COUGARS

Just can't think of anything this morning, so we almost left this short lead-in blank, knowing you folks would understand. But despite the brain lock, we battled through and came up with 52 words to get you to go to the link, where the magic of the web awaits. Read on.
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• Washington State: The top of the news, of course, was Jeshua Anderson's decision to concentrate on track. After talking with him before fall practice got started, after his hamstring strain and again yesterday (among other times), it's obvious to me this was a decision he wanted to make in the summer but was talked out of by his parents. But after going through practice for almost two months, he just didn't have the drive he needed to get through it for the next three. And a golden future awaits on the track, if he can take just a few strides. My guess is he will. Here's our story and a notebook from freelancer Howie Stalwick, that leads with the Anderson news. ... The Times Bud Withers learned some interesting news out of Oregon. Seems the Cougars asked Oregon about playing the game in Seattle next season. When I asked Jim Sterk last week about a possible Pac-10 game at Qwest Field, he said anything was possible. The Cougars are looking for more revenue and an Oregon or an Oregon State game would supply that. ... Finally, we have my Pac-10 picks. Didn't do too well last week. I'm embarrassed.

• Around the Pac-10: ESPN.com's Ted Miller has his Pac-10 picks, as does Buster Sports Nick Daschel. ... Miller also has 10 things to watch this weekend. ... Washington: With Taylor Mays headed back to Seattle for the last time – he grew up there and attended O'Dea High – both the Times and the News Tribune have features on USC's All-American safety. ... Oregon State: For all of you worried James Montgomery might not play Saturday after missing two practices this week, understand running backs sitting out to rest dings is not unusual. The Beavers Jacquizz Rodgers didn't practice Wednesday. By the way, if Montgomery doesn't go today, he probably won't play. ... Oregon: Finally, someone saw what I saw before the season. The Ducks' offensive success the past few years was fueled by a dominant offensive line. The group now will be good, but it takes a while to build chemistry. Cal: While the Bears try to earn a crucial road win in Minneapolis, school officials will be examining Minnesota's new stadium. ... Stanford: A walk on is leading the Cardinal receiving corps. And the series with San Jose State could be winding down. ... USC: It's all about the quarterback in LA, with USC's Aaron Corp ready to start if Matt Barkley can't go ...UCLA: and last year's Bruin starter, Kevin Craft, hoping he'll be the guy while Kevin Prince's jaw heals. ... Arizona State: Coaches will tell you, there's nothing better than competition at a position. ... Arizona: The Wildcats will face their toughest nonconference competition without their best player, tight end Rob Gronkowski.

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• That's it for this morning. We'll be back after practice with notes from the workout and a look at what people are saying about freshman quarterback Jeff Tuel. Until then …

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