COUGARS

We hate to admit it, but we made a mistake last night. We should have referred to what we termed WSU's "scrimmage" as a "mock game." That seems to be all the rage around the country right now. It's the hot term for a controlled environment in which the players do everything they would do in a game except get yelled at by the opponent's crowd. Because there is no opponent, only teammates. Which makes a mockery of the game part. Oh well, we have links to coverage of WSU's scrimmage – yes, we've decided we like that term better – and to other news from around the Pac-10.
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• Washington State: There's a lot here this morning, from our story and post on the scrimmage to one fan's perspective and video. There's more video on the WSU football site and another story from freelancer Howie Stalwick in the Kitsap Sun. CougFan has coverage. OK, that's it.

• Around the Pac-10: Ted Miller of ESPN.com is having some technical problems (some posts have just disappeared) but he still has the practice players of the week and rates the conference's defensive tackle units. ... The Pac-10 and the Alamo Bowl sign an agreement. ... Washington: Bob Condotta writes about the energy Nick Holts brings to the Huskies, though, for $700,000 a year, it seems that would be a given. ... UW has named its captains. As an aside, WSU had game captains last season but my guess is the Cougars will name at least one or two guys that will serve all season. ... Oregon State: The Beavers answered a multitude of questions during the past three weeks. But some remain. ... This is an interesting post. ... Oregon: The Ducks' inexperienced group of receivers has a tough assignment against Boise State. ... Cal: Budget busts will force Cal to bus to Los Angeles. As I read this I was hit with one thought: Why does a person who has a signed contract, which is, after all, a contract, have to take a furlough? Seems like it would void the contract. ... Stanford: We all know the Cardinal cast a wide net when recruiting. This linebacker is from a long way away, both geographically and socio-economically. ... USC: Worried that the Trojans wouldn't have a No. 1 running back? Me neither. But if you're interested, Joe McKnight is the guy. ...UCLA: Though games start next week, the Bruins don't think their offense is ready. ... Arizona State: No redshirt for freshman quarterback Blake Osweiler. ... Arizona: The Wildcats' placekicker Alex Zendejas is struggling. But he doesn't lose sleep over it.

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• That's all for this morning. The Cougars have the FanFest in the morning – as I look out my window I see threatening clouds, sorry – and then practice is scheduled for 3 p.m. We'll have a report on the latter but we'll probably skip the former. Until then …

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