WSU still waiting for UW on Sunday
COUGARS
It's game day on the ... wait, no it isn't. Forgot, only one game this week. So we'll come back Saturday with ... wait, what? The game's Sunday? My word. OK, so we'll be back Sunday with the game-day items. As for today, well, we have inches and inches of stuff for you (exactly like what fell from the sky overnight), so read on.
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• Washington State: Looking back at the last four games, three of which have been losses, we wondered about the Cougars' defense. It seemed, from our vantage point anyway, their opponents were getting really good shots. And so we checked. The results are here in this brief we put together for this morning's S-R. ... We also had a quick look at Sunday's game. ... The Huskies can't seem to forget the game in Pullman. ... Bill Moos did a live chat yesterday on the official WSU website and the questions were not all that easy. He said he wants to replace the scoreboard in Beasley, "ideally" for next season, though where that money would come from I have no idea. He also touched on Martin Stadium expansion and a myriad of other topics. ... New WSU lineman Taylor Meighen lost his sister Jessica Fertitta last Sunday, killed in a strange car fire. Meighen has headed back to Texas for today's funeral. ... For some other football news, see below.
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• Around the Pac-10: Is Derrick Williams protected by the officials? The statistics tell us Williams leads the nation in free throw attempts, shooting 9.2 per game. The 6-foot-8 Arizona post has the ability to bull his way to the basket, initiating contact but still getting to the line even when the defender is in solid position. So it's little wonder USC coach Kevin O'Neill had this to say, calling him "the most protected dude I've seen since Michael Jordan." ... By the way, USC is handing out bobbleheads of O'Neill today. I wonder what the mini-O'Neill is holding in its hand? If you have an idea, pass it on, but keep it clean. ... The Pac-12's television package is moving forward, with most of the hopes – all games on TV or on-line – and fears – basketball games every night, with the ensuing single-game trips – probably going to be realized. ... UCLA knows it was winning some of its recent games through talent, not exceptional play. ... With so many schools bunched around the all-important sixth spot in the standings, most of the games this weekend are must-wins for everyone. Can't happen of course. But Oregon, lifted recently by the stellar play of Jay-R Stowbridge, has two teams it's fighting on its home court, starting with California tonight. ... Oregon State will try to get back on track and ruin someone's season, either Stanford tonight or Cal on Saturday. ... Cal's Jorge Gutierrez had the best game of his career last Sunday vs. UCLA. ... There are some football notes, with USC receiving notice from the NCAA about Lane Kiffin's tenure at Tennessee. ... ASU quarterback Steven Threet gives up the game due to concussions. ... Marques Tuiasosopo leaves Washington for a similar position at UCLA. ... And the NFL combine is this weekend in Indianapolis, with WSU center Zack Williams and punter Reid Forrest a couple of the invitees. Forrest, long snapper Zach Enyeart and kicker Nico Grasu were all at the game in Tucson last week. They are down in Arizona working out and trying to get ready for NFL tryouts. And yes, they all graduated, though Forrest said he's still waiting for his diploma in the mail.
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• That's all for this morning. Ken Bone meets with the media today and then we have a chance to talk with players on the upcoming game in Seattle. We'll pass some stuff on this afternoon. Until then ...
