Mike Leach keeps a Viking axe next to his bed

Mike Leach has strong opinions on things. A lot of things. Included among those are online dating, Donald Trump (also of note, Mike Leach has a fan in Donald Trump too), signing for packages naked, and pirates. Why not include gun violence in that list.

Coach Leach joined John Canzano on his Portland radio show, to talk about a lot of stuff. I assume that football was in there somewhere too. The topic that caught most of the headlines was when Mike Leach was asked about the recent tragedy in Oregon. (Note: Stefanie Loh transcribed these quotes so we don't have to)

"I think there’s an incredible number of people who don’t know how guns work to begin with. We need a way to enforce the gun laws that exist now... Whether it’s a car or boat or motorcycle, it’s a dangerous item, so you have to show a level of competence and get a license before you’re allowed to operate something that’s dangerous. Guns are dangerous but you don’t have to get a license to operate guns. I think in order to operate a gun, you should have a license"

While "Mike Leach: Public Policy Maker" is a fun hat for the WSU Head Coach to wear, I think "Mike Leach: Guy That Keeps a Viking Axe in His Bedroom" is a better one.

I keep my guns on one part of the house totally locked up, and I keep the ammunition in another part of the house... There’s this (absurd) notion of ‘if you come in my house I’ll shoot ya.’ I do have a Viking axe by the bed if I need to whack someone. … My wife bought me a Viking axe – the axe side curls down so you can grab the adversary around the neck and you can use it to climb walls, as a grappling hook.'"

Mike Leach: Head Football Coach. Author. Lawyer. Axeman. Neck-Grabber. Spiderman?

Connor Halliday

B.C. brings another intriguing arm to camp
Former Washington State signal-caller Connor Halliday arrived in camp Tuesday along with six others as part of the Lions’ expanded practice roster. The Canadian Football League permits practice rosters, normally consisting of seven players, to be expanded to a maximum of 15 for a 30-day window, which starts Sept. 5 and ends Nov. 8.

Football

WSU practice notes: Offense takes a trip to the beach | The Spokesman-Review
Washington State's defense played pretty well on Tuesday, but offense ended the day rolling in the sand thanks to some late turnovers.

Washington State's passing game could be tough for Ducks to stop | FOX Sports
In last year's matchup between Washington State and Oregon in Pullman, the Cougars completed 43 passes for 436 yards and four touchdowns. While the Ducks won 38-31, the Oregon secondary was completely exposed.

College Football Betting Preview: Washington State Cougars at Oregon Ducks
Last week the Oregon Ducks took control in the second half against Colorado turning a tie game at half into a 41-24 win as they rebounded at least temporarily from the embarrassing 62-20 home loss to the Utah Utes. However, I feel the Washington State Cougars have enough edges and a good enough offense right now to make this a competitive game for a full 60 minutes.

Could WSU lose to Portland State and beat Oregon Ducks? | Sports | Eugene, Oregon
Maybe Oregon should ask Bruce Barnum for the blueprint to beating Washington State. Portland State opened the season with a stunning 24-17 victory over the Cougars on Sept. 5 at soggy Martin Stadium.

Watch: Mark Helfrich on Ducks-Washington State, QBs and 'Barny Ball' | OregonLive.com
At his weekly availability, the Oregon Ducks coach talked about the secondary, running backs, depth at quarterback and his friendship with Portland State Vikings coach Bruce Barnum.

Puddles Is A Jerk

Oregon Mascot Uses 'Oregon Trail' Graphics to Masterfully Troll Washington State
I don't care if the university has come out to say the mascot's name isn't Puddles. Puddles is a cool name anyway. I refuse to call him "The Duck". "The Duck" is a stupid name. "The Duck" isn't a name, it's what he is. I'm not going to name my kid "The Person". Plus, he's just mean, so why would I call him what he wants to be called?

Basketball

Men’s Basketball to Hold Open Fieldhouse Practice - Washington State University Official Athletic Site
The Cougars' practice on Oct. 17 at 11:30 a.m. is open to the public.

Soccer

No. 17 Cougars to Face Utes and Buffs - Washington State University Official Athletic Site
The Cougars will face Utah Friday, at 3 p.m. PT, and Colorado Sunday, at noon PT.