Football, basketball news on a Tuesday
COUGARS
FROM KANSAS CITY -- Yesterday turned out to be a busy one. And not just on the basketball front. Read on for our usual assortment of WSU news and links.
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We'll start by linking our game story from WSU's loss to Kansas last night, which we also blogged about and provided video for. ... Josh Wright was at football practice for us last night, and filed this report about the potential of WSU missing its top defensive player -- and one of its quarterbacks -- for the Apple Cup. We also have this feature on former WSU running back Derek Sparks. ... Here's the AP story from last night's basketball game. ... The Seattle Times also has a story. ... Howie Stalwick says it's been a nightmare season for the WSU football team. ... Dave Boling says things are pretty subdued for Apple Cup week. ... Former WSU coach Mike Price announced his retirement from UTEP yesterday. ... Friday's game features an improved UW pass defense against a pass-heavy WSU offense. ... Stalwick is picking the Huskies.
Around the Pac-12 ... Arizona's coach has already seen a few intense rivalries. ... Arizona State is motivated by an enduring image from last year's game against Arizona. ... California gets an F-grade for its loss to Oregon State, while coach Jeff Tedford is still in limbo. ... Stanford gets an A-plus for beating Oregon. ... UCLA's success could be a financial boon for Bruins coaches this season. ... USC's backup quarterback is ready to go this week against Notre Dame. ... Oregon appears mortal this week as Oregon State prepares for the Civil War. ... For once, the Ducks are in "fix mode." ... One of the most obvious headlines you'll ever see out of Utah. ... Colorado's administrators have a tough decision to make when the season is over.
In basketball action yesterday, UCLA lost to Georgetown in Shabazz Muhammad's debut. ... Oregon blew out Jacksonville State to stay unbeaten. ... Arizona cruised past Long Beach State. ... Illinois hammered USC.
Christian Caple can be reached at christianc@spokesman.com. Twitter: @ChristianCaple