In case you hadn't noticed, we are smack dab in the middle of major college sports fandom's dog days. Basketball is long gone and football is still several ridgelines away. The College World Series is going on, but that's not exactly a hot-button topic when your team isn't very good. So what to write about?
I noticed some sentiment from a few commenters on Saturday, and wondered whether their opinions reflected those of a large segment of our readers. So I will ask the question: If given the choice, would you rather see WSU play in the Rose Bowl or the College Football Playoff? Broken down a bit further, would you rather see WSU win the Rose Bowl or lose the CFP Title Game? Lose the Rose Bowl or lose in the CFP semis? I am genuinely curious.
Personally, though many of us grew up revering the Rose Bowl, I would prefer to see WSU among the Final Four. (Especially this year because the title game is in Tampa) A spot in the CFP is a spot among the best of the best. It also means many more eyes will be on WSU.
Despite falling off a cliff compared to the previous year, an average of 17.1 million people watched the CFP semifinals on New Year's Eve, whereas 13.6 million tuned into the Rose Bowl. While ratings can be misleading due to a number of factors, that's a pretty big difference.
Exposure on a national stage is something WSU desperateley needs for many reasons, and the CFP would garner that much moreso than the Rose Bowl would. So if I could pick, give me a chance to watch the Cougs in the CFP every time. But I still do love the Rose Bowl. How about you?
Football
Athlon projects the Pac-12's best for 2016
Five Cougars are listed on the top two teams. It's so fun to have talented players again.
Athlon Complete Pac-12 Preview for 2016
It is an extremely strange feeling to see a predicted record of 8-4 and think, "This team can win more than that."
Pac-12 Football: Way Too Early Week 1 Predictions | College Football News
The Pac-12 can make a massive splash right out of the gate, but it won’t be easy. Who’ll win the Week 1 games? Check out the way-too-early picks for each Pac-12 game.
Top-10 games for the 2016 Pac-12 football season
Here’s the sixth installment of a series looking ahead to the 2016 season, with the list below framed in this manner: If I could watch just 10 games involving Pac-12 teams, these would be the 10.
Larry Scott on the Pac-12 Networks: "Optimal model for us"
Larry Scott and the conference CEOs continue to whistle through the graveyard.
Beer
Best beer I had this week: Hoo boy, lots of good candidates. I figured it would be a competition between Harpoon Camp Wannamango Pale Ale and Green Flash Dia De Los Serranos Double Stout. Both are tremendous. Then I wandered up to Cigar City on Friday, where they were serving up Seasonal Sneak, a pumpkin chocolate stout. If you think June is not the right time for a pumpkin beer, Cigar City is here to help.
We'd like to address some of the questions regarding Seasonal Sneak with this handy chart. pic.twitter.com/LltXtAv8FJ
— Cigar City Brewing (@CigarCityBeer) June 16, 2016
Heck yes! Seasonal Sneak is outstanding.
Apparently, Craft Beer Drinkers Have Healthier Habits Than The Rest Of Us - Maxim
This somewhat reflects yours truly, except the part about working out in groups. The only thing worse than Gym Guy is a pair of Gym Guys.
Non-Sports
Blindsided: A Dream Engagement Turned Nightmare - Indianapolis Monthly
The truth, as always, is stranger than fiction.