Pac-12: Connor Halliday
There were a lot of new and few answers this spring in the Pac-12.
The new is four new coaches: Rich Rodriguez at Arizona, Todd Graham at Arizona State, Jim Mora at UCLA and Mike Leach at Washington State. The lack of answers comes mostly at quarterback, though it now seems in vogue for coaches to downplay -- or refuse to provide -- a post-spring depth chart, thereby leaving just about every position allegedly up for grabs.
Or as Oregon coach Chip Kelly cryptically explained when asked if any Ducks questions were answered this spring, "I don’t know what that phenomena is, but we don’t have answers that are answered after spring, Grasshopper."
He didn't say "Grasshopper," but it seemed to be strongly implied.
USC and Washington entered and exited spring with QB certainty, with Matt Barkley and Keith Price ranking among the nation's best. California, Utah, Arizona and Oregon State appear solid at the position. Washington State is just short of set with Jeff Tuel, as Tuel's lights-out performance in the spring game -- 19-of-21 for 285 yards and two touchdowns -- made his position seem strong with an injured Connor Halliday on the sidelines.
That leaves Arizona State, Colorado, Oregon, Stanford and UCLA. All five entered spring with QB uncertainty, and they exit it that way.
The Ducks QB situation was a national story after Darron Thomas surprisingly -- and unwisely -- opted to enter the NFL draft. Before spring began, Bryan Bennett, who played well in relief of Thomas last year, seemed like a strong frontrunner over Marcus Mariota. But Mariota overwhelmingly outplayed Bennett in the spring game, an ESPN3 broadcast that was the Ducks' only open practice, looking good as a runner and passer.
Still, Kelly only acknowledged what everyone saw and said onward to the summer.
Arizona State and UCLA started spring with three legitimate challengers at QB. While it seemed as though there was daily speculation of an emerging pecking order, both programs placed "ORs" between their troikas on their post-spring depth chart. While it would seem that Mike Bercovici and Michael Eubank are ahead of Taylor Kelly for the Sun Devils, and Brett Hundley and Richard Brehaut are ahead of returning starter Kevin Prince for the Bruins, those competitions are unresolved, according to both head coaches.
Same can be said for Stanford, though the Cardinal only have a two-man race with Brett Nottingham and Josh Nunes. Neither played terribly well in the spring game, so Andrew Luck's very, very large cleats remain unfilled.
Still, know that the coaches have a pretty good idea of the pecking order, even as they opt to be coy. Mora said he'll name his starter by Aug. 16, while Graham intimated his ultimate decision isn't far away.
"We're a lot closer than what it appears probably from the outside," he said.
Colorado's QB competition never really got started. Pre-spring frontrunner Connor Wood, a Texas transfer, was pretty much handed an opportunity to take the job with Nick Hirschman out with a foot injury, but Wood failed to break through. While Wood may well still be the frontrunner, it's also possible incoming freshman Shane Dillon could get into the mix, as could Jordan Webb, a former starter at Kansas who may end up in Boulder via transfer.
Coach Jon Embree isn't eager to prolong the indecision.
"If it's a clear cut deal, I'm not going to waste time," he said. "I think it's important that the team knows and that quarterback know that they're going to be leading the team."
What this all means is that nearly half the Conference of Quarterbacks is undecided at the position and likely will remain that way until mid-August. Or later.
Of course, feel free to consult the heavens -- or the message boards -- for hints at what might lay ahead.
The new is four new coaches: Rich Rodriguez at Arizona, Todd Graham at Arizona State, Jim Mora at UCLA and Mike Leach at Washington State. The lack of answers comes mostly at quarterback, though it now seems in vogue for coaches to downplay -- or refuse to provide -- a post-spring depth chart, thereby leaving just about every position allegedly up for grabs.
Or as Oregon coach Chip Kelly cryptically explained when asked if any Ducks questions were answered this spring, "I don’t know what that phenomena is, but we don’t have answers that are answered after spring, Grasshopper."
He didn't say "Grasshopper," but it seemed to be strongly implied.
[+] Enlarge
AP Photo/Dean HareA strong spring game helped Jeff Tuel in his bid to be Washington State's starting QB.
AP Photo/Dean HareA strong spring game helped Jeff Tuel in his bid to be Washington State's starting QB.That leaves Arizona State, Colorado, Oregon, Stanford and UCLA. All five entered spring with QB uncertainty, and they exit it that way.
The Ducks QB situation was a national story after Darron Thomas surprisingly -- and unwisely -- opted to enter the NFL draft. Before spring began, Bryan Bennett, who played well in relief of Thomas last year, seemed like a strong frontrunner over Marcus Mariota. But Mariota overwhelmingly outplayed Bennett in the spring game, an ESPN3 broadcast that was the Ducks' only open practice, looking good as a runner and passer.
Still, Kelly only acknowledged what everyone saw and said onward to the summer.
Arizona State and UCLA started spring with three legitimate challengers at QB. While it seemed as though there was daily speculation of an emerging pecking order, both programs placed "ORs" between their troikas on their post-spring depth chart. While it would seem that Mike Bercovici and Michael Eubank are ahead of Taylor Kelly for the Sun Devils, and Brett Hundley and Richard Brehaut are ahead of returning starter Kevin Prince for the Bruins, those competitions are unresolved, according to both head coaches.
Same can be said for Stanford, though the Cardinal only have a two-man race with Brett Nottingham and Josh Nunes. Neither played terribly well in the spring game, so Andrew Luck's very, very large cleats remain unfilled.
Still, know that the coaches have a pretty good idea of the pecking order, even as they opt to be coy. Mora said he'll name his starter by Aug. 16, while Graham intimated his ultimate decision isn't far away.
"We're a lot closer than what it appears probably from the outside," he said.
Colorado's QB competition never really got started. Pre-spring frontrunner Connor Wood, a Texas transfer, was pretty much handed an opportunity to take the job with Nick Hirschman out with a foot injury, but Wood failed to break through. While Wood may well still be the frontrunner, it's also possible incoming freshman Shane Dillon could get into the mix, as could Jordan Webb, a former starter at Kansas who may end up in Boulder via transfer.
Coach Jon Embree isn't eager to prolong the indecision.
"If it's a clear cut deal, I'm not going to waste time," he said. "I think it's important that the team knows and that quarterback know that they're going to be leading the team."
What this all means is that nearly half the Conference of Quarterbacks is undecided at the position and likely will remain that way until mid-August. Or later.
Of course, feel free to consult the heavens -- or the message boards -- for hints at what might lay ahead.
The Pac-12 is the conference of quarterbacks. And that's making the Pac-12 less newsy this spring because there isn't much quarterback news. And apparently won't be even when the last whistle sends us into the true offseason.
It appears few coaches are eager not only to announce a starter but also to create a depth chart behind a returning starter.
With Arizona, Colorado, Stanford and USC already done and Arizona State, California, Utah and Washington State finishing up this weekend, here's a look at where things stand -- which is generally up in the air.
Arizona: Matt Scott is the starter. The battle for the backup job is wide-open, with a junior college transfer and two freshmen coming in and part-time receiver Richard Morrison also in the mix.
Arizona State: The Sun Devils quarterback competition still seems be a three-man race between Mike Bercovici, Michael Eubank and Taylor Kelly, though it's clear coaches would like to reduce things to a two-man race ASAP. There has long been a strong sentiment for the physically impressive Eubank, but most of that is speculative. Still, I'd guess Eubank will be in any mix of a final two. Too much dual-threat upside to ignore.
California: Zach Maynard is the starter. Allan Bridgford is No. 2. It doesn't appear that touted true freshman Zach Kline will do any better than win the No. 3 job.
Colorado: Buffalo fans were goosed about Texas transfer Connor Wood before spring. Then when his only real competition, Nick Hirschman, re-injured his foot, it seemed like spring would become a coronation. That didn't happen. Doesn't mean Wood won't win the job. Only that the competition will go into the fall, and there could be a wildcard (or two). Such as a freshman or perhaps Jordan Webb, a potential transfer from Kansas.
Oregon: Closed practices have made the Pac-12's most interesting quarterback competition a footnote. Bryan Bennett or Marcus Mariota? No one knows, and won't know until Chip Kelly decides to announce a decision.
Oregon State: Sean Mannion is the starter. Capable Cody Vaz is the backup. I've got $1 that says nothing changes, barring injury.
Stanford: To me, there is more movement here than some suspect. I saw Brett Nottingham, the 2011 backup, as the favorite to replace Andrew Luck heading into the spring. It seems Josh Nunes has made up ground. Is it meaningful he played the spring game entirely with the first-team? How can it not be?
UCLA: A looong way to go here. I felt a solid lean for newblood -- redshirt freshman Brett Hundley -- before new coach Jim Mora's first spring began. But you can't discount Kevin Prince and Richard Brehaut's vastly superior experience. Brehaut decided not to miss spring due to baseball, as he previously planned, which would have eliminated him from the competition. Further, coordinator Noel Mazzone isn't looking for a run-first quarterback. He wants a guy who can dish it around accurately.
USC: Spring was all about finding a backup for Matt Barkley, and the competition wasn't resolved. Max Wittek is an intriguing talent. Cody Kessler is the swashbuckler. Jesse Scroggins is the guy who may have blown his chance by forgetting to do his classwork.
Utah: Jordan Wynn, the clear starter, is having a good spring. It appears true freshman Travis Wilson has asserted himself in the backup competition.
Washington: The real battle to be Keith Price's backup won't start until the fall when touted incoming freshmen Cyler Miles and Jeff Lindquist arrive, but Derrick Brown has been solid this spring.
Washington State: Not unlike the man himself, I believe this is Jeff Tuel's job to lose. But it's still too early to count out sophomore Connor Halliday, who's missed spring practices with a lacerated liver.
It appears few coaches are eager not only to announce a starter but also to create a depth chart behind a returning starter.
With Arizona, Colorado, Stanford and USC already done and Arizona State, California, Utah and Washington State finishing up this weekend, here's a look at where things stand -- which is generally up in the air.
Arizona: Matt Scott is the starter. The battle for the backup job is wide-open, with a junior college transfer and two freshmen coming in and part-time receiver Richard Morrison also in the mix.
Arizona State: The Sun Devils quarterback competition still seems be a three-man race between Mike Bercovici, Michael Eubank and Taylor Kelly, though it's clear coaches would like to reduce things to a two-man race ASAP. There has long been a strong sentiment for the physically impressive Eubank, but most of that is speculative. Still, I'd guess Eubank will be in any mix of a final two. Too much dual-threat upside to ignore.
California: Zach Maynard is the starter. Allan Bridgford is No. 2. It doesn't appear that touted true freshman Zach Kline will do any better than win the No. 3 job.
Colorado: Buffalo fans were goosed about Texas transfer Connor Wood before spring. Then when his only real competition, Nick Hirschman, re-injured his foot, it seemed like spring would become a coronation. That didn't happen. Doesn't mean Wood won't win the job. Only that the competition will go into the fall, and there could be a wildcard (or two). Such as a freshman or perhaps Jordan Webb, a potential transfer from Kansas.
Oregon: Closed practices have made the Pac-12's most interesting quarterback competition a footnote. Bryan Bennett or Marcus Mariota? No one knows, and won't know until Chip Kelly decides to announce a decision.
Oregon State: Sean Mannion is the starter. Capable Cody Vaz is the backup. I've got $1 that says nothing changes, barring injury.
Stanford: To me, there is more movement here than some suspect. I saw Brett Nottingham, the 2011 backup, as the favorite to replace Andrew Luck heading into the spring. It seems Josh Nunes has made up ground. Is it meaningful he played the spring game entirely with the first-team? How can it not be?
UCLA: A looong way to go here. I felt a solid lean for newblood -- redshirt freshman Brett Hundley -- before new coach Jim Mora's first spring began. But you can't discount Kevin Prince and Richard Brehaut's vastly superior experience. Brehaut decided not to miss spring due to baseball, as he previously planned, which would have eliminated him from the competition. Further, coordinator Noel Mazzone isn't looking for a run-first quarterback. He wants a guy who can dish it around accurately.
USC: Spring was all about finding a backup for Matt Barkley, and the competition wasn't resolved. Max Wittek is an intriguing talent. Cody Kessler is the swashbuckler. Jesse Scroggins is the guy who may have blown his chance by forgetting to do his classwork.
Utah: Jordan Wynn, the clear starter, is having a good spring. It appears true freshman Travis Wilson has asserted himself in the backup competition.
Washington: The real battle to be Keith Price's backup won't start until the fall when touted incoming freshmen Cyler Miles and Jeff Lindquist arrive, but Derrick Brown has been solid this spring.
Washington State: Not unlike the man himself, I believe this is Jeff Tuel's job to lose. But it's still too early to count out sophomore Connor Halliday, who's missed spring practices with a lacerated liver.
WSU's Tuel knows how to roll with change
April, 11, 2012
Apr 11
1:00
PM ET
By
Kevin Gemmell | ESPN.com
It didn't exactly take clairvoyance to see a coaching change coming at Washington State in the wake of a 4-8 season. But that's not why Jeff Tuel was expecting a shakeup.
The Washington State quarterback played in four different offenses under four different head coaches in high school, so shaking hands with a new skipper and opening a new playbook have become as clockwork to Tuel as the passing of the seasons.
"I think for some other guys it would be easy to get frustrated, having to learn a whole new system," Tuel said, who begins his senior season in September. "But it's actually something I've gotten used to. I never really had the chance to become accustomed to an offense and really know the ins and outs. Change is something I'm used to so I haven't really struggled picking it up because I'm used to it with my past experiences."
And if you're a quarterback learning a new system, what better scheme to study than Mike Leach's vaunted passing attack, which makes its debut in Pullman this season.
"Playing for coach Leach is a daily surprise," Tuel said with a laugh. "You never know what he's going to say or what his commentary is going to be about this play or that play. He demands perfection, which I love. He doesn't ever tell you how great you are, but he never tells you how much you suck, either. He's pretty level-headed and it's a good medium."
For now, Tuel is just happy to be back on the field. After an injury-plagued 2011 campaign limited him to just three appearances, he's finally healthy and eager to showcase what he can do. He admits it was frustrating last season -- watching his team start the year 3-1, only to close out the year by losing seven of eight.
"I tried to stay positive, 24/7, but that's not always easy," Tuel said. "I was doing whatever I could to get healthy or help teammates and I helped Marshall [Lobbestael] whenever I could. Really, I was just trying to stay positive. It's all you can do. It's easy to hang your head and get down and go into that hole and get out of shape. So I just focused my concentration on doing anything I could to help the team."
When healthy, Tuel is considered an NFL-caliber quarterback. He's 6-foot-3, 225 pounds, has a big arm and can also make plays with his feet. But he also has the attitude to match. There's speculation that Tuel and sophomore Connor Halliday, who missed the majority of spring recovering from a lacerated liver, are headed for a quarterback competition in the fall. If that's the case, Tuel says he's ready.
"The way I look at it, it's my job to lose," Tuel said. "I'm not going to sit back at all. If coach Leach says there is a quarterback competition, there's a competition. In my mind, there is always a competition. I'm still going after it 100 percent. I go into every spring and every practice the same and practice the best I can -- whether I'm a starter or it's a competition. But competition brings out the best in all people. For someone to press me for the job is a blessing and it's going to make me better."
Tuel's roommate, wide receiver Gino Simone, said Tuel has responded to all adversities like a pro.
"If he has any insecurities, he hasn't let anyone see that," Simone said. "I think he's continued to be the confident guy that he is. He's ready to work every day. If there is a quarterback competition, he's going to be ready to fight for his job -- as I know Halliday would be. We've got guys who are ready to work hard right now."
Tuel said he's confident with his progress in learning the new offense. But stressed that it will take "reps and reps and then more reps" during the summer to get to a point where they can call it polished.
"I'm the head of this thing," Tuel said. "If I'm not 100 percent confident or if I don't know exactly what's going on, it's going to spread. It's important for me and the offense to get a grasp on the plays and concepts so we don't have to think and we can just fly around."
The Washington State quarterback played in four different offenses under four different head coaches in high school, so shaking hands with a new skipper and opening a new playbook have become as clockwork to Tuel as the passing of the seasons.
"I think for some other guys it would be easy to get frustrated, having to learn a whole new system," Tuel said, who begins his senior season in September. "But it's actually something I've gotten used to. I never really had the chance to become accustomed to an offense and really know the ins and outs. Change is something I'm used to so I haven't really struggled picking it up because I'm used to it with my past experiences."
And if you're a quarterback learning a new system, what better scheme to study than Mike Leach's vaunted passing attack, which makes its debut in Pullman this season.
"Playing for coach Leach is a daily surprise," Tuel said with a laugh. "You never know what he's going to say or what his commentary is going to be about this play or that play. He demands perfection, which I love. He doesn't ever tell you how great you are, but he never tells you how much you suck, either. He's pretty level-headed and it's a good medium."
[+] Enlarge
AP Photo/Dean HareA strong spring game helped Jeff Tuel in his bid to be Washington State's starting QB.
AP Photo/Dean HareA strong spring game helped Jeff Tuel in his bid to be Washington State's starting QB."I tried to stay positive, 24/7, but that's not always easy," Tuel said. "I was doing whatever I could to get healthy or help teammates and I helped Marshall [Lobbestael] whenever I could. Really, I was just trying to stay positive. It's all you can do. It's easy to hang your head and get down and go into that hole and get out of shape. So I just focused my concentration on doing anything I could to help the team."
When healthy, Tuel is considered an NFL-caliber quarterback. He's 6-foot-3, 225 pounds, has a big arm and can also make plays with his feet. But he also has the attitude to match. There's speculation that Tuel and sophomore Connor Halliday, who missed the majority of spring recovering from a lacerated liver, are headed for a quarterback competition in the fall. If that's the case, Tuel says he's ready.
"The way I look at it, it's my job to lose," Tuel said. "I'm not going to sit back at all. If coach Leach says there is a quarterback competition, there's a competition. In my mind, there is always a competition. I'm still going after it 100 percent. I go into every spring and every practice the same and practice the best I can -- whether I'm a starter or it's a competition. But competition brings out the best in all people. For someone to press me for the job is a blessing and it's going to make me better."
Tuel's roommate, wide receiver Gino Simone, said Tuel has responded to all adversities like a pro.
"If he has any insecurities, he hasn't let anyone see that," Simone said. "I think he's continued to be the confident guy that he is. He's ready to work every day. If there is a quarterback competition, he's going to be ready to fight for his job -- as I know Halliday would be. We've got guys who are ready to work hard right now."
Tuel said he's confident with his progress in learning the new offense. But stressed that it will take "reps and reps and then more reps" during the summer to get to a point where they can call it polished.
"I'm the head of this thing," Tuel said. "If I'm not 100 percent confident or if I don't know exactly what's going on, it's going to spread. It's important for me and the offense to get a grasp on the plays and concepts so we don't have to think and we can just fly around."
Catching you up on some of the spring scrimmages from Saturday.
Arizona State
In the three-way race for a starting quarterback, none of the trio have separated themselves during the first six practices, according to Doug Haller of the Arizona Republic. Mike Bercovici started the scrimmage on Saturday, followed by Michael Eubank and then Taylor Kelly. Per Haller, all three appeared to take the same amount of reps.
Bercovici led a pair of scoring drives -- including a drive that started at the 1-yard line and netted a field goal. Eubank threw a pair of touchdown passes, but was also running quite a bit.
"Whatever it takes to get in the end zone," Eubank told Haller. "If I got to run, if I got to hop, jump, bark like a dog, I'll do it."
James Morrison and Deantre Lewis had the bulk of the carries at running back with Cameron Marshall still recovering from ankle surgery.
USC
Quarterbacks are also the primary point of interest at USC, though not for the 2012 season. A lot of this spring has been about grooming a quarterback to eventually replace Matt Barkley in 2013. And in Saturday's scrimmage it was Max Wittek and Cody Kessler taking center stage.
Each quarterback took a half working with the No. 1 offense, though with so many players out with injury, it was more of a piecemeal unit.
"They seem very mature when you are around the huddle with them," USC coach Lane Kiffin told reporters. "I'd be very comfortable with both of them [running the offense in a game]."
Curtis McNeal and Tre Madden both rushed for touchdowns. With so much of the offense gone, Kiffin let quarterbacks coach Clay Helton, running backs coach Kennedy Polamalu and Barkley do the play calling.
"I had a feeling what the stats would be like so I didn't want those on my resume," Kiffin joked.
You can also see a full scrimmage recap from Garry Paskweitz at WeAreSC here.
Washington State
Jeff Tuel saw the majority of snaps for the Cougars, completing 11-of-17 passes for 95 yards with two touchdowns and two interceptions. David Gilbertson ran the second-team offense and was 5-of-8 for 52 yards with a score and a pick.
On the receiving end, Kristoff Williams, Bennett Bontemps, Gino Simone and the aptly named Blair Bomber all caught touchdowns.
Per the cougcenter.com, Connor Halliday was not at the practice.
"[Halliday is] doing great," said head coach Mike Leach. "He's got a family deal he's taking care and we couldn't be more excited. We're going to have a very thrilling film meeting and can't wait to see him back there. Cause I think that's going to be [exciting] for all of us. We're looking forward to seeing him again. He's only been gone for a couple hours, but we miss him."
Arizona State
In the three-way race for a starting quarterback, none of the trio have separated themselves during the first six practices, according to Doug Haller of the Arizona Republic. Mike Bercovici started the scrimmage on Saturday, followed by Michael Eubank and then Taylor Kelly. Per Haller, all three appeared to take the same amount of reps.
Bercovici led a pair of scoring drives -- including a drive that started at the 1-yard line and netted a field goal. Eubank threw a pair of touchdown passes, but was also running quite a bit.
"Whatever it takes to get in the end zone," Eubank told Haller. "If I got to run, if I got to hop, jump, bark like a dog, I'll do it."
James Morrison and Deantre Lewis had the bulk of the carries at running back with Cameron Marshall still recovering from ankle surgery.
USC
Quarterbacks are also the primary point of interest at USC, though not for the 2012 season. A lot of this spring has been about grooming a quarterback to eventually replace Matt Barkley in 2013. And in Saturday's scrimmage it was Max Wittek and Cody Kessler taking center stage.
Each quarterback took a half working with the No. 1 offense, though with so many players out with injury, it was more of a piecemeal unit.
"They seem very mature when you are around the huddle with them," USC coach Lane Kiffin told reporters. "I'd be very comfortable with both of them [running the offense in a game]."
Curtis McNeal and Tre Madden both rushed for touchdowns. With so much of the offense gone, Kiffin let quarterbacks coach Clay Helton, running backs coach Kennedy Polamalu and Barkley do the play calling.
"I had a feeling what the stats would be like so I didn't want those on my resume," Kiffin joked.
You can also see a full scrimmage recap from Garry Paskweitz at WeAreSC here.
Washington State
Jeff Tuel saw the majority of snaps for the Cougars, completing 11-of-17 passes for 95 yards with two touchdowns and two interceptions. David Gilbertson ran the second-team offense and was 5-of-8 for 52 yards with a score and a pick.
On the receiving end, Kristoff Williams, Bennett Bontemps, Gino Simone and the aptly named Blair Bomber all caught touchdowns.
Per the cougcenter.com, Connor Halliday was not at the practice.
"[Halliday is] doing great," said head coach Mike Leach. "He's got a family deal he's taking care and we couldn't be more excited. We're going to have a very thrilling film meeting and can't wait to see him back there. Cause I think that's going to be [exciting] for all of us. We're looking forward to seeing him again. He's only been gone for a couple hours, but we miss him."
If you missed my Thursday chat, I apologize for the rash that ensued. Hope it doesn't ruin your weekend.
If you'd like to re-live it in its entirety, go here.
Here are some highlights.
David (Salt Lake City): Ted, with all of the new talent at quarterback, do you sense any indication that any of the incoming recruits have a shot at the starting position?
Ted Miller (3:01 PM): It's always a long shot for a true freshman to start at QB, particularly if he doesn't show up early for spring practices, as, for example, Matt Barkley did. I don't think any true freshmen will start at QB in the Pac-12 this year, and that includes Utah and Cal. I do think you will see at least one (maybe two) redshirt freshmen starting.
Ryan (Spokane): Do you expect the Cougs to start competing more, if not winning some of the in-state recruits (Locker, Kasen Williams) now that the Pirate is on the Palouse?
Ted Miller (3:04 PM): Even during Washington State's best years, it didn't typically beat Washington for the state's top recruits. But there's no reason it can't get, say, get three or four of the top ten if Washington gets five or six (others go out of state). Further, winning helps. If the Cougs start going to bowl games under [new coach Mike] Leach, better recruits will come in. But Leach won in the Big 12 without landing A-list recruits, which is a big reason he seems like a great fit in Pullman.
Warren (Lakewood): I believe Oregon state is going to make some noise this year in the pac12 north and that a sleeping giant has been reawakened in the pac12. [Coach Mike] Riley will rally these young guns and behind [Sean] Mannion and that wr corp they have I expect the Beavs to play in a bowl next year. What are your expectations for the Boys of Corvallis?
Ted Miller (3:15 PM): It's good to hear [I actually typed "here" during the chat, which is, well, really embarrassing] Beaver optimism. You guys have seemed kind of grumpy of late. I think the Beavers are good enough to get back to a bowl game in 2012, but it's also hard to project them too high until they answer questions on both lines.
Scott (Tempe): Ted, Heading to the topic of coaching changes in the desert. With Todd Graham displaying to us all his style of recruiting/coaching/discipline, how do you compare him to Rich Rodriguez? Rich Rod gets all the love, but who is the better coach in your eyes and will have the most impact?
Ted Miller (3:18 PM): Rich Rod has won a BCS bowl game and has a long track record of success. That's why he gets the love. But I do appreciate the notes Graham has been hitting: Demanding, discipline, up-tempo, etc. I think Rodriguez was a home run hire. But I also think better of the Graham hire based on what I've seen (and read) about what he's doing. But judgments on coach hires before they play a game is pretty superficial. It's just me -- and others -- yammering.
Nick Stratton (Dewitt, Michigan): How will Stanford's offense look this year without [Andrew] Luck? Who do you think will be the starter?
Ted Miller (3:23 PM): My only slightly educated guess is [Brett] Nottingham, mostly because I heard good things about him last year when he became the backup. I think Stanford will still be very good on offense, though it probably will take a step back without the best QB of a generation. I think the defense also will be good. So I still see the Cardinal as a top-25 team.
Dan (Eugene): Eddie Pleasant will be tougher for the Ducks to replace than Darron Thomas OR LaMichael James. True or false.
Ted Miller (3:30 PM): I would have said true until John Boyett talked up the guys who might step in to me, such as Brian Jackson and Avery Patterson. And I wonder if the transition at QB will be as easy as many fans think. Will Chip Kelly always hit a home run at QB? And as good as Kenjon [Barner] is, LaMike is one of the all-time best Pac-12 RBs.
David (San Francisco, CA): Ted, what do you expect out of Brett Hundley and the UCLA quarterback position this year?
Ted Miller (3:33 PM): I think Hundley will be given every opportunity to win the job, though I'm not sure it's a slam dunk that Kevin Prince won't. Last spring, Hundley wasn't ready, and that was clear. So he needs to be substantially better this spring. But he's a good prospect -- sharp, dual threat, seems to have leadership ability. And I think the work Noel Mazzone did with Brock Osweiler shows he knows how to teach a spread system to a young QB.
Bob (Seattle): Think the dawgs will be alright at LB this season?
Ted Miller (3:42 PM): I don't know... big question. Some guys coming back, but the position was not played well in 2011. You'd hope some of those youthful mistakes will correct themselves. But I saw too many Huskies LBs get stuck on blocks last year to not see it as a question.
Pirates of the Palouse (Pullman): [Jeff] Tuel or [Connor] Halliday?
Ted Miller (3:43 PM): Tuel... folks seem to forget how good he is when healthy. He's an NFL prospect and he has a lot of experience. Also, after being sacked so many times and showing outstanding toughness and resolve, I think he's earned an opportunity to see the postseason.
darrell (tacoma): Who has the weakest nonconference schedule, who has the toughest?
Ted Miller (3:52 PM): Easiest is Oregon (Ark State, Fresno State, Tennessee Tech).Hardest: Oregon State (BYU and Wisconsin with Nicholls State). Hardest game period is Washington at LSU. And USC, with Hawaii, Syracuse and Notre Dame, doesn't have an official patsy.
Daniel (Eugene): What do you think about Arik Armstead also playing basketball for the Ducks? Will dual responsibilities make him a better lineman or just confused, especially with Oregon now contending for March Madness positions?
Ted Miller (3:59 PM): I don't like guys playing hoops and football, though I certainly respect the athleticism it requires. If he asked me my advice, which he won't, I'd say choose a sport. But I'd also then say do what makes you happiest.
If you'd like to re-live it in its entirety, go here.
Here are some highlights.
David (Salt Lake City): Ted, with all of the new talent at quarterback, do you sense any indication that any of the incoming recruits have a shot at the starting position?
Ted Miller (3:01 PM): It's always a long shot for a true freshman to start at QB, particularly if he doesn't show up early for spring practices, as, for example, Matt Barkley did. I don't think any true freshmen will start at QB in the Pac-12 this year, and that includes Utah and Cal. I do think you will see at least one (maybe two) redshirt freshmen starting.
Ryan (Spokane): Do you expect the Cougs to start competing more, if not winning some of the in-state recruits (Locker, Kasen Williams) now that the Pirate is on the Palouse?
Ted Miller (3:04 PM): Even during Washington State's best years, it didn't typically beat Washington for the state's top recruits. But there's no reason it can't get, say, get three or four of the top ten if Washington gets five or six (others go out of state). Further, winning helps. If the Cougs start going to bowl games under [new coach Mike] Leach, better recruits will come in. But Leach won in the Big 12 without landing A-list recruits, which is a big reason he seems like a great fit in Pullman.
Warren (Lakewood): I believe Oregon state is going to make some noise this year in the pac12 north and that a sleeping giant has been reawakened in the pac12. [Coach Mike] Riley will rally these young guns and behind [Sean] Mannion and that wr corp they have I expect the Beavs to play in a bowl next year. What are your expectations for the Boys of Corvallis?
Ted Miller (3:15 PM): It's good to hear [I actually typed "here" during the chat, which is, well, really embarrassing] Beaver optimism. You guys have seemed kind of grumpy of late. I think the Beavers are good enough to get back to a bowl game in 2012, but it's also hard to project them too high until they answer questions on both lines.
Scott (Tempe): Ted, Heading to the topic of coaching changes in the desert. With Todd Graham displaying to us all his style of recruiting/coaching/discipline, how do you compare him to Rich Rodriguez? Rich Rod gets all the love, but who is the better coach in your eyes and will have the most impact?
Ted Miller (3:18 PM): Rich Rod has won a BCS bowl game and has a long track record of success. That's why he gets the love. But I do appreciate the notes Graham has been hitting: Demanding, discipline, up-tempo, etc. I think Rodriguez was a home run hire. But I also think better of the Graham hire based on what I've seen (and read) about what he's doing. But judgments on coach hires before they play a game is pretty superficial. It's just me -- and others -- yammering.
Nick Stratton (Dewitt, Michigan): How will Stanford's offense look this year without [Andrew] Luck? Who do you think will be the starter?
Ted Miller (3:23 PM): My only slightly educated guess is [Brett] Nottingham, mostly because I heard good things about him last year when he became the backup. I think Stanford will still be very good on offense, though it probably will take a step back without the best QB of a generation. I think the defense also will be good. So I still see the Cardinal as a top-25 team.
Dan (Eugene): Eddie Pleasant will be tougher for the Ducks to replace than Darron Thomas OR LaMichael James. True or false.
Ted Miller (3:30 PM): I would have said true until John Boyett talked up the guys who might step in to me, such as Brian Jackson and Avery Patterson. And I wonder if the transition at QB will be as easy as many fans think. Will Chip Kelly always hit a home run at QB? And as good as Kenjon [Barner] is, LaMike is one of the all-time best Pac-12 RBs.
David (San Francisco, CA): Ted, what do you expect out of Brett Hundley and the UCLA quarterback position this year?
Ted Miller (3:33 PM): I think Hundley will be given every opportunity to win the job, though I'm not sure it's a slam dunk that Kevin Prince won't. Last spring, Hundley wasn't ready, and that was clear. So he needs to be substantially better this spring. But he's a good prospect -- sharp, dual threat, seems to have leadership ability. And I think the work Noel Mazzone did with Brock Osweiler shows he knows how to teach a spread system to a young QB.
Bob (Seattle): Think the dawgs will be alright at LB this season?
Ted Miller (3:42 PM): I don't know... big question. Some guys coming back, but the position was not played well in 2011. You'd hope some of those youthful mistakes will correct themselves. But I saw too many Huskies LBs get stuck on blocks last year to not see it as a question.
Pirates of the Palouse (Pullman): [Jeff] Tuel or [Connor] Halliday?
Ted Miller (3:43 PM): Tuel... folks seem to forget how good he is when healthy. He's an NFL prospect and he has a lot of experience. Also, after being sacked so many times and showing outstanding toughness and resolve, I think he's earned an opportunity to see the postseason.
darrell (tacoma): Who has the weakest nonconference schedule, who has the toughest?
Ted Miller (3:52 PM): Easiest is Oregon (Ark State, Fresno State, Tennessee Tech).Hardest: Oregon State (BYU and Wisconsin with Nicholls State). Hardest game period is Washington at LSU. And USC, with Hawaii, Syracuse and Notre Dame, doesn't have an official patsy.
Daniel (Eugene): What do you think about Arik Armstead also playing basketball for the Ducks? Will dual responsibilities make him a better lineman or just confused, especially with Oregon now contending for March Madness positions?
Ted Miller (3:59 PM): I don't like guys playing hoops and football, though I certainly respect the athleticism it requires. If he asked me my advice, which he won't, I'd say choose a sport. But I'd also then say do what makes you happiest.
Leach ready to storm into spring practices
March, 21, 2012
Mar 21
9:25
PM ET
By
Ted Miller | ESPN.com
Mike Leach is not afraid of the weather in Pullman, Wash., which could be a bit nippy -- and perhaps snowy -- for the first day of Washington State's spring practices on Thursday.
Heck, it's not like his first spring practice leading the Cougars could be more inclement than his first leading Texas Tech in 2000.
Cold? Snow? Not as bad as hail.
"It's flying off their helmets like popcorn," Leach said recalling his first practice in Lubbock.
Or do you know what happens when a hard rain meets a dust storm?
"A couple of times a year there, it rains mud," he said.
Leach the raconteur took control of his chat with reporters Wednesday afternoon and was, as usual, highly entertaining. But getting specifics from him about what he sees with his personnel wasn't part of the plan, and it led to briefer answers. Of course, that makes sense because Leach isn't sure what he's got as he installs his "Air Raid" offense and a 3-4 defense.
Evaluation is obviously a top priority, but Leach used the terms "precise" and "efficient" repeatedly.
Or, as he said, "Getting as good as we possibly can at practicing."
The first order of business is finding a quarterback. Leach said reps will be split 50-50, at least during the early-going, between Jeff Tuel and Connor Halliday. When asked if Halliday, who suffered a lacerated liver against Utah on Nov. 19, was ready to practice full-go, Leach said, "I assume."
Leach said the top two priorities for his QBs will be decision-making and accuracy. "Those two you really can't compromise on," he said. Quick feet also help, particularly for a team that has some questions on the offensive line.
Leach pointed out that he didn't pursue a JC QB because he's pretty satisfied with what he's seen on tape of Tuel and Halliday. "It's not like you're starting from zero," he said.
He seemed intrigued by his talent at receiver, noting that the crew was taller than what he typically had at Texas Tech. And, yes, he's been impressed by Marquess Wilson.
"What I like about him is he always wants the ball," he said.
On the other side of the ball, it will be interesting to see how things develop, particularly if the Cougars want to make new coordinator's Mike Breske’s 3-4 alignment their base scheme. After dismissing both C.J. Mizell and Sekope Kaufusi from the team -- both returning starters -- there's a decided lack of depth at linebacker. Count on there being some position shuffling, both from the backhalf and the line. Leach, in particular, seemed intrigued with Travis Long, who has started the previous three years at end. The 6-foot-4, 256-pound senior might be athletic enough to play an outside linebacker spot.
"He can do a lot of things," Leach said. "Moving him around as a player is pretty tempting."
It's obvious there will be a lot going on this spring in Pullman, so the often-challenging weather is not a chief concern. Getting guys into the right spot is.
Said Leach, "There isn't anybody who's not being evaluated."
Heck, it's not like his first spring practice leading the Cougars could be more inclement than his first leading Texas Tech in 2000.
Cold? Snow? Not as bad as hail.
"It's flying off their helmets like popcorn," Leach said recalling his first practice in Lubbock.
[+] Enlarge
AP Photo/Dean HareTight ends typically don't excel in Washington State coach Mike Leach's system. That could change in 2012.
AP Photo/Dean HareTight ends typically don't excel in Washington State coach Mike Leach's system. That could change in 2012."A couple of times a year there, it rains mud," he said.
Leach the raconteur took control of his chat with reporters Wednesday afternoon and was, as usual, highly entertaining. But getting specifics from him about what he sees with his personnel wasn't part of the plan, and it led to briefer answers. Of course, that makes sense because Leach isn't sure what he's got as he installs his "Air Raid" offense and a 3-4 defense.
Evaluation is obviously a top priority, but Leach used the terms "precise" and "efficient" repeatedly.
Or, as he said, "Getting as good as we possibly can at practicing."
The first order of business is finding a quarterback. Leach said reps will be split 50-50, at least during the early-going, between Jeff Tuel and Connor Halliday. When asked if Halliday, who suffered a lacerated liver against Utah on Nov. 19, was ready to practice full-go, Leach said, "I assume."
Leach said the top two priorities for his QBs will be decision-making and accuracy. "Those two you really can't compromise on," he said. Quick feet also help, particularly for a team that has some questions on the offensive line.
Leach pointed out that he didn't pursue a JC QB because he's pretty satisfied with what he's seen on tape of Tuel and Halliday. "It's not like you're starting from zero," he said.
He seemed intrigued by his talent at receiver, noting that the crew was taller than what he typically had at Texas Tech. And, yes, he's been impressed by Marquess Wilson.
"What I like about him is he always wants the ball," he said.
On the other side of the ball, it will be interesting to see how things develop, particularly if the Cougars want to make new coordinator's Mike Breske’s 3-4 alignment their base scheme. After dismissing both C.J. Mizell and Sekope Kaufusi from the team -- both returning starters -- there's a decided lack of depth at linebacker. Count on there being some position shuffling, both from the backhalf and the line. Leach, in particular, seemed intrigued with Travis Long, who has started the previous three years at end. The 6-foot-4, 256-pound senior might be athletic enough to play an outside linebacker spot.
"He can do a lot of things," Leach said. "Moving him around as a player is pretty tempting."
It's obvious there will be a lot going on this spring in Pullman, so the often-challenging weather is not a chief concern. Getting guys into the right spot is.
Said Leach, "There isn't anybody who's not being evaluated."
Video: Washington State's spring priority
March, 13, 2012
Mar 13
4:30
PM ET
By ESPN.com staff | ESPN.com
Washington State's spring priority will be new coach Mike Leach's spring priority: Figuring out which of his quarterbacks -- Jeff Tuel or Connor Halliday -- is more accurate.
Take 2: Pac-12 QB competitions
February, 24, 2012
Feb 24
12:00
PM ET
By
Kevin Gemmell and
Ted Miller | ESPN.com
Quarterback competitions are going to be on the minds of many as Pac-12 teams gear up for spring ball. Pac-12 bloggers Ted Miller and Kevin Gemmell decided to take a look at the two quarterback races they found the most intriguing. Ironically, it was Miller, not Stanford blogger Gemmell, who found the Cardinal competition the most intriguing. Gemmell thinks the arms race in the Pacific Northwest with new Washington State coach Mike Leach has the most intrigue.
MILLER: You want to talk about big shoes to fill? How about replacing a guy who’s touted as the best NFL QB prospect of a generation, a guy who endeared himself on campus for not only his statistics and unprecedented winning, but also for how he represented the school with class, intelligence and humility.
Yeah, replacing Andrew Luck is not unlike replacing Peyton Manning, which, oh by the way, Luck appears likely to do as the Indianapolis Colts have the top pick in this spring’s NFL draft.
The good news is the Cardinal offense will continue, as it did even with Luck, to emphasize a power, run-first attack, so the player who wins the QB job won’t be asked to win by throwing 40 times a game. Further, the new guy won’t likely be calling his own plays at the line of scrimmage, as Luck did. Whoever wins the job will be asked to be more of a game manager, a guy who plays within himself and doesn’t make mistakes.
The frontrunner is 2011 backup Brett Nottingham, a 6-foot-4, 215-pound redshirt sophomore who impressed coaches in practices last year after experiencing some early struggles with the complex offense his first year. He saw action in six games in 2011, completing 5 of 8 passes for 78 yards with a TD and no interceptions. He was a highly rated recruit out of Monte Vista High School in Danville, Calif., -- the Cardinal lured him away from a commitment to UCLA -- where he passed for 3,818 yards, 44 touchdowns and six interceptions his senior season. He’s smart and athletic and reputed to be accurate and efficient. You know: Luck-ish.
Nottingham will compete with Robbie Picazo and Josh Nunes, a pair of juniors, and freshmen Evan Crower and Kevin Hogan perhaps could enter the picture. Coach David Shaw, a believer in sustaining competition, won’t hand the job to Nottingham, and it’s more than likely the competition won’t be decided until the fall. But a pecking order is likely to be established by the time the Cardinal wrap things up on April 14.
GEMMELL: Every Pac-12 QB competition has its own level of intrigue and subplot. But it's the battle in Pullman, Wash., that piques my interest. Not just because of who the candidates are -- but who they could become.
Jeff Tuel and Connor Halliday, both coming off of significant injuries, are now products of the Mike Leach system. And that means whoever wins the job is probably going to put up monster numbers.
As the Pac-12 blog readers will discover, I'm a bit of a stat cruncher. So consider this: During Leach's 10-year reign at Texas Tech, his quarterbacks attempted an average of 654 passes per season and completed an average of 438 per year -- that's an average completion percentage of 66 percent. The 10-year average was 4,837 passing yards per season, 381 passing yards per game and 38 touchdowns. Why is this significant? Because whoever wins the job -- Tuel or Halliday -- if they put up "average" Mike Leach numbers in 2011, they would have led the NCAA in attempts, completions, total passing yards, finished fourth in passing touchdowns and would have been in the top 20 in passing efficiency rating (if my math is right, no promises).\
That means the next guy in Washington State is going to catapult atop national statistical rankings, get more national exposure and -- possibly -- play their way into the NFL draft down the line. Kliff Kingsbury and B.J. Symons both finished in the Top 10 in Heisman voting when they played for Leach.
There is the sidebar of veteran Tuel versus the youthful moxie of Halliday. Both have good size. Tuel, who hails from Fresno, Calif., is 6-3, 225. Halliday comes from Spokane, just an hour north of Pullman and is 6-4, 180. He'll likely put on more weight in the offseason. There will be plenty of time to pick apart every nuance and mechanical aspects of their game. But at first glance, this competition intrigues me more than any other because statistical history suggests whoever starts for Leach usually plays their way into the national conversation of top quarterbacks.
[+] Enlarge
Mark Dolejs/US PresswireBrett Nottingham is the leading candidate to replace Andrew Luck as Statnford's quarterback.
Mark Dolejs/US PresswireBrett Nottingham is the leading candidate to replace Andrew Luck as Statnford's quarterback.Yeah, replacing Andrew Luck is not unlike replacing Peyton Manning, which, oh by the way, Luck appears likely to do as the Indianapolis Colts have the top pick in this spring’s NFL draft.
The good news is the Cardinal offense will continue, as it did even with Luck, to emphasize a power, run-first attack, so the player who wins the QB job won’t be asked to win by throwing 40 times a game. Further, the new guy won’t likely be calling his own plays at the line of scrimmage, as Luck did. Whoever wins the job will be asked to be more of a game manager, a guy who plays within himself and doesn’t make mistakes.
The frontrunner is 2011 backup Brett Nottingham, a 6-foot-4, 215-pound redshirt sophomore who impressed coaches in practices last year after experiencing some early struggles with the complex offense his first year. He saw action in six games in 2011, completing 5 of 8 passes for 78 yards with a TD and no interceptions. He was a highly rated recruit out of Monte Vista High School in Danville, Calif., -- the Cardinal lured him away from a commitment to UCLA -- where he passed for 3,818 yards, 44 touchdowns and six interceptions his senior season. He’s smart and athletic and reputed to be accurate and efficient. You know: Luck-ish.
Nottingham will compete with Robbie Picazo and Josh Nunes, a pair of juniors, and freshmen Evan Crower and Kevin Hogan perhaps could enter the picture. Coach David Shaw, a believer in sustaining competition, won’t hand the job to Nottingham, and it’s more than likely the competition won’t be decided until the fall. But a pecking order is likely to be established by the time the Cardinal wrap things up on April 14.
[+] Enlarge
James Snook/US PresswireConnor Halliday will be competing with Jeff Tuel to be Mike Leach's first quarterback at Washington State.
James Snook/US PresswireConnor Halliday will be competing with Jeff Tuel to be Mike Leach's first quarterback at Washington State.Jeff Tuel and Connor Halliday, both coming off of significant injuries, are now products of the Mike Leach system. And that means whoever wins the job is probably going to put up monster numbers.
As the Pac-12 blog readers will discover, I'm a bit of a stat cruncher. So consider this: During Leach's 10-year reign at Texas Tech, his quarterbacks attempted an average of 654 passes per season and completed an average of 438 per year -- that's an average completion percentage of 66 percent. The 10-year average was 4,837 passing yards per season, 381 passing yards per game and 38 touchdowns. Why is this significant? Because whoever wins the job -- Tuel or Halliday -- if they put up "average" Mike Leach numbers in 2011, they would have led the NCAA in attempts, completions, total passing yards, finished fourth in passing touchdowns and would have been in the top 20 in passing efficiency rating (if my math is right, no promises).\
That means the next guy in Washington State is going to catapult atop national statistical rankings, get more national exposure and -- possibly -- play their way into the NFL draft down the line. Kliff Kingsbury and B.J. Symons both finished in the Top 10 in Heisman voting when they played for Leach.
There is the sidebar of veteran Tuel versus the youthful moxie of Halliday. Both have good size. Tuel, who hails from Fresno, Calif., is 6-3, 225. Halliday comes from Spokane, just an hour north of Pullman and is 6-4, 180. He'll likely put on more weight in the offseason. There will be plenty of time to pick apart every nuance and mechanical aspects of their game. But at first glance, this competition intrigues me more than any other because statistical history suggests whoever starts for Leach usually plays their way into the national conversation of top quarterbacks.
Mike Leach talks quarterbacks, philosophy
February, 23, 2012
Feb 23
7:00
PM ET
By
Kevin Gemmell | ESPN.com
It's a rare moment when Mike Leach is asked a question about quarterbacking and he doesn't know the answer.
Ask him who was the best he ever worked with and he'll rattle off four or five names. Ask him about the origins of his philosophy and he'll go into detail about the wishbone roots and his days as a student at BYU. Ask him what he looks for in a quarterback and he'll hammer on how accuracy and decision-making are the primary characteristics.
But ask him about the current quarterback competition at Washington State, and suddenly he's grasping for a response.
"I wish I could answer that," Leach said. "I know that question might be rolling around some other people's heads. But trust me, it's not rolling around in their head as much as it's been mine ... I'll be able to answer that better after about three days out there."
As the Cougars head into spring football next month with their new head coach, all eyes will be on the competition between veteran Jeff Tuel and upstart Connor Halliday. The winner of the job is destined for big numbers and a sore arm. No quarterback in the history of NCAA football attempted more passes in a season than B.J. Symons when Leach was his coach at Texas Tech. No player threw more times over a two- and three-year period than Graham Harrell when he played for Leach. Look at the NCAA record book for passing and it's littered with Texas Tech quarterbacks from their time with Leach.
Now Leach is bringing his style to Washington State -- a team that ranked ninth nationally in passing offense last season. Tuel and Halliday each enter the spring coming off of significant injuries. Tuel suffered a broken clavicle in the season opener last year and saw action in just two other games. Halliday appeared in four games before suffering a lacerated liver in a gutty loss to Utah.
"We'll split the reps with both of them," said Leach, whose job title also includes offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach. "They both throw pretty good balls. Connor is pretty accurate. Jeff has real good feet and Connor's aren't bad. They are both tall guys. I'm excited to work with both of them."
And if you are a quarterback, it's hard not to be excited about the prospect of learning from Leach. It might come as a surprise to hear that Leach's offense grew out of the run-oriented wishbone. But when he breaks it down to the simplest form, it makes perfect sense.
"I know it sounds strange that it came from the wishbone and everybody says we're different because they run and we throw," Leach said. "Well, we're not that different. Both of our offenses value, first and foremost, distribution. Making sure all of our skill positions touch the ball. You want to attack space. The wishbone does a pretty good job at that."
And so do Leach's offenses -- which more often than not ranked first nationally in the pass during his time at Texas Tech. You need guys to haul it in, but it all starts with the quarterback.
"When I evaluate a quarterback, I look at if he makes good decisions and if he's accurate," Leach said. "And I don't compromise those two things, no matter what. I won't recruit a guy unless he can do those two things. That's the very minimum. And I think too often people do compromise those.
"I think it's very difficult-to-impossible to take a guy that is not accurate and make him accurate. You can improve accuracy, but you can't take a guy -- at least that I've seen -- take a guy who is not accurate and make him accurate. People say 'this guy is big and fast and all you have to do is work on his accuracy.' I say 'good luck,' because I don't see that happening."
While the schematic concepts of Leach's style derive from the wishbone, his philosophical approach to the game was borne out of his time as a student at BYU -- an era he calls the Golden Age of BYU football under LaVell Edwards' pass-happy offense.
"That was the single biggest influence," Leach said. " ... It was a great time to be there and it had a big influence on me. I've always credited LaVell and his group for having a major impact on me. He's what inspires a lot of us to coach and you hope you can stack up on some level with him when you finish your body of work. Very few people ever have. He's one of the bench marks and role models for all coaches."
Ask him who was the best he ever worked with and he'll rattle off four or five names. Ask him about the origins of his philosophy and he'll go into detail about the wishbone roots and his days as a student at BYU. Ask him what he looks for in a quarterback and he'll hammer on how accuracy and decision-making are the primary characteristics.
[+] Enlarge
AP Photo/Dean HareMike Leach will lead a Washington State offense that finished ninth nationally in passing in 2011.
AP Photo/Dean HareMike Leach will lead a Washington State offense that finished ninth nationally in passing in 2011."I wish I could answer that," Leach said. "I know that question might be rolling around some other people's heads. But trust me, it's not rolling around in their head as much as it's been mine ... I'll be able to answer that better after about three days out there."
As the Cougars head into spring football next month with their new head coach, all eyes will be on the competition between veteran Jeff Tuel and upstart Connor Halliday. The winner of the job is destined for big numbers and a sore arm. No quarterback in the history of NCAA football attempted more passes in a season than B.J. Symons when Leach was his coach at Texas Tech. No player threw more times over a two- and three-year period than Graham Harrell when he played for Leach. Look at the NCAA record book for passing and it's littered with Texas Tech quarterbacks from their time with Leach.
Now Leach is bringing his style to Washington State -- a team that ranked ninth nationally in passing offense last season. Tuel and Halliday each enter the spring coming off of significant injuries. Tuel suffered a broken clavicle in the season opener last year and saw action in just two other games. Halliday appeared in four games before suffering a lacerated liver in a gutty loss to Utah.
"We'll split the reps with both of them," said Leach, whose job title also includes offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach. "They both throw pretty good balls. Connor is pretty accurate. Jeff has real good feet and Connor's aren't bad. They are both tall guys. I'm excited to work with both of them."
And if you are a quarterback, it's hard not to be excited about the prospect of learning from Leach. It might come as a surprise to hear that Leach's offense grew out of the run-oriented wishbone. But when he breaks it down to the simplest form, it makes perfect sense.
"I know it sounds strange that it came from the wishbone and everybody says we're different because they run and we throw," Leach said. "Well, we're not that different. Both of our offenses value, first and foremost, distribution. Making sure all of our skill positions touch the ball. You want to attack space. The wishbone does a pretty good job at that."
And so do Leach's offenses -- which more often than not ranked first nationally in the pass during his time at Texas Tech. You need guys to haul it in, but it all starts with the quarterback.
"When I evaluate a quarterback, I look at if he makes good decisions and if he's accurate," Leach said. "And I don't compromise those two things, no matter what. I won't recruit a guy unless he can do those two things. That's the very minimum. And I think too often people do compromise those.
"I think it's very difficult-to-impossible to take a guy that is not accurate and make him accurate. You can improve accuracy, but you can't take a guy -- at least that I've seen -- take a guy who is not accurate and make him accurate. People say 'this guy is big and fast and all you have to do is work on his accuracy.' I say 'good luck,' because I don't see that happening."
While the schematic concepts of Leach's style derive from the wishbone, his philosophical approach to the game was borne out of his time as a student at BYU -- an era he calls the Golden Age of BYU football under LaVell Edwards' pass-happy offense.
"That was the single biggest influence," Leach said. " ... It was a great time to be there and it had a big influence on me. I've always credited LaVell and his group for having a major impact on me. He's what inspires a lot of us to coach and you hope you can stack up on some level with him when you finish your body of work. Very few people ever have. He's one of the bench marks and role models for all coaches."
I think positive emotion trumps negative emotion every time.
- Former ASU coach Dennis Erickson says the program is in good shape.
- Tosh Lupoi talked to the media for the first time since moving from Cal to Washington. Here's the Cal perspective.
- The quarterback competition is underway at Oregon, plus some poll results.
- Assistant coach rumors floating around Oregon State.
- The folks at Pacific Takes say Stanford had the top recruiting class in the Pac-12.
- More UCLA projections -- this time the offensive line in 2012.
- USC players are making a push for Keary Colbert to be their new receivers coach.
- Tough decisions all around for Washington's five new assistants.
- Mike Leach said Connor Halliday and Jeff Tuel will battle it out for the quarterback spot heading into spring.
ESPN.com Insider Ryan Magee looks at five promising rebuilding jobs for 2012 
, and he rates Washington State as a team "finally turning the proverbial corner."
Here's what he writes as he predicts the Cougars will be heading to their first bowl game since 2003 -- you might recall the Cougs' upset victory over Texas and Vince Young in the Holiday Bowl:
I also see Washington State taking a strong step forward in 2012. Even with a new head coach in Mike Leach and an entirely new staff, the Cougars set up well for becoming bowl eligible. My one quibble with Magee's take is he list quarterback as a question mark. Leach has two strong options in Jeff Tuel, the 2010 starter who was hurt most of last year, and Connor Halliday, a freshman who performed extremely well late last season before getting hurt himself.
While Tuel is the favorite to win the job, it certainly will be a competition worth watching this spring and during fall camp. Whoever prevails will have a strong crew of receivers to spread the field, as Leach loves to do.
, and he rates Washington State as a team "finally turning the proverbial corner."
Here's what he writes as he predicts the Cougars will be heading to their first bowl game since 2003 -- you might recall the Cougs' upset victory over Texas and Vince Young in the Holiday Bowl:
Now, let's not go crazy here. After 14 wins in five years, Wazzu isn't going to suddenly win 11 games and go to the Rose Bowl for the first time in nearly a decade. But as poor as ousted head coach Paul Wulff's four-year record was, last year's team showed remarkable improvement, the kind of improvement that new boss Mike Leach should be able to capitalize on.
They started three different quarterbacks in 2011, but still ranked ninth in the nation and second in the Pac-12 in passing, thanks in no small part to All-Pac-12 second team receiver Marquess Wilson. The Cougars improved their points per game output from 20 to 30, and increased total offense by nearly 90 yards per game. The defense allowed 57 fewer total yards, 63 fewer rushing yards, and four fewer points per game than the season before.
I also see Washington State taking a strong step forward in 2012. Even with a new head coach in Mike Leach and an entirely new staff, the Cougars set up well for becoming bowl eligible. My one quibble with Magee's take is he list quarterback as a question mark. Leach has two strong options in Jeff Tuel, the 2010 starter who was hurt most of last year, and Connor Halliday, a freshman who performed extremely well late last season before getting hurt himself.
While Tuel is the favorite to win the job, it certainly will be a competition worth watching this spring and during fall camp. Whoever prevails will have a strong crew of receivers to spread the field, as Leach loves to do.
Top performances 2011: Connor Halliday
February, 7, 2012
Feb 7
9:00
AM ET
By
Kevin Gemmell | ESPN.com
We're looking at the top individual performances in the Pac-12 in 2011.
Up next: Four scores and a freshman record.
Who & against whom? Washington State quarterback Connor Halliday lifts the Cougars to a 37-27 win over fair-weathered Arizona State on a cold, wet and snowy November day in Pullman, Wash.
The numbers: Pretty darn good for his first significant playing time. The redshirt freshman threw for 494 yards and four touchdowns on 27-of-36 passing. The yardage was a freshman passing record for Washington State.
A closer look: There's nothing like an 85-yard touchdown pass to get a young player's confidence going. After ASU's Jamal Miles took the opening kickoff 95 yards to give the Sun Devils a 7-0 lead, Halliday clicked with Marquess Wilson (eight catches, 223 yards, three touchdowns) on the Cougars' third offensive drive with an 85-yard strike to tie the score. He also showed good poise late in the game, engineering a pair of fourth-quarter touchdown drives. The first was a 9-play, 89-yard drive that ended in his fourth touchdown pass of the game. The second was an 11-play, 80-yard march. Both drives consumed more than four minutes of clock.
Up next: Four scores and a freshman record.
Who & against whom? Washington State quarterback Connor Halliday lifts the Cougars to a 37-27 win over fair-weathered Arizona State on a cold, wet and snowy November day in Pullman, Wash.
The numbers: Pretty darn good for his first significant playing time. The redshirt freshman threw for 494 yards and four touchdowns on 27-of-36 passing. The yardage was a freshman passing record for Washington State.
A closer look: There's nothing like an 85-yard touchdown pass to get a young player's confidence going. After ASU's Jamal Miles took the opening kickoff 95 yards to give the Sun Devils a 7-0 lead, Halliday clicked with Marquess Wilson (eight catches, 223 yards, three touchdowns) on the Cougars' third offensive drive with an 85-yard strike to tie the score. He also showed good poise late in the game, engineering a pair of fourth-quarter touchdown drives. The first was a 9-play, 89-yard drive that ended in his fourth touchdown pass of the game. The second was an 11-play, 80-yard march. Both drives consumed more than four minutes of clock.
If you missed my Thursday chat, you can read the entire transcript here.
After you read that, you can then read these highlights and wonder why certain parts got cut and what that reveals about me clearly having a bias for/against your team.
Because I do so root for/against your team.
RIPstardust (Las Vegas): Stanford seems to be a major role with recruiting the past few years. If they get decent QB play, is there any reason not to expect that they stay in the BCS picture for the foreseeable future?
Ted Miller (3:02 PM): I think Stanford had set itself up well to remain in the top-half of the Pac-12 and to regularly be in the mix for top-level bowls. But I don't want to commit to the idea of Stanford as a team regularly playing in BCS bowls. That happened with the best QB in a generation. There's a little bit of wait and see with what might be next.
Adam (Boulder): With the commitments of both [Kenneth] Crawley and [Yuri] Wright, do you see the Buffs secondary immediately improving from last season?
Ted Miller (3:05 PM): We might want to wait until we see these guys play vs. college competition, but it's hard to imagine the Buffs secondary could be much worse. It certainly seems like it will be more athletic in 2012. And speed helps ... a bunch
Les Miles (Oregon): Is the battle between [Marcus] Mariota
and [Bryan] Bennett really that close? I just see Bennett as that "next level" QB. Would be foolish to not start him
Ted Miller (3:14 PM): I don't know. It seems some think that way, but with closed practices it's hard to say. Based on what I've seen of Bennett, if Mariota is better, then he must be pretty darn good. But if I were laying money on it, I'd pick Bennett to start.
KEITH (UCLA): WHATS YOUR THOUGHTS ON UCLA RECRUITING SO FAR
Ted Miller (3:19 PM): IT'S GOING BETTER THAN EXPECTED SINCE MORA TOOK OVER. LOVE THE 300 POUND DT Ellis McCarthy. SEEMS LIKE HEADED FOR TOP-25 CLASS.
RH (The Cloud): What is closer to the truth? DT left Oregon because his stock could not get higher ... or he left because he was going to get seriously challenged for the starting gig in 2012?
Ted Miller (3:26 PM): The former ... I think he's ready to get paid to play. I'm not one of the guys who thought he'd get beaten out. In conversations with [Chip] Kelly, he never even intimated that as a possibility.
Matt (PDX): Thoughts on Kellys flirtation with the NFL? Was it a contract issue (not enough $ from the BUcs, or Uncle Phil stepping up) or did he really have a last minute change of heart? DO you see him leaving in the 2-3 years if the opportunity arises again?
Ted Miller (3:28 PM): I think he still wants to be Oregon's coach. But he's very competitive. Some day he'll want to take on a new challenge. I'd say it's 50-50 if he's still Oregon's coach five years from now. That said, he may have had a eureka moment and decided he loves coaching Oregon.
JohnC (SLC): What's the likelihood the league goes to an 8-game conference schedule?
Ted Miller (3:30 PM) coaches want it, ADs don't... Larry Scott understands the value of 8-game schedules... if the Pac-12 becomes the only conference with a 9-game slate, I'd expect he might push for a change, sooner rather than later.
Tylurker (Land of Oaks): Are you excited to visit the new press box at Memorial Stadium? You have to admit, the view to the west from Strawberry Canyon is the best in the Pac12 (though, Montelake is nice). How you think the product on the filed in 2012 will compare with the upgraded facilities?
Ted Miller (3:36 PM) If [Zach] Maynard gets better, Cal has a chance to win 8-9 games. As for the press box, I can't wait. I was there in 2008 when the Bears beat Oregon in torrential rain storm... I was typing under a trash bag so my laptop wouldn't get wet... a real, live press box would make the Strawberry Canyon experience even better.
Brad (San Diego): UCLA didn't have any trouble recruiting good talent during the Neuheisel era, but still can't win on the field or in recruiting against USC. What are the biggest things that have to change to make those happen, and will it happen in the Mora era?
Ted Miller (3:45 PM): 1. Stars aren't the only thing. It seems some of those touted guys weren't as good as they were projected to be; 2. Culture ... UCLA needs that "all-in" culture that typifies winning teams -- see Oregon. That's about discipline, about dedication, about doing the extra work in the weight room and film room. That's about caring. And it would help to solve issues on the O-line and QB.
Palouse Pillager (A sea of apples): Mike Leach being such a hot name. What is the mark of success for him and WSU? What does he need to do by when to keep his sweet scent of eliteness and his job?
Ted Miller (3:48 PM): Bowl game in 2012. 8-9 wins in 2013... repeat, and cycle in a 10 win season every once and a while...
bubba (denver): What do you think the chances of Nick Foles getting drafted by my Denver Broncos, i think he would be a good fit. if not in denver, where do you think he will land?
Ted Miller (3:49 PM): Not a good thing for Foles because he'd immediately become the starter.. better to get some seasoning for 2-3 years.
Nick Holt (in a cardboard box): What are you hearing about Oregon's sanctions? Seems like they're going to get something if DT is leaving early and Chip wanted out too
Ted Miller (3:51 PM): 1. Kelly came back, so that dispels that; 2. Nothing to do with Thomas... sanctions wouldn't touch him in 2012.I don't think Oregon is going to get hammered. They'll get something, but nothing that threatens their place at the top of the North.
Gerald (Sacramento) Is Connor Halliday the toughest S.O.B you have seen in a while. I mean playing with a lacerated liver after Star hit him. I was so impressed with him when I heard that. Do you think he will start for WSU this year?
Ted Miller (3:56 PM) Both Halliday and [Jeff] Tuel have shown uncommon toughness. I'm a Tuel lean, but Leach has a new system. We'll have to see how each adapts.
Lance Romance (Winnipeg, Canada) Now that the dust has settled, [Brock] Osweiler declaring seems more and more like the right move for him.
Ted Miller (4:01 PM) Well, if he gets picked in the first round, then yes... And if he goes in the 2nd, that's not so bad either. But it makes you wonder if he took a step forward in 2012 if he could have ended up a top-15 pick... But, yes, his decision looks better today than it did when he made it.
After you read that, you can then read these highlights and wonder why certain parts got cut and what that reveals about me clearly having a bias for/against your team.
Because I do so root for/against your team.
RIPstardust (Las Vegas): Stanford seems to be a major role with recruiting the past few years. If they get decent QB play, is there any reason not to expect that they stay in the BCS picture for the foreseeable future?
Ted Miller (3:02 PM): I think Stanford had set itself up well to remain in the top-half of the Pac-12 and to regularly be in the mix for top-level bowls. But I don't want to commit to the idea of Stanford as a team regularly playing in BCS bowls. That happened with the best QB in a generation. There's a little bit of wait and see with what might be next.
Adam (Boulder): With the commitments of both [Kenneth] Crawley and [Yuri] Wright, do you see the Buffs secondary immediately improving from last season?
Ted Miller (3:05 PM): We might want to wait until we see these guys play vs. college competition, but it's hard to imagine the Buffs secondary could be much worse. It certainly seems like it will be more athletic in 2012. And speed helps ... a bunch
Les Miles (Oregon): Is the battle between [Marcus] Mariota
and [Bryan] Bennett really that close? I just see Bennett as that "next level" QB. Would be foolish to not start him
Ted Miller (3:14 PM): I don't know. It seems some think that way, but with closed practices it's hard to say. Based on what I've seen of Bennett, if Mariota is better, then he must be pretty darn good. But if I were laying money on it, I'd pick Bennett to start.
KEITH (UCLA): WHATS YOUR THOUGHTS ON UCLA RECRUITING SO FAR
Ted Miller (3:19 PM): IT'S GOING BETTER THAN EXPECTED SINCE MORA TOOK OVER. LOVE THE 300 POUND DT Ellis McCarthy. SEEMS LIKE HEADED FOR TOP-25 CLASS.
RH (The Cloud): What is closer to the truth? DT left Oregon because his stock could not get higher ... or he left because he was going to get seriously challenged for the starting gig in 2012?
Ted Miller (3:26 PM): The former ... I think he's ready to get paid to play. I'm not one of the guys who thought he'd get beaten out. In conversations with [Chip] Kelly, he never even intimated that as a possibility.
Matt (PDX): Thoughts on Kellys flirtation with the NFL? Was it a contract issue (not enough $ from the BUcs, or Uncle Phil stepping up) or did he really have a last minute change of heart? DO you see him leaving in the 2-3 years if the opportunity arises again?
Ted Miller (3:28 PM): I think he still wants to be Oregon's coach. But he's very competitive. Some day he'll want to take on a new challenge. I'd say it's 50-50 if he's still Oregon's coach five years from now. That said, he may have had a eureka moment and decided he loves coaching Oregon.
JohnC (SLC): What's the likelihood the league goes to an 8-game conference schedule?
Ted Miller (3:30 PM) coaches want it, ADs don't... Larry Scott understands the value of 8-game schedules... if the Pac-12 becomes the only conference with a 9-game slate, I'd expect he might push for a change, sooner rather than later.
Tylurker (Land of Oaks): Are you excited to visit the new press box at Memorial Stadium? You have to admit, the view to the west from Strawberry Canyon is the best in the Pac12 (though, Montelake is nice). How you think the product on the filed in 2012 will compare with the upgraded facilities?
Ted Miller (3:36 PM) If [Zach] Maynard gets better, Cal has a chance to win 8-9 games. As for the press box, I can't wait. I was there in 2008 when the Bears beat Oregon in torrential rain storm... I was typing under a trash bag so my laptop wouldn't get wet... a real, live press box would make the Strawberry Canyon experience even better.
Brad (San Diego): UCLA didn't have any trouble recruiting good talent during the Neuheisel era, but still can't win on the field or in recruiting against USC. What are the biggest things that have to change to make those happen, and will it happen in the Mora era?
Ted Miller (3:45 PM): 1. Stars aren't the only thing. It seems some of those touted guys weren't as good as they were projected to be; 2. Culture ... UCLA needs that "all-in" culture that typifies winning teams -- see Oregon. That's about discipline, about dedication, about doing the extra work in the weight room and film room. That's about caring. And it would help to solve issues on the O-line and QB.
Palouse Pillager (A sea of apples): Mike Leach being such a hot name. What is the mark of success for him and WSU? What does he need to do by when to keep his sweet scent of eliteness and his job?
Ted Miller (3:48 PM): Bowl game in 2012. 8-9 wins in 2013... repeat, and cycle in a 10 win season every once and a while...
bubba (denver): What do you think the chances of Nick Foles getting drafted by my Denver Broncos, i think he would be a good fit. if not in denver, where do you think he will land?
Ted Miller (3:49 PM): Not a good thing for Foles because he'd immediately become the starter.. better to get some seasoning for 2-3 years.
Nick Holt (in a cardboard box): What are you hearing about Oregon's sanctions? Seems like they're going to get something if DT is leaving early and Chip wanted out too
Ted Miller (3:51 PM): 1. Kelly came back, so that dispels that; 2. Nothing to do with Thomas... sanctions wouldn't touch him in 2012.I don't think Oregon is going to get hammered. They'll get something, but nothing that threatens their place at the top of the North.
Gerald (Sacramento) Is Connor Halliday the toughest S.O.B you have seen in a while. I mean playing with a lacerated liver after Star hit him. I was so impressed with him when I heard that. Do you think he will start for WSU this year?
Ted Miller (3:56 PM) Both Halliday and [Jeff] Tuel have shown uncommon toughness. I'm a Tuel lean, but Leach has a new system. We'll have to see how each adapts.
Lance Romance (Winnipeg, Canada) Now that the dust has settled, [Brock] Osweiler declaring seems more and more like the right move for him.
Ted Miller (4:01 PM) Well, if he gets picked in the first round, then yes... And if he goes in the 2nd, that's not so bad either. But it makes you wonder if he took a step forward in 2012 if he could have ended up a top-15 pick... But, yes, his decision looks better today than it did when he made it.
What were the top 10 games or moments of the 2011 season? Here's a stab at a list.
10. Colorado wins 17-14 at Utah: If the Utes had won Nov. 25, they would have won the Pac-12 South Division -- instead of UCLA -- and played at Oregon in the first Pac-12 championship game, in their first year of Pac-12 play. As it was, the Buffaloes' surprising victory ended a 24-game losing streak outside of the state of Colorado.
9. Shelly Lyons' pick-six vs. Matt Barkley: Arizona State ended an 11-game losing streak to USC on Sept. 24 in a quaking Sun Devil Stadium. The most memorable play was Lyons returning an interception 41 yards for a touchdown to ice the 43-22 victory. This victory seemed to announce the Sun Devils' arrival as a top-25 team.
8. Third-and-29: Arizona State's shocking 29-28 loss at UCLA on Nov. 5 was the first of five consecutive losses that derailed the Sun Devils' season and got coach Dennis Erickson fired. While it's most remembered for kicker Alex Garoutte missing three field goals, the biggest play of the game was the Bruins converting on a third-and-29 play on their go-ahead drive late in the fourth quarter. Kevin Prince connected with Nelson Rosario for 33 yards to the Sun Devils' 6-yard line. After that play, pretty much nothing went right for the Sun Devils the rest of the season. Further, UCLA wouldn't have played in the Pac-12 championship game without that play.
7. Halliday! Celebrate! Freshman Connor Halliday, the third quarterback Washington State used this season, threw for a Pac-12 freshman-record 494 yards and four touchdowns in a 37-27 victory over Arizona State on Nov. 12. It was his first significant playing time.
6. Utah at USC, Sept. 10: It was a good game that wasn't decided until the waning moments, with USC prevailing 23-14, but that's not why it was memorable. It was the first official Pac-12 game. (California's trip to Colorado earlier in the day didn't count as a conference game; it had been pre-scheduled as a nonconference game).
5. LSU-Oregon, third quarter: The Ducks were statistically superior but trailed LSU 16-13 at halftime on Sept. 3 because Tyrann Mathieu scored a touchdown after stripping the ball from Kenjon Barner on a punt return. Then the third quarter happened. Two fumbles from De'Anthony Thomas in Oregon territory set up a pair of Tigers touchdowns, and the game was pretty much over before it got to the fourth quarter.
4. Stanford wins at USC 56-48 in triple overtime: Start with this: The Oct. 29 meeting was a fantastic game, clearly one of the top five regular-season contests in the nation this year. What was most memorable to me wasn't the fumble that ended it, but Cardinal quarterback Andrew Luck regrouping after throwing a 33-yard pick-six to Nickell Robey and coolly leading a 76-yard touchdown drive to tie the count with 38 seconds left.
3. USC wins at Oregon 38-35: When the Ducks missed a late field goal to tie the Nov. 19 game, several things happened, starting with the end of a 21-game home winning streak as well as the end of a 19-game conference winning streak. It eliminated Oregon from the national title hunt. It also announced USC's return to national relevance. This victory -- as well as quarterback Matt Barkley's decision to return for his senior season -- is why many see the Trojans as 2012 national title contenders.
2. Black Mamba strikes in the Rose Bowl: For those in the college football world who only remembered De'Anthony Thomas from his fumbles in the opener against LSU, they got reintroduced in the Jan. 2 Rose Bowl. Thomas' touchdown runs of 91 and 64 yards were two of the most stunningly athletic plays of the bowl season. Immediately everyone thought: 2012 Heisman?
1. No Fiesta for Williamson: Stanford kicker Jordan Williamson missed a 35-yard field goal wide left as time expired that would have given the Cardinal a victory over No. 3 Oklahoma State in the Fiesta Bowl on Jan. 2. Williamson then missed from 43 yards in overtime, setting up the game-winning kick for the Cowboys. Of course, Stanford wouldn't have been in that situation if it had stopped the Cowboys on one of their two fourth-down conversions. Or if they tackled Oklahoma State receiver Justin Blackmon better. Or if they hadn't fumbled inside their 10-yard line.
10. Colorado wins 17-14 at Utah: If the Utes had won Nov. 25, they would have won the Pac-12 South Division -- instead of UCLA -- and played at Oregon in the first Pac-12 championship game, in their first year of Pac-12 play. As it was, the Buffaloes' surprising victory ended a 24-game losing streak outside of the state of Colorado.
9. Shelly Lyons' pick-six vs. Matt Barkley: Arizona State ended an 11-game losing streak to USC on Sept. 24 in a quaking Sun Devil Stadium. The most memorable play was Lyons returning an interception 41 yards for a touchdown to ice the 43-22 victory. This victory seemed to announce the Sun Devils' arrival as a top-25 team.
8. Third-and-29: Arizona State's shocking 29-28 loss at UCLA on Nov. 5 was the first of five consecutive losses that derailed the Sun Devils' season and got coach Dennis Erickson fired. While it's most remembered for kicker Alex Garoutte missing three field goals, the biggest play of the game was the Bruins converting on a third-and-29 play on their go-ahead drive late in the fourth quarter. Kevin Prince connected with Nelson Rosario for 33 yards to the Sun Devils' 6-yard line. After that play, pretty much nothing went right for the Sun Devils the rest of the season. Further, UCLA wouldn't have played in the Pac-12 championship game without that play.
7. Halliday! Celebrate! Freshman Connor Halliday, the third quarterback Washington State used this season, threw for a Pac-12 freshman-record 494 yards and four touchdowns in a 37-27 victory over Arizona State on Nov. 12. It was his first significant playing time.
[+] Enlarge
Jim Z. Rider/US PresswireUSC's win at Oregon, and Matt Barkley's decision to stay, signaled the Trojans' return to relevance.
Jim Z. Rider/US PresswireUSC's win at Oregon, and Matt Barkley's decision to stay, signaled the Trojans' return to relevance.5. LSU-Oregon, third quarter: The Ducks were statistically superior but trailed LSU 16-13 at halftime on Sept. 3 because Tyrann Mathieu scored a touchdown after stripping the ball from Kenjon Barner on a punt return. Then the third quarter happened. Two fumbles from De'Anthony Thomas in Oregon territory set up a pair of Tigers touchdowns, and the game was pretty much over before it got to the fourth quarter.
4. Stanford wins at USC 56-48 in triple overtime: Start with this: The Oct. 29 meeting was a fantastic game, clearly one of the top five regular-season contests in the nation this year. What was most memorable to me wasn't the fumble that ended it, but Cardinal quarterback Andrew Luck regrouping after throwing a 33-yard pick-six to Nickell Robey and coolly leading a 76-yard touchdown drive to tie the count with 38 seconds left.
3. USC wins at Oregon 38-35: When the Ducks missed a late field goal to tie the Nov. 19 game, several things happened, starting with the end of a 21-game home winning streak as well as the end of a 19-game conference winning streak. It eliminated Oregon from the national title hunt. It also announced USC's return to national relevance. This victory -- as well as quarterback Matt Barkley's decision to return for his senior season -- is why many see the Trojans as 2012 national title contenders.
2. Black Mamba strikes in the Rose Bowl: For those in the college football world who only remembered De'Anthony Thomas from his fumbles in the opener against LSU, they got reintroduced in the Jan. 2 Rose Bowl. Thomas' touchdown runs of 91 and 64 yards were two of the most stunningly athletic plays of the bowl season. Immediately everyone thought: 2012 Heisman?
1. No Fiesta for Williamson: Stanford kicker Jordan Williamson missed a 35-yard field goal wide left as time expired that would have given the Cardinal a victory over No. 3 Oklahoma State in the Fiesta Bowl on Jan. 2. Williamson then missed from 43 yards in overtime, setting up the game-winning kick for the Cowboys. Of course, Stanford wouldn't have been in that situation if it had stopped the Cowboys on one of their two fourth-down conversions. Or if they tackled Oklahoma State receiver Justin Blackmon better. Or if they hadn't fumbled inside their 10-yard line.
It's never too early to look ahead, and even if it is, it's not against the law or anything.
And so we have our way-too-early 2012 power rankings.
By the way, schedule does not factor into these. This is a projected pecking order based on where a team stands right now -- Jan. 10, 2012.
And, by the way No. 2, if you don't like where your team is in the way-too-early power rankings, then I'd suggest whining about it until you get to play better.
By the way No. 3, Nos. 1 & 2 were easy. The rest is pretty darn murky, not in small part due to four new coaches.
1. USC: The Trojans welcome back 19 starters from a top-five team, including quarterback Matt Barkley. They beat Oregon in Autzen Stadium on Nov. 19. USC might be the preseason No. 2. Or No. 3.
2. Oregon: The Ducks have a strong mix of talent coming back from a team that won the Rose Bowl, but it's not just about 16 returning starters. If you want a reason to favor the Ducks over the Trojans, it's depth. Oregon welcomes back most of its two-deep. By the way, old Ducks fans probably grin about the idea of their team having better depth than USC.
3. Utah: The Utes welcome back 18 starters, though replacing both offensive tackles will be a huge task this spring. The defense has a chance to be beastly. The key? Utah proved it can win eight games with poor-to-middling quarterback play. But does a healthy Jordan Wynn -- back to late 2009, early 2010 form -- mean 10 wins?
4. Stanford: Many will count out the Cardinal, post-Andrew Luck. The Pac-12 blog will not. The over-under with this team is eight wins. Two gigantic holes on the offensive line and at both safeties are major issues, as is quarterback.
5. Washington: The Huskies welcome back seven starters on both sides of the ball, including up-and-coming quarterback Keith Price. The question is how quickly the defense can improve under Justin Wilcox.
6. California: While Cal only welcomes back 11 starters, there's plenty of intriguing talent on the roster, particularly on defense. Will quarterback Zach Maynard take a step forward? And what about his receivers after Keenan Allen? The pressure is on Jeff Tedford to win inside a renovated Memorial Stadium in 2012. If things come together, he just might do that.
7. Arizona: The Wildcats have more potential than most realize, starting with five returning starters on the offensive line and three defensive starters returning from injury, as well as an experienced quarterback in Matt Scott, who looks like a nice fit for Rich Rodriguez's spread-option offense.
8. Washington State: With 18 starters back, I'll go ahead and type it: New coach Mike Leach will lead the Cougars to a bowl game. And, hopefully, someone tips their cap to former coach Paul Wulff for collecting some solid talent, including two quarterbacks, Jeff Tuel and Connor Halliday, who appear capable of flinging the rock as Leach likes to, as well as a potential All-American receiver in Marquess Wilson.
9. Oregon State: The Beavers could be a surprise team if all the young players who were inconsistent in 2011 grow up in 2012, starting with true freshman quarterback Sean Mannion. With 17 starters back, experience won't be an issue. But those returning players went 3-9, so it's difficult to project a top-half finish. At least, not at this point.
10. UCLA: New coach Jim Mora doesn't start with an empty cupboard -- 16 starters are back. But the overall talent is dubious and, even more challenging, Mora needs to rebuild a culture. Further, taking the Bruins back to a pro-style offense, if that's the ultimate plan, might be a struggle in Year 1. First question: Is Kevin Prince the quarterback, or does Mora go with talented redshirt freshman Brett Hundley?
11. Arizona State: The Sun Devils tumbled in these rankings when quarterback Brock Osweiler, curiously, opted to enter the NFL draft. With just 10 starters back, a quarterback with no real game experience -- whoever wins the job -- and a challenging locker room, new coach Todd Graham might find the going rough in Year 1.
12. Colorado: The Buffs welcome back 13 starters from a team that went 3-10 and ranked last in both scoring offense and scoring defense. The rebuilding job on offense, in particular, will be significant with the loss of quarterback Tyler Hansen, running back Rodney Stewart and receiver Toney Clemons. The rebuilding job in Boulder won't happen overnight-- or over two seasons -- for second-year coach Jon Embree.
And so we have our way-too-early 2012 power rankings.
By the way, schedule does not factor into these. This is a projected pecking order based on where a team stands right now -- Jan. 10, 2012.
And, by the way No. 2, if you don't like where your team is in the way-too-early power rankings, then I'd suggest whining about it until you get to play better.
By the way No. 3, Nos. 1 & 2 were easy. The rest is pretty darn murky, not in small part due to four new coaches.
1. USC: The Trojans welcome back 19 starters from a top-five team, including quarterback Matt Barkley. They beat Oregon in Autzen Stadium on Nov. 19. USC might be the preseason No. 2. Or No. 3.
2. Oregon: The Ducks have a strong mix of talent coming back from a team that won the Rose Bowl, but it's not just about 16 returning starters. If you want a reason to favor the Ducks over the Trojans, it's depth. Oregon welcomes back most of its two-deep. By the way, old Ducks fans probably grin about the idea of their team having better depth than USC.
3. Utah: The Utes welcome back 18 starters, though replacing both offensive tackles will be a huge task this spring. The defense has a chance to be beastly. The key? Utah proved it can win eight games with poor-to-middling quarterback play. But does a healthy Jordan Wynn -- back to late 2009, early 2010 form -- mean 10 wins?
4. Stanford: Many will count out the Cardinal, post-Andrew Luck. The Pac-12 blog will not. The over-under with this team is eight wins. Two gigantic holes on the offensive line and at both safeties are major issues, as is quarterback.
5. Washington: The Huskies welcome back seven starters on both sides of the ball, including up-and-coming quarterback Keith Price. The question is how quickly the defense can improve under Justin Wilcox.
6. California: While Cal only welcomes back 11 starters, there's plenty of intriguing talent on the roster, particularly on defense. Will quarterback Zach Maynard take a step forward? And what about his receivers after Keenan Allen? The pressure is on Jeff Tedford to win inside a renovated Memorial Stadium in 2012. If things come together, he just might do that.
7. Arizona: The Wildcats have more potential than most realize, starting with five returning starters on the offensive line and three defensive starters returning from injury, as well as an experienced quarterback in Matt Scott, who looks like a nice fit for Rich Rodriguez's spread-option offense.
8. Washington State: With 18 starters back, I'll go ahead and type it: New coach Mike Leach will lead the Cougars to a bowl game. And, hopefully, someone tips their cap to former coach Paul Wulff for collecting some solid talent, including two quarterbacks, Jeff Tuel and Connor Halliday, who appear capable of flinging the rock as Leach likes to, as well as a potential All-American receiver in Marquess Wilson.
9. Oregon State: The Beavers could be a surprise team if all the young players who were inconsistent in 2011 grow up in 2012, starting with true freshman quarterback Sean Mannion. With 17 starters back, experience won't be an issue. But those returning players went 3-9, so it's difficult to project a top-half finish. At least, not at this point.
10. UCLA: New coach Jim Mora doesn't start with an empty cupboard -- 16 starters are back. But the overall talent is dubious and, even more challenging, Mora needs to rebuild a culture. Further, taking the Bruins back to a pro-style offense, if that's the ultimate plan, might be a struggle in Year 1. First question: Is Kevin Prince the quarterback, or does Mora go with talented redshirt freshman Brett Hundley?
11. Arizona State: The Sun Devils tumbled in these rankings when quarterback Brock Osweiler, curiously, opted to enter the NFL draft. With just 10 starters back, a quarterback with no real game experience -- whoever wins the job -- and a challenging locker room, new coach Todd Graham might find the going rough in Year 1.
12. Colorado: The Buffs welcome back 13 starters from a team that went 3-10 and ranked last in both scoring offense and scoring defense. The rebuilding job on offense, in particular, will be significant with the loss of quarterback Tyler Hansen, running back Rodney Stewart and receiver Toney Clemons. The rebuilding job in Boulder won't happen overnight-- or over two seasons -- for second-year coach Jon Embree.
ABOUT THIS BLOG
Ted Miller
Miller has been covering college football since 1997, starting with Auburn and then heading West to Washington and the Pac-12. His columns for the Seattle Post-Intelligencer won first place in the 2007 APSE Best Writing contest. The Atlanta native and University of Richmond graduate presently lives with his wife in Scottsdale, Ariz.
Kevin Gemmell
Gemmell covered San Diego State and the Mountain West Conference for three years before joining ESPN.com. As a Santa Clara graduate, his hope is that the Broncos will one day re-institute football. Until then, he lives vicariously through his readers. Gemmell lives in California with his wife and son.
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