It's Monday and it's probably the most positive the Cougar fan-base has been in some time. Even after losing by 20 to a very good Oregon team, there's plenty the team can build on. Miss any of the action? Sean at WSU Football Blog put together a highlight package. As always, it's fantastic work.
Now, on to the story that just won't go away. Noted Oregonian hack John Canzano penned a column praising Casey Matthews for tweeting his best wishes to Kenjon Barner and James Rodgers, both of whom suffered serious injuries on Saturday. However, he also called for Anthony Carpenter to be suspended for his hit on Barner early in Saturday's game. The good news is that Barner was released from Pullman Regional Hospital on Sunday morning and escaped with minor injuries from it all.
A few things happened on the play that caused Barner to be knocked cold. First, Carpenter was running to take-on the block of Josh Huff, the lead blocker on the return. Huff stopped to set the edge and really got out of Carpenter's way just before Barner got there. With all the momentum, Carpenter attempted to adjust his path to meet Huff. At the same time, Marvin Johnson hit him from the side, propelling him into Barner. The bump was enough to knock Carpenter off-balance and send him flying towards the ground. Because of it, his head dropped. Barner just happened to be where Carpenter was going down.
He felt bad about it after the game and explained there was no intent, nor did he even see Barner until after the hit. It was just a freak, scary collision and nothing more. I get penalizing players for helmet-to-helmet hits and suspending some for malicious hits. Targeting a defenseless player and spearing are things the NCAA takes very seriously. This was neither. It was just a freak play that resulted in a scary hit. Nobody was at fault here.
Out of all this, one thing was missed. Chip Kelly, the Oregon coaches, the WSU coaches and trainers from both teams were on the field working on Barner and taking care of his family at the same time. Kelly had his arm around Barner's sister -- at least I think it was his sister -- the whole time and the WSU coaches spent time talking to his father and sister while he was down. It was a class move by members of both coaching staffs.
WSU Football NewsMonday morning WSU links and notes - SportsLink - Spokesman.com - Oct. 11, 2010
I also forgot to pass on the news about Marquess Wilson. He bruised his shoulder Saturday and is expected to be fine.
Amieable at the Scene - Oregon @ WSU - WSU Football Blog
Cynics might say that it was only fun because our expectations are so low, and maybe that's part of it. But I think this is an exciting time to be a Cougar fan. I haven't been one for long, but I was raised a Mariner fan, so I know me some lean years. Being a fan of a downtrodden team makes the climb out of the cellar so satisfying. We are watching this team created from scratch and the players grow up before our eyes and get better every week - Tuel, Wilson, Mizell.
Cougs defend their kicks - Spokesman.com - Oct. 10, 2010
Forgive Paul Wulff if he does some bragging. After all, the NCAA statistics haven't been kind to the Washington State Cougars the past couple of years. But there it is, in black and white pixels on the NCAA.org website. The nation's No. 1 FBS team in kickoff return yardage defense: Washington State.
More on Oregon's win over WSU - SportsLink - Spokesman.com - Oct. 10, 2010
Asked about injured players, he said Micah Hannam (concussion) may be back this week, Chima Nwachukwu is still iffy, Mike Ledgerwood will be given enough time to heal fully, and the status of backup defensive linemen Steven Hoffart (mono) and Casey Hamlett (chest) is still up in the air.
Live Stream Information for Monday's Cougar Calls with Bill Moos - WASHINGTON STATE OFFICIAL ATHLETIC SITE
"Cougar Calls with Bill Moos," a weekly radio call-in show featuring Washington State University Athletics Director Bill Moos and Bud Nameck airs Monday, Oct. 11 at 10 a.m. on Spokane's 700 AM ESPN The Ticket.
Other WSU News
Cougar Soccer Wins Sixth-Straight Against Arizona - WASHINGTON STATE OFFICIAL ATHLETIC SITE
Freshman Katie Turney's goal in the 34th minute gave Washington State a 1-0 victory over Arizona in Pacific-10 Conference Women's soccer, Sunday. (Video, too.)
Pac-10 News
What we learned in the Pac-10: Week 6 - Pac-10 Blog - ESPN
Things are going to be messy in the Pac-10 this year. The conference is clearly nine teams deep, and even the Cougs -- the designated patsy -- are looking much improved. While Oregon is clearly at the top, the scramble for bowl pecking order and bowl eligibility is going to be interesting.
Pac-10 helmet stickers: Week 6 - Pac-10 Blog - ESPN
You'll notice there isn't one Duck in there. Progress!
Other Stuff We Like
One again, EDSBS wins the internet.
Low Tide (10/10) - The Solid Verbal (Podcast)
Ty and Dan review all the Week Six action and break down the losses by Alabama, Arizona and Michigan as well as the wins by LSU, Auburn and Oregon. Plus, another rousing rendition of Saturday ReVerbs.
How do you beat Cover 2 with trips? Let me count the ways | Smart Football