Now it’s WSU’s chance

Last night the Mariners and Seahawks of Seattle combined to outscore their opponents 46-18. Today, Washington State has the spotlight and can keep the good Northwestern vibes going with a similar performance in a 7:30 p.m. ESPN game.

This will be the Pac-12’s weekend and the Cougars have Friday night all to themselves.

The links are after the jump.

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— My story in advance of today’s game focuses on the many Cougars who were or were going to be part of Nevada’s program.

— We look at four things WSU must do to win in our 2-minute drill .

— Bud Withers has a story advancing the game as well, saying that the WSU defense will look different this week .

— Fox Sports also has a game preview .

— For some local flavor check out this gameday guide by the Reno Gazette-Journal.

— Washington’s offense is regaining its confidence with a new quarterback at the helm.

— My Pac-12 picks got off to a roaring start on Thursday as Arizona beat Texas-San Antonio , but did not beat the spread.

— The Sun Devils are going to start a third true freshman on defense.

— California’s backup quarterback impressed coaches and teammates by shedding his protective yellow jersey .

— Colorado is returning to its run game .

— Oregon’s coach Mark Helfrich responds to accusations leveled against the program by former tight end Colt Lyerla.

— Oregon State needs to do a better job slowing Hawaii running back Joey Iosefa than the Huskies did last week.

— Finding a mentor was easy for Stanford QB Kevin Hogan .

— Getting its starting center back would be a big boost to the struggling UCLA offensive line.

— Cody Kessler and Leonard Williams are expected to play in USC’s big matchup against Stanford.

— Four Utes had successful first games after returning from their injuries.