Jacob Thorpe

There are myriad reasons why Washington State has not been able to get a win in Tempe since 2001.

Everything Ernie Kent and Josh Hawkinson said at Pac-12 men's basketball Media Day.

SAN FRANCISCO – Pac-12 commissioner Larry Scott gave his usual sunny prelude to Pac-12 Media Days for men’s basketball, but in addition to the usual list of the conference’s on-court accomplishments, he had some positive financial news regarding the conference network that has consistently fallen short of revenue projections.

Greetings from San Francisco. I'm here in the Bay Area on a pit stop on the way to Tempe for the football team's game at Arizona State to take part in the Pac-12's Media Day for men's basketball.

The Pac-12 conference announced Thursday night that Washington State coach Mike Leach has been fined $10,000 for his recent comments accusing Arizona State of attempting to steal the signals of opposing teams. “Conference rules prohibit member institutions from disparaging each other and discrediting other institutions,” Pac-12 commissioner Larry Scott said in a statement.

The big challenge for the Washington State defense this weekend against Arizona State will be to contain Demario Richard and Kalen Ballage, two of the Pac-12’s better running backs.

It was a rare and notable occasion in 2013 when Cody O’Connell arrived at Washington State’s Junior Day: Nobody knew who he was.

Halfway through the season the Pac-12 picker is … exactly even. That's right, we're sitting at .500 with our picks and so things could be a lot worse. They could also be a lot better.

PULLMAN – The topic of Arizona State quarterback Manny Wilkins’ health is the cause for speculation among Washington State fans, and debate in his own locker room. Wilkins insists he is in fine physical condition. Sun Devils coach Todd Graham disagrees. If Wilkins is unable to play next Saturday, it will mark the second consecutive game the Cougars have played against a backup quarterback.

PULLMAN – The Spokesman-Review has confirmed a Seattle Times report citing multiple sources who say Washington State nose tackle Robert Barber will be allowed to play in this weekend’s game at Arizona State while appealing his suspension for his role in a fight at an off-campus party during the summer. Barber was originally expelled by the University Conduct Board but the sanction was changed to a suspension by the University Appeals Board Barber’s suspension will last until July, 2017, but the fifth-year senior will appeal the ruling and request that the suspension begin in spring semester.

Defensive coordinator Alex Grinch shares the highs and lows from the UCLA game.

The WSU coach also says the ASU defense plays more zone than you think.

One of the enduring images of the 2015 college football season is that of five Oregon assistant coaches running up and down the sideline with a huge sheet during the Ducks’ game against Arizona State, shielding the offense’s signals from the prying eyes of the Sun Devils.

Though the causation is probably only mild, the correlation is undeniable: The Washington State football team’s ascension over the last month has coincided perfectly with its increased ability to put opposing quarterbacks on their backsides.

Game notes from Washington State in advance of this weekend's game at Arizona State.

Somebody else had to win it at some point.

Hanser talked about what it was like getting recruited out of Montana.

Unfortunately for Gabe Marks, the Cougars seem to only play at night.

Mike Leach addresses the media during his Monday press conference.

PULLMAN – Washington State’s Oct. 29 game at Oregon State will kick off at 7:45 p.m. and be televised on ESPN2, the school announced Monday. This makes five consecutive games to start at 6:30 p.m. or later for the Cougars, who have won the last four straight. This will also be WSU’s fourth game televised nationally on either ESPN or ESPN2. This weekend, the Cougars will travel to Tempe, Arizona for an Oct. 22 date with Arizona State. That game kicks off at 7 p.m.