In case you haven't heard, today is Pac-12 media day. In addition to coach and player interviews, a big part of media day is the release of the media poll.
Do you remember when you were a kid on your birthday or Christmas or Festivus and you wake up early, run into the living room and start opening gifts? Nothing but pure joy and excitement. The release of the media poll is nothing like that.
Essentially, this is what is going to happen. A bunch of writers will submit their polls and then every fan base will proceed to bash the writers for their picks. I'm sure some of the picks will, in fact, be terrible. Others, like Bob Condotta's, will be perfectly reasonable. Regardless, Twitter and message boards will be ablaze. The only guarantee is literally every fan base will be angry about something.
USC fan: Bro, we only got 99 of 100 first place votes in the South. Let's find out who voted us second and make fun of their Twitter picture.
Arizona fan: @Pac12writer The 'Cats 8th?? How do you even have a job. Rich Rod is going to do big things. Matt Scott is a Heisman darkhorse. #Hater
WSU fan: Typical disrespect! The California writers couldn't be bothered to pay attention to what's going on in Pullman. They probably don't even know we have Leach!! I hope the boys use it as motivation!
Despite my overall disdain for the media poll, there are a lot of interesting things to follow on media day and CougCenter will have them all -- including the media poll -- covered. It all begins with a live thread at 8 a.m..
Football
Cougars’ Long, Laurenzi arrested - Spokesman.com - July 24, 2012
College football: Two potential starters on the Washington State football team were arrested in separate incidents during the past four days.
Pac-12 football Media Day: My picks in the league race - AG's Wildcat Report
Passing game guru Mike Leach could immediately rejuvenate Washington State, turning loose quarterback Jeff Tuel and receiver Marquess Wilson.
Pac-12 Network announces full on-air talent lineup for inaugural football season | UW Huskies Insider - The News Tribune
The Pac-12 Network announced its full on-air talent lineup today for its inaugural football season. And it has a little local flavor with former Sonics play-by-play man and current 710-AM radio host Kevin Calabro will join Ted Robinson and Dave Flemming as announcers for the network. Also Brooke Olzendam, a former Fox Sports Northwest reporter and Washington State grad will be a sideline reporter.
BYU football: Secondary to be tested early, often vs. Washington State | Deseret News
On Aug. 30, the Cougars host Pac-12 member Washington State in a season-opening game that marks Mike Leach's debut as WSU's head coach.
Video: Hope and concern -- WSU - Pac-12 Blog - ESPN
The Mike Leach hiring brings plenty of hope to Pullman, but with a coaching change comes concerns about players adjusting to new schemes and philosophies.