A Grip on Sports: It’s too early for snow at football games

A GRIP ON SPORTS • The warning signs have been out there for a while, at least for those of us who live their life based on the sports calendar. College football season is in full swing. Major League baseball is in its stretch run. College basketball practice has started. Can snow be that far behind?

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• You may not need a weatherman to know which way the wind blows, but it sure helps to alert us to a major change. And one is coming. My Weather Channel app is warning of below freezing temperatures this weekend. Highs in the 30s. Rain/snow mix.

Holy moley.

Not only will the tomatoes be in danger, so will football fans. When Eastern Washington hosts North Dakota this Saturday afternoon, it probably will be raining. There will be wind. Temperatures in the 30s. And it’s still September.

That’s insane.

Yes, football is a play-in-all-kinds-of-weather sport. But there is a rhythm to the season. Or there is supposed to be. September games around here are supposed to be played in clear, warm weather. October brings the falling leaves, falling raindrops and falling temps. November starts with freeze and finishes with snowstorms.

That’s the schedule.

It seems a bit out of whack. Heck, I’m guessing most Eastern fans are scrambling this week to find their flask. And the peppermint schnapps. Anything to help keep warm for a late September game.

It’s a chore usual earmarked for late October. Or, just before we start moving indoors for basketball games.

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WSU: No one ever takes my advice. Yesterday, I said it’s time to move on from last week’s losses. Today, Theo Lawson has a story about the fan experience from the Cougars’ come-from-way-ahead defeat. The story is great. … Easop Winston is now on the watch list for the top receiver award. Theo has that story as well. … The volleyball team began Pac-12 play with an upset of eighth-ranked Washington. … Theo also spoke with Larry Weir yesterday for the latest Press Box pod. … The Cougars’ passing game is No. 1 on Utah’s mind this week. … Elsewhere in the Pac-12 (and the nation), the NCAA president isn’t a supporter of image and likeness rights for athletes. … Not everyone has to be the same size or play the same way to be successful. At least not at Washington. … A former sought-after recruit who stopped for a short time at USC is now at Oregon State. … Lucky for Oregon it has a bye this week. … As does Colorado. … Who should UCLA pick for its new athletic director? The Bruins seem to have their quarterback. … How the heck is California 4-0? … Arizona State’s pass rush has been inconsistent. … USC’s defense knows it has to lock down this Saturday. … Khalil Tate needs to post different numbers for Arizona to win. … In basketball news, Utah is going to be really young this season.

Whitworth: The Pirates’ rare loss in California at least did one thing. It brought the rest of the season into clearer focus. Dan Thompson has more in this story.

Preps: It’s Thursday, so we are full of high school coverage. … Justin Reed introduces us to two Gonzaga Prep sisters with a big impact on the Bullpups’ soccer program. … Ryan Collingwood takes a look at the success of the Rogers’ cross country program. … Steve Christilaw has a piece on Deer Park running back Matthew Jorgensen. … We also have a roundup of soccer action from Wednesday.  

Chiefs: Spokane has too many 20-year-old players. Something has to give. Yesterday, the Chiefs did, sending Ethan McIndoe to Edmonton. Dan has more in this story.

Seahawks: Luke Willson is back with the Hawks. He couldn’t be happier. Many others feel the same way. … The Hawks admitted their mistake and waived Gary Jennings. … Injuries are taking their toll. … Pete Carroll was injured Sunday and he’s taken his toll.

Mariners: For a long time Felix Hernandez was the only thing that made watching the M’s worthwhile. … Seattle was awfully close last night to being no-hit for the third time this season. … Will Kyle Lewis be in centerfield next opening day?

Sounders: For the 11th time, Seattle is back in the playoffs.

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• Last year I hesitated bringing the snow blower out of storage. It was a major mistake. By the time I needed it, I couldn’t access it. This year I will not make that same mistake. I’m certain I will make different ones. Until later …