WSU shifting to Auburn prep

COUGARS

FROM PULLMAN — Eight days remain until Washington State kicks off the 2013 season in the deep south. The Cougars will begin Auburn-specific preparations in earnest this weekend. We’ll be there, but for now, we’re here. With links.

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—- Our story in today’s newspaper focuses on the competition at sam linebacker, where Eric Oertel and Cyrus Coen are battling for a starting spot.

—- On the blog yesterday, we had some notes from practice , as well as more details about the new scoreboards at Martin Stadium.

—- Bud Withers has this story about Connor Halliday.

—- Deontae Cooper is eight days away from completing a miraculous recovery.

—- Oregon’s head coach has some decisions to make .

—- Mike Riley isn’t worried about the preparedness of Oregon State’s quarterbacks.

—- One of USC’s quarterback candidates would send the Trojans on a different pattern.

—- UCLA’s long-snapper is a work in progress .

—- Stanford knows who its receivers and tight end will be.

—- California’s new quarterback is living the dream .

—- Colorado is adapting well to the shotgun snap .

—- A junior-college transfer gives Utah depth at receiver .

—- An Arizona State defensive end is turning heads .

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