Washington State opens fall practices August 2

Good morning Coug fans. If you have that extra pep in your step like I do, it’s probably because we are that much closer to the college football season. Pac-12 Media Day is complete, the preseason poll and preseason all-conference teams are announced, and about the only thing left is to start practice.

With practices upon us, it’s time for the whens and wheres.

The Cougs open fall practices next Friday, Aug. 2, in Pullman. As is usual nowadays, they’ll practice at home once before jumping on school buses and heading down the grade to Sacajawea Junior High School in Lewiston.

After six practices in another state, the team returns to Pullman for its first scrimmage on Aug. 9.—under the lights beginning at 7:30 p.m. They’ll scrimmage again on Aug. 17 at 1:30 p.m. All practices and scrimmages are open to the public up until Aug. 22. So plan accordingly.

There are a few position battles to pay attention to, if you plan on catching a practice or scrimmage. The running back situation is one to watch, given the new addition, and of course WSU is looking for a new quarterback. Who steps in to replace Jalen Thompson is something to watch on defense. I’m also interested in how Lamonte McDougle fits in.

WSU released its roster yesterday, and there are no surprises (but there is a Bacon, a Blessing, a Sky and a Rudder). As is seemingly tradition, CougFan did the Lord’s work and found out who the weight gainers and losers were. Looking slim, Syr Riley!

Links

What college football's craziest 2018 stats tell us about 2019
Can Tua be better? (Probably.) Can UConn's defense be worse? (Probably not.) Plus, a look at the spectacular fall of Louisville and lots more.

Pac-12 preview -- Washington vs. Oregon, the USC enigma and more
Will Washington win its third conference title in four years? Can Justin Herbert and Oregon make a run? We dig into these questions and more in our Pac-12 team previews.

Larry Scott says Pac-12 considering morning kickoffs with Fox | SI.com
Scott said the Pac-12 could be kicking off at 9 a.m. PT.

Pac 12 football: Larry Scott's plans to improve conference woes | SI.com
The Pac-12 has some issues that only winning can truly solve, but commissioner Larry Scott is making a valiant effort to improve the conference's product both on and off the field.

Mike Leach’s other occupation and how he got banned from it – The Athletic
He was just trying to get the word out, but doing so got him tossed out.

Tracking physical progression of WSU's 2018 class in year-two
WASHINGTON STATE'S FALL CAMP roster was released Friday afternoon and it presents an opportunity to see how the 2018 signing class has physically progressed in a year

Cougar Football Announces Fall Practice Schedule - Washington State University Athletics
WSU opens 2019 practice Friday, Aug. 2 in Pullman.

Additions, removals & position changes in WSU's updated roster
WSU roster additions, removals and position changes leading into fall camp