As August leaves, WSU’s prep for opener increases
COUGARS
As I sat here trying to come to grips with this being the final day of August for the year – really, where did the summer go? – I also was able to run down plenty of news about Washington State, Oklahoma State and the Pac-10. It's called multi-tasking, and the fruits of that labor is on the link – really, where did the summer go? – so read on.
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• Washington State: Before we get into the links, and there are plenty, I wanted to answer a question. Not a question, really, but a request. There was a comment wondering if I would be giving my thoughts on the season ahead at some point. And the answer to that request is yes. Sometime this week I'll sit down at this computer and share my (limited) insights. Here's a sneak preview. "If you are a Cougar football fan and expect all sugar and rainbows, you're going to be disappointed. It's going to be a tough year. Maybe not as tough as the past two but ..." And that, folks, is what's termed a tease in the business. ... Now back to the links. ... We had our Andrei Lintz story in today's S-R. This is just a hunch on my part, but I believe Lintz is going to do some big things this season, so I wanted to get ahead of the curve. If he doesn't, no one is allowed to bring it up ever again, OK? ... The Times' Bud Withers' has some thoughts on Paul Wulff. ... We also had our first look at Saturday's game. ... Freelancer Howie Stalwick talked with John Fullington last night and had this piece. ... Braulio Perez's practice recap on Cougfan is free this morning and includes information about that always crucial gunner position. ... From Oklahoma, coach Mike Gundy met the media Monday and had no word on the status of two of the Cowboys players. ... All the OSU players are saying the political correct things about WSU. ... Don't forget, Oklahoma State has its question marks as well.
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• Around the Pac-10: Want to know who is playing at every conference school? Really? Isn't that a waste of time? Well, OK, if you need to know, ESPN.com's Ted Miller is your source for that information with this post. ... The Heisman Trophy candidacies of two Pac-10 players could be dealt mortal blows this weekend. ... Washington: There is a boatload of optimism in Seattle, but that boat has to navigate the rough seas of BYU this weekend. ... It will be coach Steve Sarkisian's first trip back to BYU in a long time. ... Oregon State: Coach Mike Riley has faith in new quarterback Ryan Katz. And a lot's riding on the first-year starter. ... Oregon: A look at the Ducks' freshmen. ... There will be at least one true freshman starting for the Ducks in the opener. ... Cal and Stanford: The Cardinal's senior guard Andrew Phillips and his brothers suffered a terrible blow recently when their father was killed and another brother injured in a plane crash. Phillips opened up about the past couple weeks yesterday, praising his teammates who supported him when he was in need. ... Coach Jim Harbaugh just won't talk about injuries. ... USC: It took a while, but the Trojans' offensive line finally practices together. ... UCLA: Quarterback Kevin Prince is another of those healed by the arrival of game week. ... Arizona State: It looks as if Steven Threet's hold on the quarterback job isn't as secure as it might have seemed. ... Arizona: The Cats' defense seems to be coming together at just the right time.
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• That's all for this morning. It's Tuesday, so we have news conference galore today before practice. We'll be back after Wulff's media availability which starts at 1:30 this afternoon and then again after practice. Until then ...
