Washington State’s focus will be tested

The schemes may vary and the personnel is obviously never the same but for all other intents and purposes the Washington State football team considers all opponents to be one in the same .

If the Cougars can maintain that inward focus and block out the fastest, flashiest, highest-ranked team in the west all week then they can do it against anybody. No. 2 Oregon comes to Pullman on Saturday with ESPN in tow. Whether or not the Cougars like it this is a big game, and a big win or even a good performance this weekend could propel the team to some badly-needed wins against Utah and California in the following weeks. But it would be tough to recover from a bad loss or some critical injuries.

Yesterday the Cougars addressed Oregon during their weekly press conference and there were even a few basketball items throughout the day. All that and more is after the jump.

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— We have videos of players and coach Mike Leach from the press conference yesterday, as well as a transcript of the head coach’s remarks .

— The kickoff time for the Utah game was announced and yep, it’s another night game .

— We handed out our unit grades for the Portland State game.

— The men’s basketball schedule has been finalized, complete with conference games.

— But there won’t be any Cougar Hardwood Classic this year.

— CougCenter’s Kyle Sherwood took a tour of the Football Operations Building and has a story on the experience .

— Oregon’s Marcus Mariota is going to disobey his mama and keep throwing caution to the wind.

— Washington’s best defensive back is back with the team after serving a one-week suspension.

— Arizona’s Tra’Mayne Bondurant should start seeing more playing time .

— Mike Bercovici is confident he can fill in for the injured Taylor Kelly.

— California’s kickoff time against Colorado has been set.

— Colorado ‘s freshman receiver may be small but he sure is fast .

— Chris Brown waits his turn in the Oregon State backfield.

— Jon Wilner grades Stanford’s week .

— UCLA picked up a top-ranked quarterback recruit .

— USC is back to the drawing board after a brutal loss.

— Utah will face a Michigan team that’s on the upswing .