Finally getting over the speed bumps

COUGARS UPDATED 9:15 A.M.; 10:25 A.M.

The last name is appropriate.

Washington State’s Michael Bumpus (Spokesman-Review file photo) has endured a few bumps over the years in Pullman, but, as last week’s performance in the USC loss shows, he may have risen over them.

Glenn Kasses’ chronicles Bumpus’ bumps – many of them of the academic variety – and how he overcame them in today’s paper. There’s more on the Bumpus story at Glenn’s Cougar blog.

Glenn also has his Pac-10 picks, including picking the Cougars to edge the Beavers (Saturday, 4 p.m.; FSN).

UPDATE NO. 2: The Oregonian’s Ken Goe was at the USC game Saturday, and he writes about the overpowering Mkristo Bruce. The Oregonian also offers a quick-read look at the game, and story about OSU.

Speaking of picks, Bob Condotta of the Seattle Times will have his here, but they are usually posted later on Fridays. Also, I found the Lindy magazine national picks here, with the Pac-10 picks lower in the column.

This is a big weekend in the Pac-10, and Bud Withers explains just how big. He also lists his Pac-10 power rankings and his picks. I’m one of the few who is picking Oregon over Cal (see post below), and there were two reasons: Cal under Jeff Tedford rarely comes up big in big games and Dennis Dixon. The Ducks’ quarterback is one of the rare passer/thrower threats in the conference.

UPDATE: Jim Moore weighs in with his take on the uniforms the Cougs wore last week. For one of the few times ever, I agree with him.

Back to Saturday’s WSU game, the Times’ Craig Smith tries to find out what’s up with OSU’s Reser Stadium and the Cougars.

The News Tribune’s Todd Milles writes about the success the WSU line had last week against USC and the mastermind behind the group: former Cougar great defensive lineman George Yarno.