Washington State isn't set to play Idaho for another 12 months, but that game got a little extra intrigue on Tuesday with some comments from WSU linebacker coach Jeff Choate.
In an interview with Ryan Collingwood of Varsity CDA, Choate was discussing a high school player from Northern Idaho. The player, Chad Chalich, ended up at Idaho which prompted this quote from Choate.
We had a lot of conversations on what we should do with him at Boise State, but we ended up getting another commit and Chalich ended up at Idaho. When Idaho does what it should and play at the FCS level (Big Sky Conference) I think Chalich will be an all-American player and Walter Payton Award candidate.
...It's really not right what (Idaho) is doing to its players in letting them get beat so they can get a paycheck.
Idaho coach Rob Akey caught wind of Choate's comment and had this response. Via Josh Wright of the Spokesman Review.
Told of Choate's comments, Akey said, "You’ve got to be kidding me."
"My initial response is just that coach Choate should just pay attention to his responsibilities at Washington State," Akey said. "And feel free to print that."
While this miniature war or words doesn't mean a whole lot now, it will probably wind up on a bulletin board in 12 months when the Cougars are preparing to host the Vandals.
A quick programming note before we jump to the rest of the links. Bill Moos will be conducting a live chat at noon on the Seattle Times' website. You can ask a question, or just follow along right here.
Football
Mike Leach on Pac-12 coaches call - SportsLink - Spokesman.com - Sept. 18, 2012
FROM PULLMAN — Mike Leach answered questions on the Pac-12 coaches call today. He had some interesting things to say, as usual. Read on.
First look: Colorado at Washington State - Spokesman.com - Sept. 18, 2012
What it means for WSU: It’d be hard to imagine a softer landing for Mike Leach in his first game against a Pac-12 opponent as the Cougars’ coach.
Idaho notes: Akey responds to Choate - SportsLink - Spokesman.com - Sept. 18, 2012
Washington State linebackers coach Jeff Choate, a former Boise State assistant and Post Falls coach, had some strong comments today about Idaho's commitment to staying at the FBS level in a VarsityCdA.com article . We have the details below and Robb Akey's response after practice today
WSU practice: Morris says Ratliff must step up - SportsLink - Spokesman.com - Sept. 18, 2012
One quarterback took most of the reps during Washington State's practice today. But he didn't take all of them. We have that, plus a conversation with inside receivers coach Eric Morris, after the jump. Read onward.
Pac-12 football coaches buzz about injury reports - Spokesman.com - Sept. 19, 2012
Years from now, perhaps Arizona Wildcats head coach Rich Rodriguez will be lauded as an innovator.
Halliday or Tuel? QB Controversy Continues at Washington State - KHQ Right Now - News and Weather for Spokane and North Idaho |
Once again, Mike Leach is staying tight-lipped about who will be the starting quarterback Saturday when Washington State plays Colorado.
SPOKANE, Wash.: Leach declines to reveal starting QB | WSU Cougars | The Bellingham Herald
SPOKANE, WASH. — Washington State coach Mike Leach declined to say who would be his starting quarterback on Saturday when the Cougars host Colorado.
Week 4 Pac-12 power rankings | National Football Post
11. Washington State (2-1): Backup quarterback Connor Halliday threw four first-half touchdown passes for the Cougars during their 35-27 victory over UNLV.
WSU football coach Mike Leach plays coy, refuses to tip hand | WSU Cougars - The News Tribune
PULLMAN – Washington State football coach Mike Leach is a big movie buff.
Cougs, Buffs heading in different directions - Pac-12 Blog - ESPN
Washington State and Colorado, which will meet on Saturday, sit at the bottom of the Pac-12 power rankings at 11 and 12, respectively. But the drop-off from 11 to 12 appears to be fairly steep.
Live chat with WSU athletic director Bill Moos | Cougars | The Seattle Times
Moos will be available to talk about the new football season, his thoughts on the Pac-12 network and much more in a live chat at noon Wednesday on seattletimes.com.
Former Post Falls coach Choate enjoying Wazzu - VarsityCdA.com
Washington State linebackers coach Jeff Choate’s career is one that aligns with the age old axiom: You have to start somewhere.
WSU Athletics
Washington hands Washington State 3-1 loss in Pac-12 volleyball opener | Huskies | The Seattle Times
In a tense set late in a tight match, sophomore Kayleigh Nelson proved she can be counted on as a go-to hitter for the Washington volleyball team.
Cougar Men's Golf Comes Up Short - The Washington State University Official Athletic Site
BREMERTON, Wash. - The Washington State men's golf team was unable to climb the leaderboard ranks in the final round of the Kikkor Golf Husky Invitational on Tuesday at the Gold Mountain Golf Club. The Cougars finished tied for sixth, the same spot they finished the first two rounds in.
Cougar Women's Golf Finishes Strong - The Washington State University Official Athletic Site
CORVALLIS, Ore. - The Washington State women's golf team carded the best team score in the final round of the Oregon State Invitational and maintained their spot at second place for the tournament.