WSU Football begins training camp (!!!)

Good morning Cougar fans, and happy Sunday. More importantly, HAPPY FOOTBALL! The official start of the (pre)season occurred Saturday, as the 2014 version of the Cougs began training camp in Lewiston. If the coaches are smart, they all made their way across the bridge to Clarkston after practice, mitigating the hot weather with a couple cold ones and a slice or five of a "Q" pizza from Fazzari's.

We can now look forward to daily reports on our favorite team, starting Sunday and not ending until December, or maybe even January. I know, probably not, but hey, 'tis the season for boundless optimism. As with spring practice, the number one goal is to get through fall camp with a healthy team. Next is the development of the offensive line, defensive backs and hopefully a solidified situation in the kicking game.

Here are some tidbits from WSU's first practice, courtesy of Jacob Thorpe:  Apparently Inside receivers coach David Yost suffered the most significant injury of the offseason when he broke his leg. On the plus side, as Leach mentioned, he gets to ride around in a golf cart. Isaac Dotson is still limited with, presumably, some sort of injury. While it may not be serious, he is one of the guys that needs every rep he can get during practice. Hopefully he's back before long.

In case you forgot, Chandler Leniu (6-feet, 250) and Kingston Fernandez (6-2, 254) play linebacker. I recall the bad old days when it seemed like those were the measurements of some of the offensive linemen WSU was trotting out there. Despite his issues with the law, again, Drew Loftus was a full practice participant. Ok, enough of my rambling. There are lots of links that need perusing. Football is here. Saying that will never get old.

Football

Cougars open camp in Lewiston - Spokesman Review

Aesthetically speaking, the setting was all that separated the first practice of Washington State’s 2014 football season from all those that preceded it under coach Mike Leach, and all that will follow.

Notes and quotes from WSU's first fall practice - SportsLink - Spokesman.com - Aug. 2, 2014
There was a lot to like in Washington State's first practice of the 2014 campaign. The seniors played well, some of the freshmen look like seniors and there wasn't a single death due to bugs or heat. At least not among the reporters there weren't.

WSU drill of the day: offensive line - SportsLink - Spokesman.com - Aug. 2, 2014
Jacob Thorpe took some video of an offensive line drill, and had Clay McGuire explain the reasoning behind the drill. It gives insight into the technical parts of a football practice, as well as how quickly monotony can set in.

Cougar Football Holds First Fall Practice - Washington State University Official Athletic Site
As I watched this interview, I kept telling myself, "I know that guy in the Mutual of Omaha's Wild Kingdom hat." I finally figured it out. Between that hat and the old-school Mariners hat, there were great lids everywhere at practice.

Cougars QB Connor Halliday is geared up for monster final season | Cougar Football | The Seattle Times
Halliday has had a wildly varied career at WSU, during which he’s thrown for a lot of touchdowns and been intercepted a lot. He wears his heart on his sleeve. "You can say whatever you want about me," Halliday says. "I’m going to be a resilient guy."

Halliday Named to Johnny Unitas Award Watch List - Washington State University Official Athletic Site
We already have a Golden Throat in these parts. Might we soon have a Golden Arm as well? I'm not opposed.

Leach: These Cougars are my best (of course) | Sportspress Northwest
The big task for 2014 Cougars is to keep Connor Halliday healthy behind an offensive line that starts three Pac-12 rookies.

Nonconference primer: Washington State - Pac-12 Blog - ESPN
The Cougs had their turn for ESPN's Pac-12 Blog Nonconference primer. As we all know, WSU isn't exactly facing murderer's row here, but Rutgers and Nevada will provide decent matchups.

2014 Pac-12 Ultimate Road Trip: Week 14 - Pac-12 Blog - ESPN
Of the remaining games, we’re going with the Apple Cup simply because it’s exciting to see a new coach indoctrinated into the rivalry. We all know what happened in Mike Leach’s first season. And the Huskies, of course, returned the favor last year.

Knowing your enemy: 2014 Rutgers football opponent - Washington State Cougars - On the Banks

For the second straight season, Rutgers football begins their campaign on the west coast against a spread offense team. For 2014, the Knights kick off against Mike Leach and the Washington State Cougars, who seem to be on the cusp of a breakout year in the incredibly deep Pac-12.

Beer

Sierra Nevada's Beer Camp 12-Pack, Ranked
Dear Lord Baby Jesus, lying there in your...your little ghost manger, lookin' at your Baby Einstein developmental...videos, learnin' 'bout shapes and colors...if you do one thing for me, please have this product available in Florida if/when I get back home.

Non-Sports

Down With America's Kid-Competition Complex
The "DAD" quoted here provides more evidence that there are no good parents. There are parents, and there are bad parents.