SPORTS MASTERY • Apple Cup Saturday. It sounds great after all the Apple Cup Fridays we’ve had to endure over the years. Hopefully that doesn’t carry over to the Apple Cup on Sunday.
•••••••
• If you are a fan Inland Northwest varsity sports, it was a tough weekend. Not only did Gonzaga lose last night, but both of the Zags’ games in Portland started around or after midnight on the East Coast. It’s 9pm in those parts, not that late but definitely not early.
Standing up was a bit of a chore.
Which brings us to tonight’s football game at Pullman. ESPN has scheduled a 7:30 a.m. departure.
(We always like to write it that way, but it’s necessary. It’s not Washington State or Washington that sets the tee time. Not the Pac-12 either. No. It’s the broadcast partner. The rest of us are, as Mongo said, are just pawns in the game of life.)
It’s not that late. But a college football game can take up to four hours, depending on each team’s propensity to kick the ball. We know Washington loves this season. And the Cougars aren’t opposed to it either, although they prefer to use Nakia Watson’s legs to power up the offense.
Staying until 11 or later to watch what might be the best ending to a college game this season — and/or the postgame celebration, which last year included a flag — isn’t easy for some of us. Maybe not you, Gen X. But those of us who were born before JFK took over the White House may struggle.
Heck, we haven’t seen much of Gonzaga’s second halves this week – not a bad thing last night in the 84-66 loss to No. 16 Purdue – and they haven’t been as late as tonight’s game might be.
We are ready however. We’ve found a time where we can take a nap today, as long as Oregon or Oregon State put their rival away quickly. That would leave us about an hour before Notre Dame ruins USC’s season — again.
• You know how advertisers everywhere like to refer to football as “the beautiful game? If you’re a fan of the sport, you get it. If not, then you’re humming through parts of any second half. But that’s not our point.
We felt watching Gonzaga play offensive basketball for the past few years was the real “beautiful game.” The Zags played with speed and panache. The ball moved side to side with a goal. It was shared immediately, one pass leading to the next, leading to an easy look and a bucket. Speed was essential. Efficiency was paramount. Nothing wasted except the defenders’ lungs.
This has often disappeared in the first games of this season. He did it again last night. Move selection has gone from getting great looks to forcing attempts through way too many hands.
It happened against the Boilermakers. And that was compounded by a few uncommitted Zags at the level they needed to be on the defensive. That the 18-point loss was no more was a testament to Anton Watson’s defensive effort and Drew Timme’s ability to score in a phone booth. Otherwise, GU looked uncomfortable on both sides for the final 30 minutes.
And looked little like it had been for years: a top 10 team.
•••
WSU: The Mike Leach era at Pullman is officially over. “It’s important to them and it’s really important to us,” coach Jake Dickert said this week of the Apple Cup, referring to Washington State’s consistently level-headed fans. They didn’t seem at all perturbed during the decade Leach played down the rivalry game, nor were they upset when he lost almost all of them. Of course they were. But Dickert understands. But will the Cougars get their second straight win in a rivalry game? Colton Clark believes it, in a tight game. His choice is accompanied by an overview and a look at the key elements. … Jacob Thorpe won’t be at Pullman tonight, but he has a few thoughts ahead of the Apple Cup. … Jabe Mullins and the Cougar men’s basketball team opened the weekend with a blowout win over Detroit Mercy at Beasley. … Elsewhere in Pac-12 and college football, Jon Wilner answers questions ahead of the final weekend of the regular season. …Washington wants revenge for last year’s loss at Husky Stadium and get the bad taste out of his mouth. … There were two Pac-12 games yesterday. Arizona won the Territorial Cup in Tucson, fending off Arizona State’s late tie attempt. … It’s fitting that Cal broadcaster Joe Starkey’s last game for Bear ended in a 35-28 loss to UCLA. California has lost most of the games he described in a 48-year career. The Bruins didn’t play their best but snapped a losing streak. … The most important game for the conference today is at the Coliseum, where USC hosts Notre Dame. … If Oregon wins today at Oregon State, the Ducks are in the conference title game. If the Beavers win, Utah still has a chance unless they lose to modest Colorado. The probability of the former is decent. The last? Almost inexistant. … Stanford plays the conference’s final regular-season game, hosting BYU. … In basketball news, Washington’s recent big win came late at night after most fans were asleep. … Oregon is beaten and beaten. The Ducks lost again, this time to Michigan State. … The Beavers also lost yesterday at Portland but OSU is feeling better about their performance against Florida. … USC lost to Wisconsin in the Bahamas. … Colorado is happy to be home.
Gonzaga: The Zags’ loss means that after today’s day off at the tournament, they will face Sean Miller’s Xavier team on Sunday instead of the scheduled game with Duke. But that’s for later. Theo Lawson has the final look at Friday’s game. … Jim Meehan has a story about Ben Gregg’s best match yet with Gonzaga. … Jesse Tinsley has the Portland Photo Gallery. … The people in the office have prepared a recap with the highlights. … If you were thinking of attending today’s game between the Eastern Women and GU at the Kennel, you can’t. The match was postponed due to health and safety protocols. … Back to the men, others have thoughts on the game. … Elsewhere in the WCC, Portland picked up a big win, overtaking Villanova in the PK tournament. Theo Lawson has the cover. … BYU picked up a win over Dayton.
Idaho: The Vandals play their first FCS playoff game in a long time today, traveling to Southeast Louisiana. Peter Harriman has three things to watch out for. … Elsewhere in the Big Sky, Montana hosts southeast Missouri in Missoula. …Weber State hosts North Dakota. … In basketball news, Montana State was beaten by UNC Greensboro. … Northern Colorado earned its second win of the season. … Portland State lost to West Virginia.
EU: The Eagles beat Stony Brook 81-52 as they opened the Florida International tournament.
Preparations: There are three area schools still alive in the state football playoffs. Dave Nichols has a look at today’s games.
Seahawks: The Hawks will feed Kenneth Walker III more this week as they begin their playoff push at home against the Raiders. … Cody Barton seems to be improving. … Dee Eskridge was too but now he’s heading to IR.
Sailors: Carlos Santana signed with the Pirates on Friday.
Kraken: Seattle started its road trip with two quick goals, scored two more in the second period and shut out Las Vegas in the third en route to a 4-2 win.
World Cup: The United States needed at least a draw on Friday if they were to have any hope of getting out of the pool game. He got it. The scoreless game means the men must beat Iran on Tuesday to move on, but that’s better than having to win and hope. Five points will suffice. The other impact of the draw? England must win or draw against Wales to move on.
•••
• It snowed during the night in our part of Spokane. The roads look a bit rough. It would be a good day to hide and do nothing, but it’s not possible. We feel for those who drive in Pullman. Take care of yourself. Until later …
SPORTS MASTERY • Apple Cup Saturday. It sounds great after all the Apple Cup Fridays we’ve had to endure over the years. Hopefully that doesn’t carry over to the Apple Cup on Sunday.
•••••••
• If you are a fan Inland Northwest varsity sports, it was a tough weekend. Not only did Gonzaga lose last night, but both of the Zags’ games in Portland started around or after midnight on the East Coast. It’s 9pm in those parts, not that late but definitely not early.
Standing up was a bit of a chore.
Which brings us to tonight’s football game at Pullman. ESPN has scheduled a 7:30 a.m. departure.
(We always like to write it that way, but it’s necessary. It’s not Washington State or Washington that sets the tee time. Not the Pac-12 either. No. It’s the broadcast partner. The rest of us are, as Mongo said, are just pawns in the game of life.)
It’s not that late. But a college football game can take up to four hours, depending on each team’s propensity to kick the ball. We know Washington loves this season. And the Cougars aren’t opposed to it either, although they prefer to use Nakia Watson’s legs to power up the offense.
Staying until 11 or later to watch what might be the best ending to a college game this season — and/or the postgame celebration, which last year included a flag — isn’t easy for some of us. Maybe not you, Gen X. But those of us who were born before JFK took over the White House may struggle.
Heck, we haven’t seen much of Gonzaga’s second halves this week – not a bad thing last night in the 84-66 loss to No. 16 Purdue – and they haven’t been as late as tonight’s game might be.
We are ready however. We’ve found a time where we can take a nap today, as long as Oregon or Oregon State put their rival away quickly. That would leave us about an hour before Notre Dame ruins USC’s season — again.
• You know how advertisers everywhere like to refer to football as “the beautiful game? If you’re a fan of the sport, you get it. If not, then you’re humming through parts of any second half. But that’s not our point.
We felt watching Gonzaga play offensive basketball for the past few years was the real “beautiful game.” The Zags played with speed and panache. The ball moved side to side with a goal. It was shared immediately, one pass leading to the next, leading to an easy look and a bucket. Speed was essential. Efficiency was paramount. Nothing wasted except the defenders’ lungs.
This has often disappeared in the first games of this season. He did it again last night. Move selection has gone from getting great looks to forcing attempts through way too many hands.
It happened against the Boilermakers. And that was compounded by a few uncommitted Zags at the level they needed to be on the defensive. That the 18-point loss was no more was a testament to Anton Watson’s defensive effort and Drew Timme’s ability to score in a phone booth. Otherwise, GU looked uncomfortable on both sides for the final 30 minutes.
And looked little like it had been for years: a top 10 team.
•••
WSU: The Mike Leach era at Pullman is officially over. “It’s important to them and it’s really important to us,” coach Jake Dickert said this week of the Apple Cup, referring to Washington State’s consistently level-headed fans. They didn’t seem at all perturbed during the decade Leach played down the rivalry game, nor were they upset when he lost almost all of them. Of course they were. But Dickert understands. But will the Cougars get their second straight win in a rivalry game? Colton Clark believes it, in a tight game. His choice is accompanied by an overview and a look at the key elements. … Jacob Thorpe won’t be at Pullman tonight, but he has a few thoughts ahead of the Apple Cup. … Jabe Mullins and the Cougar men’s basketball team opened the weekend with a blowout win over Detroit Mercy at Beasley. … Elsewhere in Pac-12 and college football, Jon Wilner answers questions ahead of the final weekend of the regular season. …Washington wants revenge for last year’s loss at Husky Stadium and get the bad taste out of his mouth. … There were two Pac-12 games yesterday. Arizona won the Territorial Cup in Tucson, fending off Arizona State’s late tie attempt. … It’s fitting that Cal broadcaster Joe Starkey’s last game for Bear ended in a 35-28 loss to UCLA. California has lost most of the games he described in a 48-year career. The Bruins didn’t play their best but snapped a losing streak. … The most important game for the conference today is at the Coliseum, where USC hosts Notre Dame. … If Oregon wins today at Oregon State, the Ducks are in the conference title game. If the Beavers win, Utah still has a chance unless they lose to modest Colorado. The probability of the former is decent. The last? Almost inexistant. … Stanford plays the conference’s final regular-season game, hosting BYU. … In basketball news, Washington’s recent big win came late at night after most fans were asleep. … Oregon is beaten and beaten. The Ducks lost again, this time to Michigan State. … The Beavers also lost yesterday at Portland but OSU is feeling better about their performance against Florida. … USC lost to Wisconsin in the Bahamas. … Colorado is happy to be home.
Gonzaga: The Zags’ loss means that after today’s day off at the tournament, they will face Sean Miller’s Xavier team on Sunday instead of the scheduled game with Duke. But that’s for later. Theo Lawson has the final look at Friday’s game. … Jim Meehan has a story about Ben Gregg’s best match yet with Gonzaga. … Jesse Tinsley has the Portland Photo Gallery. … The people in the office have prepared a recap with the highlights. … If you were thinking of attending today’s game between the Eastern Women and GU at the Kennel, you can’t. The match was postponed due to health and safety protocols. … Back to the men, others have thoughts on the game. … Elsewhere in the WCC, Portland picked up a big win, overtaking Villanova in the PK tournament. Theo Lawson has the cover. … BYU picked up a win over Dayton.
Idaho: The Vandals play their first FCS playoff game in a long time today, traveling to Southeast Louisiana. Peter Harriman has three things to watch out for. … Elsewhere in the Big Sky, Montana hosts southeast Missouri in Missoula. …Weber State hosts North Dakota. … In basketball news, Montana State was beaten by UNC Greensboro. … Northern Colorado earned its second win of the season. … Portland State lost to West Virginia.
EU: The Eagles beat Stony Brook 81-52 as they opened the Florida International tournament.
Preparations: There are three area schools still alive in the state football playoffs. Dave Nichols has a look at today’s games.
Seahawks: The Hawks will feed Kenneth Walker III more this week as they begin their playoff push at home against the Raiders. … Cody Barton seems to be improving. … Dee Eskridge was too but now he’s heading to IR.
Sailors: Carlos Santana signed with the Pirates on Friday.
Kraken: Seattle started its road trip with two quick goals, scored two more in the second period and shut out Las Vegas in the third en route to a 4-2 win.
World Cup: The United States needed at least a draw on Friday if they were to have any hope of getting out of the pool game. He got it. The scoreless game means the men must beat Iran on Tuesday to move on, but that’s better than having to win and hope. Five points will suffice. The other impact of the draw? England must win or draw against Wales to move on.
•••
• It snowed during the night in our part of Spokane. The roads look a bit rough. It would be a good day to hide and do nothing, but it’s not possible. We feel for those who drive in Pullman. Take care of yourself. Until later …