HBO is rolling full steam ahead with its Hard Knocks-style college football docu-drama series — which includes the Washington State Cougars — by releasing a 90-second promo to YouTube on Thursday.
There’s nothing earth-shattering in the trailer, but I think it does give us a little bit of a sense of where the focus will be over the course of the series: On the coaches of the four programs. Herm Edwards of the Arizona State Sun Devils, Dan Mullen of the Florida Gators, James Franklin of the Penn State Nittany Lions, and Leach all feature prominently in the video above.
That’s not actually all that surprising, given that those are the four most recognizable people involved in this whole thing. Additionally, coaches probably believe they’re infinitely more well equipped to deal with the “distraction” of the cameras and interviews than the players are. (They’re probably right.)
The four-part series will air on Wednesday nights in October, with WSU’s episode airing on Oct. 23. Interestingly, the ASU episode will appear the week before — and include the Cougars as the Sun Devils’ opponents.
For what it’s worth, Stadium obtained a copy of the contract between ASU and HBO and the school is receiving $50,000 for its trouble; we can assume WSU is getting the same amount for giving the cable network pretty much as much access as it wants. Per Stadium, here’s what HBO is entitled to in the week leading up to the featured game:
- “Daily practice footage with Coach and members of his staff mic’d up”
- “Meetings with Coach and his staff throughout the week (in Coach’s office and meeting rooms)”
- “Interactions/meetings between the Coach, the Coach’s staff and team members”
- “Short interviews with Coach and select members of the Coach’s staff, along with members of the team, throughout the week”
- “Coach off the field, including, but not limited to, in his car, but not in his home”
- “Select players away from the field, at such times as determined by University”
Again, as you can see: Lots of focus on the coach. Which means it’s not hard to figure out why WSU was an attractive subject for this series, which figures to be a win for everyone involved.
ASU also is given a 24-hour window to review the episode for anything it finds objectionable, and we can assume the same guidelines would apply to WSU.
Gardner Minshew!
So, this is a thing that is clearly photoshopped in order to fool everyone.
So they're not the same person... pic.twitter.com/VAzOVzFRbh
— #DUUUVAL (@Jaguars) September 26, 2019
Gardner Minshew II: Jaguars QB meets Uncle Rico of ‘Napoleon Dynamite’
Jaguars QB/folk hero Gardner Minshew has often been compared to Uncle Rico of “Napoleon Dynamite.” On Thursday, he got to meet his doppelganger.
The legend of Jaguars quarterback Gardner Minshew, explained by his dad - SBNation.com
SB Nation spoke with Minshew’s dad Flint to learn more about the Jaguars’ cult-hero QB.
Jon Gries (aka ‘Uncle Rico’) visits Gardner Minshew and the Jags
The Jags had a legend come through to their facility Thursday to meet the Mississippi Mustache in person.
Gardnew Minshew t-shirt, how to buy Jaguars gear
Gardnew Minshew II jerseys and shirts are available for purchase and we know where to find them.
Scout's takes: Why I like Panthers' Kyle Allen, Jaguars' Gardner Minshew | Yardbarker
In his weekly five observations column, former NFL scout Matt Williamson assesses four young QBs quarterbacks and 49ers D-lineman Nick Bosa.
Don't let the mustache distract you, Gardner Minshew can beat the Broncos | Mile High Sports
Big Cat Country Q&A: Can I believe in Gardner Minshew yet? - Big Cat Country
Jaguars’ Gardner Minshew Gets Uncle Rico Comparison | Heavy.com
Actor Jon Gries, who played Uncle Rico in the hit film Napoleon Dynamite, stopped by the Jaguars practice, and he took a hilarious pic with QB Gardner Minshew.
Northwest football fans already know: Minshew Mania is real - oregonlive.com
What is it about Jacksonville Jaguars rookie quarterback Gardner Minshew that has the nation so captivated?
Football
Washington State defense has room to improve after first four games, but history is not on its side | The Spokesman-Review
In the wake of losing the highest-scoring football game in Pac-12 history, the Washington State defense is looking to bounce back against a Utah team that might be without two of its star playmakers on Saturday.
Washington State mailbag: In the aftermath of UCLA, how do the Cougars rebound and who steps up as leader of the defense? | The Spokesman-Review
In this week’s mailbag, we discuss Washington State’s morale coming out of the first loss of the season, how the depth chart looks after four weeks and what the Cougars can do to attack the Utes and get their Pac-12 season back on track.
Utah, like WSU, dealing with disappointment | Sports | lmtribune.com
To listen to Kyle Whittingham, you’d think his team had lost 67-63.
Opponent Preview: Washington State Defense - Block U
Things haven’t been the same since former defensive coordinator, Alex Grinch, left Pullman, WA for greener pastures. In his three years with the Cougars, he took one of the worst defenses in the...
Utah football hungry for bounce-back vs. Washington State in Week 5
It's the heart of the Pac-12 season and Utah football travels to Pullman to take on Washington State. Here's a preview, prediction and how to watch.
Utes will have hands full against Washington State’s vaunted ‘Air Raid’ attack - Deseret News
SALT LAKE CITY — As deep as Washington State coach Mike Leach can be on a variety of topics, he offered a relatively blunt assessment of last week’s improbable 67-63 loss to UCLA.
"Well, the first...
QA: Washington State’s Mike Leach on LaVell Edwards, targeting, why babies love football - Deseret News
The gospel of curiosity, innovation and simplicity from the man facing the Utah Utes this weekend
WSU Cougs look to bounce back in road matchup against Utah | krem.com
The Cougs will look to get back on track in Salt Lake City after being upset by UCLA at home. WSU hasn't lost to Utah since 2012.
Wazzu’s meltdown wasn’t Mike Leach’s fault -- just ask him: Snap Judgments & Cheap Shots - oregonlive.com
An irreverent look at college football.
Mike Leach's QB influence spreading in the NFL - Cougfan.com
USA Today wonders if Leach himself might be next to join the NFL
Mike Leach says LB Dom Silvels working through personal issues - Cougfan.com
Easop Winston being in better shape this year has allowed him to excel. Leach said
Former WSU lineman Reneau-Myers decides to leave Utah | Sports | lmtribune.com
Noah Reneau-Myers won’t be playing against his former team after all.
Winston Jr. Added To 2019 Biletnikoff Award Watch List - Washington State University Athletics
The Biletnikoff Award is given to the nation's most outstanding FBS receiver.
Everything Else
First Practice in the Books for Women's Basketball - Washington State University Athletics
The Cougars' opened up practice for the 2019-20 season Sept. 24.
Alger Top Defender, Again - Washington State University Athletics
The Cougars junior picked up her second Pac-12 Defensive Player of the Week award.
Cougs Fourth, Lund-Hansen Third in Coeur d'Alene - Washington State University Athletics
The senior just missed out on her first tournament title, finishing four-off the lead.
Cougars Athletics Announce Staff Additions, Promotions - Washington State University Athletics
Todd Barbour and Zach Margolis join the Cougar Athletic Strength and Conditioning staff.
Pac-12 Play Begins for Soccer - Washington State University Athletics
The Cougs begin conference play at home Saturday, Sept. 28 versus Oregon State.
T&F Welcomes Doug Fraley - Washington State University Athletics
Coach Fraley joins WSU staff to assist with jumps.
Pac-12 Schedule, TV Times Released for Women's Basketball - Washington State University Athletics
All 18 WSU Pac-12 games will be televised on the Pac-12 Network in 2019-20.
Swimming Opens 2019-20 Season at Home - Washington State University Athletics
WSU will host a relay meet Friday and a dual meet Saturday.
Cross Country Headed to Oregon - Washington State University Athletics
WSU set to compete at the Bill Dellinger Invitational Saturday.
WSU to take on Bears in Berkeley – The Daily Evergreen
WSU’s volleyball team could only celebrate for a few hours after beating the Huskies on Wednesday night as head coach Jen Greeny wanted to prepare early for a quick turnaround trip to Berkeley, California. The Cougars (12-1, 1-0 Pac-12) will look to add on to their 11-match win against No. 21 University of California (10-1,...