WSU’s first trip just a day away

• Washington State: Have not eaten red meat in two weeks. Been in training. We’ll see how we deal with the big day. … We had our story about kickoff coverage in today’s S-R and a few more notes last night. I want to stress WSU coach Paul Wulff isn’t worried about it. It just is something that needs to be improved as the season wears on. … We also had our Pac-12 picks and yes, I did pick the Cougars to win – and cover – a road game. And that’s knowing San Diego State is a much better team at home than on the road. We’ll see. … Lot’s of folks talking with Jim Sterk this week, including Bud Withers on the Times’ site and freelancer Howie Stalwick getting it done for Cougfan. … The next post in Brian Floyd’s multi-part examination of WSU’s football program is available at CougCenter. … The Cougars haven’t been all that successful on the road in the Paul Wulff era. Though they do have a one-game winning “streak.” … San Diego State is starting to sell a few more tickets for its cavernous stadium.

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• Around the Pac-12: ESPN.com’s Ted Miller has his Pac-12 picks . … Is Texas about to be hoisted on its own petard? … Washington: The Nebraska secondary is a physical bunch. … Jon Wilner rates the conference’s teams. … Oregon State: The quarterback change doesn’t sit too well with one of the participants. … Oregon: So what brings Missouri State to Eugene? Not a plane but a payday . And checks for the athletic department can often cause bumps and bruises for the players. … California: Speaking of smaller schools getting a payday, there’s this on the Presbyterian playing the Bears. … Stanford: Tight ends aren’t supposed to be this fast . Especially one named after Joe Jacoby. … Colorado: Footwork is an underrated aspect of playing defensive tackle well. … Utah: The Utes’ offense needs some work . … USC: So does the Trojans’. … UCLA: The Bruins need a kicker . Maybe Peter Roberts is available. … Arizona State: Aaron Pflugrad grew up on football fields around the Pac-10. And helped Pullman High win a state title. … Arizona: The Wildcats’ secondary is in need of a fire extinguisher.

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• That’s all for now. We’ll be back following practice this evening with a summary of Wulff’s press conference and a some notes. Until then …