The launch of the Pac-12 Network(s) is now less than a month away and to prepare for the occasion, I called Comcast on Wednesday to tie up a few loose ends. I merely spoke to customer service and not an official spokesperson so none of the following is official, but more than likely it will all be accurate.
As we previously knew, the networks will launch on August 15. In Western Washington, the Pac-12 Network will be channel 431 while Pac-12 Washington will be channel 430. Both channels will be included as part of the "Digital Preferred" cable package. If you would like to include one of other Pac-12 regional networks, you can do so for $9.99 a month. That could be very beneficial for those of you not in Washington.
You can see the programming schedule for the first two and a half weeks of the Pac-12 Network here.
In other news, Christian Caple spoke with Bill Moos and Mike Leach on what they made of the current situation at Penn State. Leach didn't mince words on the situation.
"I know if there's a criminal in your midst, you need to eradicate him and find a way to stick him in jail," Leach said. "It appears to me that individuals at Penn State valued the reputation of Penn State more highly than they did the lives of young boys, which I think is ridiculously tragic. ... It's an oversimplification to suggest that this could happen everywhere. If the guy's a criminal, find him, track him down and put him in jail."
Football
WSU’s Leach, Moos offer opinions on Penn State scandal - Spokesman.com - July 18, 2012
Blame will be assigned. Punishment will be meted. And by the time it’s over, Jerry Sandusky might not be the only former Penn State staffer behind bars.
Pac-12 preseason position reviews: CBs - Pac-12 Blog - ESPN
Washington State: The entire two-deep is back, including starters Damante Horton and Daniel Simmons. On the downside, the Cougars ranked 11th in the conference in pass efficiency defense. They surrendered 24 touchdown passes while grabbing just eight interceptions. But if the pass rush improves, the Cougs should be at least solid at corner.
FORT WORTH, Texas - Washington State University senior quarterback Jeff Tuel was named to The Davey O'Brien National Quarterback Award® Watch List today.
Know The Foe Offseason Storylines: Washington St & Mike Leach - Vanquish The Foe
Bill Moos sure didn't seem scared. Washington State's athletic director knew he needed something big and something different, and was sure of his course. It has been 10 years since Mike Price took the Cougars to two Rose Bowls, posted three consecutive 10-win seasons, and then fell from grace. Pullman hasn't seen a winning team since.
Basketball
Pac-12 Basketball Rankings: Washington, Washington State Enter With Low Expectations - The Daily Drip - SB Nation Seattle
The Washington St. Cougars started out slowly and were forced to play the role of spoiler most season, but the team undoubtably had flashes of brilliance.