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Hoping to catch Wisconsin at Martin Stadium in 2014?

Well, that's not going to happen.

But you can see the Cougars play a “home game” against Rutgers in 2014 at CenturyLink Field on Friday, August 29. WSU returns the favor with a game at Rutgers on Sept. 12, 2015.

In turn, WSU's home-and-home series against Wisconsin, originally scheduled for 2014 (in Pullman) and 2015 (in Madison), has been pushed back to 2022 (in Madison) and 2023 (in Pullman) by way of a “mutual agreement.”

“Adding two BCS opponents to those already on future nonconference schedules benefits our program and is sure to be appealing to our fans,” said athletic director Bill Moos in a statement. “Our 2014 schedule also allows us to bring five quality Pac-12 games (Arizona, USC, Cal, Oregon and Washington) to Pullman to showcase our newly completed facilities.”

The latter part of that quote seems to imply that WSU doesn't plan to move any of its Pac-12 games to CenturyLink Field in 2014, as they have for the past two seasons (and will again this year, with Stanford visiting the CLink).

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

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FROM PULLMAN — The NCAA released the most recent Academic Progress Rate numbers on Tuesday. Here's a story we put together on how area schools fared, including Washington State.

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You'll likely see these lines in a few other outlets today, since the Golden Nugget sports book just released betting lines for 250 college football games earlier this afternoon. DonBest.com was kind enough to list all of them, so we've sorted through that listing (which you can view here) to pull out the eight WSU games with lines posted.

None of them favor the Cougars. Actually, none of them suggest the Cougars will lose by less than double-digits. But, as always, it's worth noting that Vegas lines simply intend to force as much betting action as possible, and don't necessarily intend to predict a margin of victory.

With that in mind, here's what WSU is looking at, via the Golden Nugget:

Washington State at Auburn (-11.5)

Washington State at USC (-21)

Stanford (-18.5) at Washington State

Oregon State (-13) at Washington State

Washington State at Oregon (-35.5)

Arizona State (-15) at Washington State

Washington State at Arizona (-19)

Washington State at Washington (-14)

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Washington State added a member to its basketball coaching staff on Wednesday, announcing the hire of veteran coach Rod Jensen as the team’s new director of player development.

Jensen, a former head coach at Boise State and most recently at the College of Idaho, replaces Jeff Hironaka, who left WSU to become an assistant coach at Portland State.

“We are excited about the addition of Rod Jensen to our staff and want to wish Jeff Hironaka the best at Portland State,” WSU coach Ken Bone said in a statement. “I’ve known Rod for many years and he is an outstanding basketball coach. I love the passion and energy he brings to the game.”

Jensen is known as a defensive-minded coach, and began his career in 1980 as an assistant at University of Redlands. He went on to spend 12 seasons as an assistant at Boise State before taking over as head coach in 1995, a position he held until 2002.

After that, Jensen moved on to an assistant job at Virginia, then was an assistant at UNC-Greensboro before becoming the head coach at NAIA school College of Idaho in 2010.

The school chose not to retain him at the end of the 2013 season despite COI’s 15-14 record, its first winning mark since 2009.

As director of player development, Jensen, like Hironaka before him, won’t be allowed to have on-court contact with players during practices. But he will be allowed to help devise game plans, and can sit on the bench during games.

…

And here's the full release from the school:

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Washington State's list of known committed players for the class of 2014 is up to six after the news broke yesterday that Sacramento receiver Calvin Green has committed to the Cougars.

Green, who is listed by Scout.com as 5-foot-10 and 175 pounds and attends Luther Burbank High School in Sacramento, is another player who lines up primarily at running back for his high school team but reportedly projects as an inside receiver at WSU.

Here's a story about his commitment from Braulio Perez, who reports that Green has been offered scholarships by more than 10 schools.

CougCenter's Kyle Rancourt breaks down the commitment here.

Here's a list of WSU's known committed players, according to Scout.com.

And here are some highlights:

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Jeff Hironaka is leaving Washington State to become an assistant coach again.

Hironaka, who was reassigned prior to last season from an assistant coaching position to the role of director of player development, is headed to Portland State to work as an assistant coach, the Spokesman-Review has confirmed.

Neither WSU or PSU have officially announced the move, though Hironaka tweeted earlier Monday that he will miss WSU, and others — including former WSU basketball operations coordinator Tim Marrion — have congratulated him on his new position with Portland State.

Hironaka spent three years as an assistant under coach Ken Bone at WSU before his reassignment last season. Prior to his stint in Pullman, Hironaka was the head coach of Seattle Pacific from 2002-2009, and was an assistant there from 1991-2002.

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Make it five known commitments for Washington State in the class of 2014, as multiple outlets reported Thursday that Keith Harrington, a 5-foot-8, 165-pound prospect from St. Petersburg. Fla., has committed to play football at WSU.

As Braulio Perez notes in this story, Harrington plays running back for his high-school team but projects as an inside receiver for WSU. CougCenter adds some analysis here.

Here are some highlights. You can watch a higher-quality clip here.

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The Pac-12 released its early television schedule today, and with it, three kickoff times for Washington State games this season.

They are:

— 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 7 at USC (FOX Sports 1)

— 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 31 vs. Arizona State (ESPN)

— 12:30 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 29 at Washington (FOX)

— WSU's Sept. 14 game against Southern Utah will be broadcast by the Pac-12 Networks, though no kickoff time has been announced yet.

I've seen some consternation over the fact that the Aug. 31 opener at Auburn hasn't been selected for TV yet, but I wouldn't read too much into that. Since it's an SEC home game, the TV information will be dictated by the SEC and its television contracts, not by the Pac-12. So a kickoff time and/or TV listing should be available when the SEC announces its own TV schedule.

Here's the rest of the conference's early TV schedule:

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Whitman County prosecutor Denis Tracy has declined to file charges against Idaho receiver Roman Runner or Washington State receiver Mansel Simmons for their role in a March 24 altercation in Pullman.

Pullman Police concluded their investigation into the matter last week and recommended a second-degree assault charge for Runner, who allegedly punched Simmons in the face and knocked him unconscious after Simmons ran at him during a skirmish outside a party.

Simmons, 20, was later treated for facial fractures and a severe concussion, and announced in April that he has been forced to retire from football due to his injuries.

He told the Spokesman-Review last week that he believed he was defending himself when he approached Runner, who had previously shown a knife before putting it away. According to a police press release, both men were being held back by friends before Simmons broke free and ran at Runner, then was knocked to the ground unconscious.

Pullman PD Cmdr. Chris Tennant said Tracy determined that Runner, 21, was acting in self-defense when he punched Simmons. Police also recommended a misdemeanor charge of disorderly conduct for Simmons, though Tennant said Tracy concluded that because of a number of factors, including the extent of Simmons’ injuries, he “didn’t feel (a charge) was appropriate.”

Tracy could not be reached for comment.

Simmons, who has been staying in Phoenix with family and friends as he recovers from his injuries, declined comment Wednesday.

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

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Washington State picked up its fourth known verbal commitment of the 2014 recruiting class, as multiple outlets reported that receiver Zaire Andre of Inglewood, Calif., has said he will play for the Cougars.

Here's a story about Andre's commitment from Scout.com, and his bio from the same site. He's listed as a 3-star prospect.

Interestingly, this Scout.com story notes that Andre committed without taking a visit to Pullman. His highlights are posted below.

CougCenter expands a bit on Andre's commitment.

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Just a quick post this morning to point you to our long feature on former WSU receiver Mansel Simmons, who is making strides in his recovery from a facial fracture and severe concussion. Simmons gave his first interview last week since announcing his retirement from football.

Here's a link to the story.

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The feeling started last season, Jake Rodgers said, and only got worse as the offseason progressed.

The former Washington State offensive lineman just wasn’t having fun anymore.

“It wasn’t working out for me,” Rodgers said in a telephone interview Thursday. “I wasn’t enjoying myself anymore. I guess my heart wasn’t in it, so it didn’t make sense for me to stay here.”

That’s why Rodgers, a Shadle Park High School alumnus, chose to leave the Cougars, and why he’s now “strongly considering” a transfer to Eastern Washington. But WSU hasn’t yet granted his formal release, so he’s yet to have any contact with EWU coaches.

Rodgers started all 12 games last season for WSU as a third-year sophomore, and played every offensive line position except for center.

A nagging shoulder injury plagued him “pretty much the whole season,” and his recovery from that ailment kept him out for the duration of WSU’s spring practices this year.

“I’m sure that didn’t help at all,” Rodgers said of having to sit out the spring. “That was rough for me.”

WSU coaches were disappointed when Rodgers informed them of his decision to transfer, he said, and tried to convince him to stay. As a fourth-year player with legitimate starting experience, he would have either competed for a starting spot or provided needed depth on the offensive line.

But his decision was final.

“They didn’t want me to go, basically,” he said.

With two years of eligibility remaining, Rodgers would be able to play right away at Eastern, an ideal landing spot near his hometown of Spokane, though nothing will be official until after he is released from his scholarship at WSU.

“Getting to see more of my family and being able to play in front of them and everything … having their support means a lot to me,” Rodgers said. “I think (EWU) is a good program.”

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

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Pullman Police announced in a press release Wednesday that charges will be recommended against Idaho receiver Roman Runner and former Washington State receiver Mansel Simmons for their involvement in an altercation in the early hours of March 24.

PPD recommends a second-degree felony assault charge for Runner, 21, and a misdemeanor disorderly conduct charge for Simmons, 20. The Whitman County Prosecuting Attorney will decide whether charges will be filed.

Simmons announced in April that he is retiring from football due to head injuries sustained in the fight. He suffered a severe concussion and multiple facial fractures.

Here's the full release from Pullman Police:

PULLMAN – Pullman Police Detectives have concluded their investigation of an assault that occurred on March 24, 2013 at about 12:50 am at NE Ash St. and NE Maple St. in Pullman. Pullman officers had been dispatched to that location and found Mansel Simmons unconscious, the apparent victim of an assault. Simmons was initially transported to Pullman Regional Hospital and later to Sacred Heart Medical Center in Spokane where he was treated for facial fractures and a concussion.

After speaking with more than a dozen witnesses, investigators concluded that a verbal argument between two groups of men attending a party in the 300 block of NE Ash St. escalated into a brief physical confrontation between Simmons and Roman Runner. Runner was with three other men visiting from Moscow and the group was told to leave the party. As the group complied and attempted to get back to their vehicle parked nearby, they were chased off by a group of about ten to twenty men attending the party. The visiting group later made their way back to their vehicle and was confronted by the local group. At that point Runner displayed a knife in what he described as an effort to protect him from the larger group, and then he put the knife away. Witnesses say both Runner and Simmons were being held back by friends until Simmons broke free and charged Runner. As Simmons charged him, Runner hit Simmons in the face, knocking him to the ground unconscious. Runner fell on top of Simmons and at some point was punched in the face by an unknown person. Runner and part of his group ran away from the scene while one of them remained and called 911. Runner suffered an abrasion on his forehead. Both Runner and Simmons admitted to drinking alcohol that evening prior to the assault.

Investigators will be forwarding the investigation and the following recommended charges to the Whitman County Prosecuting Attorney who will ultimately determine what criminal charges, if any, will be filed:

• Mansel A. Simmons (10/22/92, Pullman resident): Disorderly Conduct (misdemeanor)

• Roman J. Runner (07/08/91, Moscow resident): Assault 2nd Degree (felony)

Two potentially related incidents were also investigated by Pullman Detectives. A pistol was found near the scene, but investigators could not confirm if it was involved in the altercation or who may have been carrying it. Also, the vehicle that the Moscow group arrived in was damaged at some point after the assault, but no evidence has been uncovered to positively identify any specific suspect.

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An offensive lineman has left Washington State’s football team.

The school confirmed that Jake Rodgers, a fourth-year junior who attended Shadle Park High School in Spokane, has chosen not to play for the Cougars next season.

His transfer destination has yet to be confirmed.

Rodgers started all 12 of WSU’s games as a redshirt sophomore in 2012 and played every position on the offensive line except center. He missed all of spring practice this year while recovering from an undisclosed injury, but figured to compete for playing time if he returned healthy in the fall.

WSU coach Mike Leach touted the team’s bolstered offensive line depth throughout the spring, noting that the Cougars were able to field two full five-man units, something they couldn’t do last year when injuries and defections hurt their numbers.

Rodgers’ departure leaves WSU’s roster with five Spokane natives: offensive linemen Elliott Bosch and Joe Dahl, quarterback Connor Halliday, receiver Conner Johnson, and safety Mitchell Peterson.

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

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Washington State linebacker/defensive end Logan Mayes was cited Thursday for hit and run, though Pullman Police Cmdr. Chris Tennant described the alleged traffic accident as “relatively minor.”

Tennant said an eyewitness called the police after seeing Mayes back his vehicle into another car in a parking lot. Mayes allegedly drove away without stopping to examine the damage or leave his information.

After police ran the car's plate number and contacted Mayes, Tennant said, the player admitted that he had bumped into another car and drove away. He was given a misdemeanor citation for hit and run and was released, meaning he wasn't handcuffed or taken to the station.

Tennant said the other car had a cracked taillight lens, but that the damage cost estimate was below the $750 minimum that would require police to file a traffic collision report.

Mayes has a scheduled court appearance the morning of June 4, according to Whitman County District Court records.

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

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News of another oral commitment broke yesterday — though this one is from a player who plans to arrive this season — but some more bad news also broke for the WSU football team. Keep reading for accounts of both.

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There are a few news items to pass along this morning from WSU, so click the jump to read the links.

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WSU announced Thursday that it will cancel all afternoon classes on the Pullman campus on Oct. 31, which is when the Cougars host Arizona State. It's also a Thursday night. It's also Halloween. Here's the release from the office of president Elson Floyd:

In an effort to increase the number of conference football games given national television exposure each season, the PAC-12 has significantly increased the number of regular-season conference football games scheduled to be played on Thursday and Friday nights.

As a result, at 6 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 31, Washington State University will host Arizona State University in a conference football game at Martin Stadium, affording us the opportunity to share the beauty of our unique Pullman campus before a national television audience in a broadcast carried by one of the ESPN family of networks. This is a rare opportunity for our university. It is also the first time since 2005 that WSU has played a Thursday home football game, so it presents some special challenges.

In an effort to address those challenges, I solicited input from our athletic director as to best industry practices from around the country. I also have reached out to the Faculty Senate Executive Committee as well as the Deans Council for their input on this important issue. After taking all recommendations into account, I have authorized that attendance to all classes the morning of Oct. 31 be made optional at the discretion of faculty and that all afternoon classes that day be canceled as part of our efforts to ensure the safety and ease of travel throughout campus for faculty, staff, students and fans. This closure solely affects the Pullman campus.

Thank you in advance for your cooperation and support.

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Washington State running back Teondray Caldwell was arrested on May 7 on suspicion of assault and burglary stemming from an April 28 incident at a Pullman residence.

KQQQ 1150 AM in Pullman reported that Caldwell and a group of WSU football players were denied entry to a party, and that Caldwell allegedly struck a man sitting on the porch.

A Pullman Police spokesperson said police responded to a citizen dispute on April 28, but the suspect had left the area when officers arrived and the alleged victims did not want to press charges or assist in the investigation.

But after a series of conversations and interviews, police arrested Caldwell, a sophomore from Los Angeles, on May 7 on suspicion of first-degree burglary and second-degree assault.

Charges have not been filed. KQQQ reported that Caldwell is due in Whitman County Superior Court on Friday morning, but it’s unclear whether Caldwell will have to appear. A Whitman County clerk told the Spokesman-Review that an order was issued on May 13^th exonerating the conditions of Caldwell’s release, meaning he may not have to appear in court tomorrow.

But the clerk also said it’s still possible charges could be filed.

Caldwell rushed for 229 yards as a freshman last season and served as the team’s primary kick returner. A WSU spokesman said coaches will handle the matter internally, as is customary under coach Mike Leach.

Caldwell wrote on his Twitter page (WSU players were apparently allowed back on the site recently): “All these allegations but none of it is true! Don't believe the media. I'm in good hands.”

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

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Most college football news that originates in the month of May is centered around recruiting, and that's the topic of today's morning post. Keep reading.