During the offseason, there were times when I really had to search just to find a single WSU related thing to link. Judging by the number of links after the jump, it is clearly not the offseason anymore. I feel like I went from dumpster diving for a chicken bone to an all you can eat pass at the Met.
With so many things to get to, I'll highlight a few quick ones now, then organize the rest after the jump.
Let's start with Christian Caple's blog post from practice and story on Mike Leach's return to BYU.
Over at the ESPN Pac-12 blog, Ted Miller came out with his Week 1 power rankings and WSU checked in at No. 8. I didn't take the time to verify this, but I'm assuming that is the Cougars highest ranking in the history of the ESPN Pac-12 blog.
If there is one thing I know about CougCenter, it's that you all like polls. Well, here is an interesting poll from the Seattle Times asking which state of Washington quarterback (Jeff Tuel, Keith Price, Russell Wilson) will throw for the most yards in 2012. Price currently has the lead, but you can vote for yourself right here.
Finally, a couple of housekeeping notes. If you haven't submitted your prediction in B-Lot tailgater's prediction contest, you absolutely should. While you're at it, you should also join CougCenter's College Football Pick 'Em contest.
Now, I hope you cleared your schedule until lunch because there are 16 links to read after the jump.
WSU Football
Leaches nostalgic about BYU - Spokesman.com - Aug. 28, 2012
PULLMAN – Mike Leach just wanted to watch "Gunsmoke."
Here it is -- WSU's official depth chart - SportsLink - Spokesman.com - Aug. 27, 2012
And yes, we know. Official is a relative term here. Anyway, the first depth chart of the season is listed after the jump.
Pac-12 power rankings: Week 1 - Pac-12 Blog - ESPN
8. Washington State: The offense should be able to score a lot, and it might need to because the defense is highly questionable. QB Jeff Tuel and a strong crew of receivers should fit nicely with new coach Mike Leach's schemes. The expectation should be a first bowl berth since 2003.
Poll position: Which quarterback will pass for more yards? | The Brewery | The Seattle Times
Perhaps this should be clarified by asking about passing yards per game because the Seahawks play four more regular-season games. Actually, even though he'll play fewer games than the Seahawks, I'd still vote for Jeff Tuel, because of the way Mike Leach's offense functions. I expect Price to have a fine season, but Steve Sarkisian will strive for more balance on offense. Russell Wilson is more of a mystery. Assuming he holds down the job, Wilson will be fine, but the Seahawks hope to run the football a lot.
Pac-12 bowl projections: Week 1 - Pac-12 Blog - ESPN
Gildan New Mexico, Dec. 15: Washington State vs. MWC
WSU Notebook: Leach keeps it loose during conference call " Kitsap Sun
Mike Leach has a reputation for being a great offensive mind and a great interview. Not necessarily in that order.
COUGARS OPEN 2012 SEASON AT BYU ON ESPN: Under the direction of first-year head coach Mike Leach, Washington State University opens the 2012 season on the road for a nationally televised matchup against BYU in Provo, Utah at 7:15 p.m. (PT) Thursday.
Washington State Cougars Official Athletic Site
PULLMAN, Wash. - During the 2012 season, Washington State University football fans will have more entertainment options with Cougville, set to take place prior to every Cougar football home game.
It probably can't be said that Mike Leach won the hearts of every Washington State football player at his introductory meeting, but he definitely endeared himself to about a dozen.
Mike Leach returns to BYU with Washington State | PennLive.com
The most outrageous coach firing of the last three years was Mike Leach being removed at Texas Tech essentially because ESPN's Craig James launched a smear campaign against him -- one that worked for long enough to get the misdeed done.
WSU Football Recruiting
Colorful Cole Madison gets last laugh for Kennedy Catholic | High School Sports | The Seattle Times
Cole Madison hears the taunts. The curly-haired Madison let's them laugh until he takes the football field for Kennedy Catholic. Then, opponents stop laughing and start worrying about the 6-foot-5, 270-pound strongman. And the pancakes pile up for the Washington State verbal commit.
BYU
BYU football roster features hint of Mid-Columbia flavor | College Football | Tri-CityHerald.com
While most of the focus in Washington State’s opening football game has been on new coach Mike Leach, for some Mid-Columbians it’s all about the blue and white. Five area football players are on the Brigham Young University roster and will be hoping to make Leach’s debut with his Cougars a bad one.
Video: Mendenhall talks about Washington State, BYU's depth chart, and Hawaii transfer Michael Wadsworth | BYU Sports | The Salt Lake Tribune
BYU football coach Bronco Mendenhall spoke to reporters after Monday's practice about the Cougars' readiness for Thursday's opener against Washington State.
WSU Basketball
Washington State’s top freshman Que Johnson won’t play next season | The Dagger: College Basketball Blog - Yahoo! Sports
Washington State's quest to find perimeter scorers to complement all-league forward Brock Motum became a little more challenging Monday.
WSU Athletics
Volleyball Hosts Cougar Challenge Tournament - The Washington State University Official Athletic Site
WSU VOLLEYBALL HOSTS COUGAR CHALLENGE TOURNAMENT The Washington State University volleyball team (1-2) plays on its home court at Bohler Gym this weekend..
Pete Julian Resigns as WSU Cross Country Coach - The Washington State University Official Athletic Site
PULLMAN -- Washington State University's head coach for cross country and distance coach for the track and field program, Pete Julian, resigned Monday to take a position with the Nike Oregon Project in Portland, Ore.