Cougs set to depart for Auburn

You know the season is close when the team is preparing to board a flight and fly into an opposing territory. WSU is almost at that point as the Cougars will head to Auburn today.

WSU doesn't play until Saturday, but real, live college football returns tonight. On top of that, there are nearly a dozen links below to keep you busy. Not feeling like reading this morning? Well, you're in luck. Brian Floyd hopped on Buffalo radio on Wednesday to talk Jeff Tuel and you can listen to his appearance below.

If that and everything else below isn't enough to keep you satisfied, sit tight there is a lot of content coming today. Just a teaser, I know there will be some talk about the most important player, a Google Hangout with a few of the guys talking about the season, a look at the Auburn defense and more. Like I said, it's going to be busy.

Football:

Bud Withers talked to Rueben Mayes who indicated Logan's decision to transfer was based on playing time. According to Rueben, Logan was told he wouldn't have a chance to crack the two-deep at defensive end. Issues in coverage took him out of the running at BUCK. Instead of playing a situational role, Mayes decided to transfer.

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Washington State’s Logan Mayes will transfer | Cougar Football | The Seattle Times

But Rueben Mayes said Wednesday night, "He was told at the beginning of training camp he would never have a chance to be in the two-deep at defensive end."

Leach mum on Mayes as Cougs ready for trip - SportsLink - Spokesman.com - Aug. 28, 2013

WSU's final full practice before departing for Auburn is over, and we have a few notes to pass along, including the latest on the Logan Mayes situation.

WSU live chat, 1 p.m. - SportsLink - Spokesman.com - Aug. 28, 2013

I think anything more than four would be a sure sign of progress. The Pac-12 is really, really tough this year, and WSU doesn't play the worst team (Colorado). Every game is a test.

Cougars story lines - Spokesman.com - Aug. 29, 2013

When he is asked about last season and why Washington State wasn’t able to win more than three games, one of coach Mike Leach’s most common refrains is that the Cougars lacked the experience necessary to capitalize on fortuitous situations.

Video: On the spot for Week 1 in the Pac-12 - ESPN

This week, Washington State coach Mike Leach and his quarterback, Connor Halliday, are on the spot on offense, while California defensive coordinator Andy Buh is on the spot on defense.

Pac-12 conference teams, players, coaches, most to prove - ESPN

Nothing is set in stone at Washington State, so Connor Halliday will need consistent play to hold the job (we’re assuming, for now, that it’s Halliday). Expect these players to be under the microscope all season.

Pac-12 picks - Spokesman.com - Aug. 29, 2013

Washington State at Auburn, Auburn by 15.5: Both of these teams have a mysterious quality about them. So we’re going with the home squad. Auburn 34-23.

Pac-12 football: Head-to-head vs. the SEC | College Hotline

The Pac-12 doesn’t get many chances to prove itself against the kingpin, and at first glance Washington State’s trip to Auburn this week doesn’t appear to be telling.

Chess match: Auburn's defense isn't overlooking Washington State's running game | al.com

All it takes is a quick glance at the numbers to see that Washington State was arguably the most one-dimensional offense in the nation last season.

SPOKANE, Wash.: Washington State prepares for Auburn | WSU Cougars | The Bellingham Herald

Washington State coach Mike Leach doesn't think the Cougars need to do anything special to prepare for the heat and big crowd expected when they play at Auburn on Saturday in the season opener for both teams.

Pac-12 players to watch: De'Anthony Thomas, Marqise Lee lead the way - Pacific Takes

Jeff Nusser, CougCenter: I'm probably not the only one to go with DeAnthony Thomas, but I don't care -- he's incredible.