I said earlier this week that I couldn't shake the idea that WSU might be able to keep this game against USC closer than I think most of us expect. This, of course, is pretty much crazy talk until this team shows it can hang with a team with elite athletes -- something it hasn't shown in three years -- but apparently I'm not the only one who has this feeling.
Cue Go 2 Guy/radio personality/friend of the site/all around good guy Jim Moore:
I don't know this for a fact, and it's quite possible my judgment is clouded by unrealistic optimism and wishful thinking. But I saw something in last week's SMU game that made me think a little of that Martin Stadium magic will return on Saturday when the Cougars play USC.
So, there you go. There are at least two crazy people on the planet, and I'd like to thank Jim for making me look sane by comparison for picking the Cougs to actually win. I'm pretty sure Jim was enjoying some of those new-ish local brew pubs in Pullman while he was there this week.
And if you have longed for the day when you can actually meet Jim, he'll be at the Performance Grill in Auburn for the game this Saturday hosting a viewing party. He'll also be there for the UCLA game, and I think I'm going to try and make it for that one -- who knows, maybe we'll co-opt it into a CougCenter party. Keep it in mind.
On to the links!
WSU News
Rain pelts WSU as it gets ready for USC - SportsLink - Spokesman.com - Sept. 23, 2010
Freshman receiver Kristoff Williams always seems to follow a day of practice with a day of toe soreness, so WSU will take another tack, Wulff said. He’s going to sit awhile to see if the rest will cure the turf toe for good. That means he will more than likely redshirt. That makes two true freshmen – Williams and Rickey Galvin – that Wulff was counting on as playmakers out for the season.
WSU recalls USC debacle of 2008 - Spokesman.com - Sept. 23, 2010
The last time the University of Southern California visited the Palouse, Pete Carroll was still the coach, Reggie Bush still had a Heisman Trophy and the Trojans were still eligible for the Pac-10 title. A lot has changed since that mid-October day in 2008.
When it comes to punting, Cougs’ Forrest all business | MORE TOP SPORTS - The News Tribune
After taking care of business for the Washington State football team the past four years, Reid Forrest plans to take care of business for himself – literally and figuratively. (No mention of the campaign by Howie, because I'm pretty sure he doesn't know we exist. THERE IS STILL WORK TO BE DONE, PEOPLE!)
Longball's View from the Cheap Seats - Thumbs Up, Thumbs Down Edition
Hi everyone, Longball here for a quick rundown of things in the Cougar Universe (and other universes) as I see them from the cheapseats. This week I am going to give it to ya straight… thumbs up for stuff I like, and the dreaded thumbs down for stuff that JUST MAKES ME CRAZY, ARRRRRGH!
WSU football: Pac-10 picks, including the WSU game | Moscow-Pullman Daily News Blogs
This just looks like too much speed, too much size, too much talent for WSU to keep up with, even if the Trojans are supposed to be plummeting into the toilet while the house burns down and the dogs run away.
WSU Athletics and ISP Sports Add to Radio Network - WASHINGTON STATE OFFICIAL ATHLETIC SITE
Washington State University Athletics and ISP Sports have added Seattle-based radio station KIXI, 880 AM, to the Washington State ISP Sports Network, it was announced Thursday.
Scout.com: USC 101: A different Trojan team
With no bowl game on the horizon due to NCAA sanctions, and the majority of press clippings comparing this year's squad unfavorably to USC teams of the past, how motivated are the Trojans for this matchup? Could a WSU squad hungry for a win level the playing field?
Tennis Set To Open Season This Weekend - WASHINGTON STATE OFFICIAL ATHLETIC SITE
The Washington State University women's tennis team will open their 2010-11 campaign Sept. 24-26 with the annual Cougar Classic tournament at the WSU Outdoor Courts. In addition to the Cougars, the nine other teams that are participating include Air Force Academy, Portland State University, Gonzaga University, Eastern Washington University, Boise State University, University of Idaho, University of Montana, Montana State University, and Seattle University.
Pac-10 News
How hard is it for Oregon to go undefeated? - Pac-10 Blog - ESPN
JUST READ THIS. I don't want to spoil it here.
Pac-10 did you know?: Week 4 - Pac-10 Blog - ESPN
Some quick notes to get you through the hours until Saturday.
Pac-10 football: Picks of the Week (Stanford rolls, Cal hangs tough, and Oregon dominates) | College Hotline
USC (minus-24) at WASHINGTON STATE: Only twice in the past 18 conference games have the Cougars come within 24 points of their opponent: The win over UW in ‘08 and the 13-point loss to ASU in ‘09. On the whole, USC has looked mediocre. But let’s remember that WSU needed a late rally to beat Montana State in Pullman. Pick: USC.
Other Stuff We Like
THE INTERNET IS A BASTION OF REASON, CONT'D - Every Day Should Be Saturday
This is going to go well: A group of students at Texas is petitioning to have the date of the 2011 Red River Shootout moved because the game falls on Yom Kippur.