give one player the first week's most improved award, our vote may just go to Jeshua Anderson. The time he spent working with his dad in their backyard, as mentioned in my story has been put to good use. And, really, is there any better image than a college football player, and internationally ranked track star, out in the back yard playing catch with his dad? Besides, Anderson has identified his weakness, blocking, and is trying to improve it. ... Howie Stalwick talked with Dwight Tardy yesterday and has this story in the Tacoma News Tribune. ... And here's another view of practice. ... That's all for this morning, except for a basketball story (just trying to break the monotony). Former Coug Derrick Low is profiled as one of Hawaii's 50 most important athletes by the Honolulu Advertiser.

• Around the Pac-10: ESPN.com's Ted Miller has listed his preseason All-Pac-10 team. No Cougars. ... Buster Sports' Nick Daschel takes a spin around the Pac-10. ... Washington: Jim Lambright has seen a lot of Husky football over the years, but he admits, the scene at Husky Stadium was new to him, according to Bob Condotta's story in the Times. ... Tacoma's Todd Milles reports some of Tyrone Willingham's behind-the-scenes guys were retained by Steve Sarkisian. Oregon State: The Beavers' defensive backfield is being completely rebuilt, but the guys stepping in say it will be OK. ... Oregon: The Ducks biggest strength that past couple years, no matter the hype, has been the big guys up front on both sides of the ball. Not this year. ... Cal: Sorry, still nothing to report. ... Stanford: We've got something today. A lot, actually. The Cardinal have named the lucky winner of the quarterback battle (sorry, couldn't resist) and two redshirt freshmen have emerged as possible starters up front. ... USC: Quarterback Matt Barkley's day didn't go quite as he may have planned. ...UCLA: It seems a common theme in the conference this year. The Bruins have depth at the running back spot. ... Arizona State: A new leader is emerging for the Devils. ... Arizona: There were lots of stories to choose from concerning the Wildcats, but we went with this column from Greg Hansen.

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• That's what we have this morning. Not too bad, considering there was a basketball piece to add. We'll be back after the first workout this morning – the Cougars have two planned – and then again in the evening. Remember, there's a scrimmage Saturday afternoon at 2:30 in Martin Stadium and it's free. Until then …

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