Heat is on around Pac-10, WSU

COUGARS

Watching practice yesterday I was hit by a revelation. Or maybe it was heat stroke. I’m not sure which. But anyway, it struck me that football season here runs through, basically, three seasons. There’s the incredible heat of summer – and early fall, because it was hotter than Hades on that field yesterday – gives way to the cool nip of autumn and, though the calendar won’t say it, winter makes an appearance for a week or two at the end as well. I have to remember how much I was bitching this time of year about the heat during those final weeks, when I start complaining I can’t feel my toes and fingers. Let’s move on. The junk for today is on the link. Read on.
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• Washington State: We featured one of the offensive linemen today, new starting left tackle Tyson Pencer. If quarterback is the most important position on the football field – and it is – then left tackle is No. 2. If you don’t have a good left tackle, it’s hard to keep a good quarterback upright. … We also have our Pac-10 picks this morning. I’ve been doing so poorly I decided to give WSU a break. I picked the Cougars to lose by a bunch. Chances are now it will be a lot closer. … As our blog post from last night covered, I’m not sure if either Kevin Lopina (calf) or Logwone Mitz (flu-like symptoms), both pretty darn important reserves, will be available Saturday. Right now, with what’s been going on injury-wise, WSU is not getting any breaks. We said all along the Cougars could win three or four games if they stayed healthy . More than anyone in the conference they need to keep their key players on the field. That isn’t happening. … There is help on the way. WSU now has 12 commitments for next season, more than I can ever remember this early. Check out CougFan’s piece on the latest one. It lists all the commitments.

• Around the Pac-10: ESPN.com’s Ted Miller has his weekly Pac-10 picks and what to watch this week. … Nick Daschel of Buster Sports rates the Pac-10 players. … Washington: Linebacker Donald Butler made a dozen big plays for the Huskies last Saturday. He’s the subject of Bob Condotta’s feature in the Times. … When Butler missed, safety Justin Glenn didn’t. He’s the subject of Todd Milles’ feature in the News Tribune. … Oregon State: Despite the loss to Cincinnati, the Beavers are still in a good spot in the Pac-10. … Oregon: The Ducks’ uniforms are always a topic of conversation. This week they are going to be of the throwback variety. Of course, it’s only 1998 UO is highlighting. That was pre-Nike, though. … Cal: Jahvid Best is ready to throwdown in Autzen, possibly running away from those guys in the old-looking unis. … Stanford: The focus, even in the Bay Area, is on the Huskies and their new coach . … USC: It’s official. Matt Barkley will start Saturday. What do you bet Taylor Mays finds a way to play as well? … UCLA: The bye week is helping the Bruins regain their health. … Arizona State: Quarterback Danny Sullivan thinks the Sun Devils are capable of upsetting Georgia. … Arizona: Just who is new quarterback Nick Foles?

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• That’s it for this morning. We’ll be back this evening with a story and a practice report. Until then …