COUGARS

FROM PULLMAN -- Not only does today include Washington State's home opener against Eastern Washington. It also marks the beginning of a deal between the Pac-12 Networks and DISH, as announced by the conference early Saturday morning. More after the jump. (And with the Spokesman's servers down last night, wer're late posting this morning. Sorry about that.)

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Before we get to the links, here's the Pac-12's release about its deal with DISH. As you can read below, this deal is effective immediately -- if you're a DISH subscriber, you can watch games on the Pac-12 Networks today.

ENGLEWOOD, Colo. and SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. September 8, 2012 –DISH (NASDAQ: DISH) and Pac-12 Networks announced today that they have entered into a multi-year agreement making DISH the only satellite provider to offer the sports programming that includes conference football and basketball games. DISH customers will have access to Pac-12 football games starting this weekend.

The agreement allows DISH subscribers to enjoy the hundreds of live sporting events, including 35 football games, more than 140 men’s basketball games, and hundreds of national championship caliber Olympic sporting events this season on Pac-12 Networks. Included in the lineup of football games will be multiple appearances by No.2 USC, No. 4 Oregon and No. 25 Stanford.

The new agreement also provides DISH with exclusive category sponsorship for Pac-12 athletic programs. The sponsorship includes stadium signage and logo rights with each of the member schools including:

• University of Arizona
• Arizona State University
• University of California, Berkeley
• University of Colorado, Boulder
• University of Oregon
• Oregon State University
• Stanford University
• University of California, Los Angeles
• University of Southern California
• University of Utah
• University of Washington
• Washington State University

“DISH is delighted to offer our customers more than 800 sporting events available on Pac-12 Networks each year, while giving them a great value,” said Dave Shull, DISH senior vice president of programming. “This is a great partnership with the Pac-12 that goes beyond the TV screen to the campuses in the form of an exclusive sponsorship to support the programs and the students.”

DISH is offering Pac-12 Networks as a free preview for a limited time to all DISH customers. Games are available starting this weekend, including the following:

• Sacramento State at Colorado, 12:00 p.m. PT, Ch. 445
• Eastern Washington at Washington State, 12:00 p.m. PT, Ch. 446
• Southern Utah at California, 12:00 p.m. PT, Ch. 413
• Fresno State at No. 4 Oregon, 3:30 p.m. PT, Ch. 413
• No. 18 Oklahoma State at Arizona, 7:30 p.m. PT, Ch. 413
• Duke at No. 25 Stanford, 7:30 p.m. PT, Ch. 445

Now, on to our coverage. We had this advance of today's game in the newspaper, as well as a two-minute drill, and a couple of posts on the blog yesterday. We also have a traffic alert for those making the drive from Spokane. ... Howie Stalwick previews the game in the Kitsap Sun. ... Bud Withers offers a preview box in the Seattle Times. ... Ryan Divish likes the Cougars in this one.

There was one game involving a Pac-12 team last night. It didn't end well for Utah, as the Utes lost 27-20 to Utah State in overtime, and lost their quarterback in the process.

Today ...

Southern Utah at California, 12 p.m. (Pac-12 Network) -- The Bears need to kick-start their running game, but they're getting the hang of the no-huddle. Here are some simple game facts.

Sacramento State at Colorado, 12 p.m. (Pac-12 Network) -- This is a must-win, should-win game for the Buffaloes.

Wisconsin at Oregon State, 1 p.m. (FX) -- The Beavers have to be tough enough to slug it out with Wisconsin.

Fresno State at Oregon, 3:30 p.m. (Pac-12 Network) -- The Ducks are big-time favorites once more.

Washington at LSU, 4 p.m. (ESPN) -- Washington is eager for its chance to shock the world, though very few think they will.

USC at Syracuse, 12:30 p.m. (ABC/ESPN2) -- USC wants to make another statement this week.

Nebraska at UCLA, 4:30 p.m. (FOX) -- UCLA's top running back wants to fare better against Nebraska than one of his predecessors. ...

Oklahoma State at Arizona, 7:30 p.m. (Pac-12 Network) -- Arizona is up against some big 'uns this week.

Illinois at Arizona State, 7:30 p.m. (ESPN) -- Arizona State is still searching for the right non-conference schedule combination.

Duke at Stanford, 7:30 p.m. (Pac-12 Network) -- The Cardinal's opponents have been talking.

Christian Caple can be reached at christianc@spokesman.com. Twitter: @ChristianCaple

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