:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/64722011/usa_today_11272088.0.jpg)
Good morning Coug fans. This is your 50-day warning for Cougar football. Clean out the RV, iron your crimson t-shirts and clear your Saturdays starting Aug. 31. College football season is almost here.
The Cougs kick off the 2019 season on Aug. 31 late at night against New Mexico State. But you already knew about that. The college football season actually begins the week prior with a handful of Week Zero games, but your Cougs are gracious enough to let us have one more lake weekend before kicking things off Labor Day Weekend.
With 50 days to spend sans football, here’s what you can do to pass the time and get geared up for the season:
- Catch the latest season of Last Chance U, the popular Netflix documentary series. You’ll recall Calvin Jackson Jr. was on the show last summer, and while no current Cougs will be featured this time around, former signee Kelle Sanders is on the team. Sanders never made it to Pullman after signing in 2017. Watch the show’s trailer and don’t spoil the ending by looking up how Indy’s season went. Of course I didn’t do exactly that, why do you ask?
- Read this semi-long piece by Dennis Dodd of CBS Sports on the push to allow college athletes to profit from their name, image and likeness. The game is changing, folks.
- I think I’ve written this before, but now’s a good time to read or re-read The System: The Glory and Scandal of Big-Time College Football. The book’s authors—Jeff Benedict and Armen Keteyian—give readers a fascinating look into the world of college football. It’s a few years old, but still very relevant. Plus, there’s a lot of WSU stuff in there, particularly how Bill Moos hired Mike Leach. Thank you, Joe Giansante! (read the book)
- Get back to your favorite college football podcast. My go-to pod on college football is The Audible with Bruce Feldman and Stewart Mandel. I admit to taking a break in the offseason, but now’s a good time to re-download your favorites as media days start to happen. There are other college football podcasts out there, but when you spend no more than 25 minutes a day in your vehicle like me, you have to be picky.
- Create a YouTube playlist of all your favorite Cougar football games and highlights of the past. You’re welcome.
Pac-12 Media Day—singular, mind you—is July 24. Fall camp begins shortly after that, presumably back in Lewiston, Idaho.
Fifty days seems like a long time, but it’s plenty of time to both scratch that college football itch and get some quality boat time before the RV or couch replace the Crownline.
Links
How college athletes could profit from their name, image and likeness but still appease the NCAA - CBSSports.com
It's the first step in a long process moving toward compensating college athletes.
Hot Seat Rankings: Nine college football coaches with their jobs on the line in 2019 - CBSSports.com
These college football coaches better watch their backs throughout the 2019 season.
2019 College Football Hot Seat Rankings: Evaluating job security of all 130 FBS coaches - CBSSports.com
From 'win or be fired' to 'untouchable,' every college football coach gets rated by Dennis Dodd.
The top NFL draft prospect for each Top 25 college football team
Over the next two years, they should expect to hear their names called early during the NFL draft. Meet the players on the Top 25 teams who look like NFL stars in the making.
50 days till Cougs open season: 4 things we know, foresee
First and foremost, the QB decision will be made sooner than later.
PFF: Cardinals rookie S Jalen Thompson could project as nickel
Jalen Thompson, the Arizona Cardinals' NFL supplemental draft pick, is listed as a safety. But Pro Football Focus sees slot corners skills in him.
Jalen Thompson has ‘no moral character issues,’ says Mike Leach
Cardinals fans should not be worried about any off-the-field baggage for the supplemental draft pick.
Hal Mumme says practice was “always fun” with Mike Leach around – Vaughts Views
Mumme was on Michael Bennett’s radio show, “Just The Tip,” earlier this week and I got to be part of the show. Mumme got to talking about what is was like when Leach was with him at UK first as receivers coach and then offensive coordinator.