Checking in on Rutgers ahead of the season opener

Washington State continued fall camp practice on Wednesday and the Cougars are still early enough in practice that the focus remains on themselves. The team may have watched some Rutgers film, the coaches probably have an idea of what they want to do, but overall the focus is still on improving and getting better.

The Scarlet Knights are likely doing something similar, but at least now we know which quarterback will be under center. Rutgers held an open competition for the job in spring and head coach Kyle Flood announced Gary Nova as the starter for the season opener. Nova, a senior, has plenty of experience and will start his third season opener. He still had to the win the job, however, because interception issues led to him being benched late last year. Accuracy hasn't been Nova's strong suit either, as he's completed just 54.7 percent of his passes.

Rutgers has its starting quarterback and the Scarlet Knights are also apparently having some fun during camp. On Wednesday, that included coaches and players in uniform taking a dip in cold tubs while music blared and lights flashed. There was even a fog machine (or possibly fire extinguishers being used as fog machines).

Coaches will try anything to break up the grind of camp. That's the first time I've ever seen the cold tub area turned into a nightclub though.

Football:

Drill of the Day: Hard Tackle - SportsLink - Spokesman.com - Aug. 6, 2014
Our second Drill of the Day installment takes a look at the drill Washington State uses to prepare its defenders to make touchdown-saving tackles at the goal line. The video and an explanation of the drill by linebackers coach Ken Wilson are after the jump.

No pads but plenty of hits - SportsLink - Spokesman.com - Aug. 6, 2014
Mike Leach decided to wait until the fatigue of early camp wears off some before putting his guys in full pads. His guys barely noticed. The hits that were laid on both sides of the ball were worthy of body armor during WSU's fifth day of practice in Lewiston. Still, the hits played second fiddle to some of the catches made by WSU's wide receivers, including one that Leach referred to afterwards as, "one of the best catches of my entire career."

Rutgers Scarlet Knights go with Gary Nova again at quarterback - ESPN
In an announcement that wasn't the least bit surprising, except maybe for its early timing, Rutgers officially tabbed senior Gary Nova as its starting quarterback on Wednesday evening.

WSU’s backup QB has taken ‘strange path’ | Cougar Football | The Seattle Times

Redshirt freshman quarterback Luke Falk has more varied college football experiences than a Heisman Trophy winner.

Soccer:

Cougar Soccer Opens Fall Practice - Washington State University Official Athletic Site

The Washington State soccer team took its first step toward a fourth-straight NCAA postseason when it opened fall camp, Wednesday.

Volleyball:

Kyra Holt Named to Preseason All-Pac-12 Team - Washington State University Official Athletic Site

Washington State sophomore Kyra Holt was named to the 2014 Preseason All-Pac-12 Volleyball team by a vote of the league’s coaches, the Conference office announced Wednesday.

WSU:

WSU to open store in downtown Spokane - Spokesman.com - Aug. 6, 2014

Washington State University is opening a downtown Spokane store that will be a one-stop shop for fans and alumni.