Morning links: Cougars improvement not fast enough for Leach’s liking

In the paper today we’ve got notes from WSU’s Monday press conference and a First Look at Oregon.

Mike Leach is impatient with the rate at which the Cougars are improving. That’s the thrust of the first item in today’s WSU notebook . But he’ll probably be satisfied if the Cougars can pull the upset at Oregon (making Portland State the best school in the state?) this weekend. Here’s our First Look at Saturday’s game, plus the game notes .

Thanks to whichever reader sold his or her soul to the Pac-12 Networks in exchange for early games. The Cougars have another daylight game next week against Oregon State.

Some of you visual learners might prefer to get yesterday’s WSU news by watching the videos of our interviews with Mike Leach , Jeremiah Allison , Jamal Morrow and Gunnar Eklund .

CougCenter’s Jeff Nusser is ready for a change at WSU. … Evan Closky has a recap from yesterday’s press conference.

Ducks fans might dispute Leach’s contention that WSU has the best facilities in the conference. One of my favorite books growing up as a kid was Undaunted Courage by Stephen Ambrose, an incredible telling of the incredible story of Lewis and Clark.  That said, I’m not a fan of UO’s new helmets . Still no word on the Ducks QB situation.

Washington’s basketball recruit out of New Zealand is going to enroll early . … Rich Rodriguez has no plans to move away from his defensive scheme. … The Sun Devils are feeling good after beating a Top-10 team. … WSU fans know how good Jared Goff is under pressure. … Is it time for UCLA to lean on its freshman quarterback?

Bonus link: The self-described ” most hated man in Mingo County ” is on trial after 29 people died in one of his mines after he spent millions fighting safety regulations.