It's an interesting week for the Zags, who face a key conference game and a monster non-conference contest.

They're saying all the right things about focusing on Portland on Thursday before shifting gears for SMU on Saturday in Dallas, the latter contest a huge opportunity to spruce up the Zags' at-large candidacy but only if they take care of business in the Rose City.

Here's my weekly Gonzaga notebook. Topics include this week's games, coach Mark Few stressing to his players to make simple/ straight-forward plays instead of flashy/tricky ones, and how Portland is home base for several Zags.

One other note: Nigel Williams-Goss is sporting a walking boot on his left foot after having a procedure to clean up his ankle. He's sitting out this season after transferring from Washington and will be eligible next season.

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