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Roundup: Dawgs get an "ungettable"

Dec 6, 2013
David Becker/AP Photo

Washington

Well the Huskies got a pretty big fish for their new leading man, as the Chris Petersen Era begins on Montlake. Petersen, who was named head football coach today, had a 92-12 record at Boise State in eight seasons there and won two BCS bowls. Great hire by Scott Woodward, and a great write-up by Gregg Bell on how Washington got one of the most “ungettables.”

Stanford

Just one more day now until the Pac-12 Football Championship Game. Stanford. Arizona State. Sun Devil Stadium. 4:45 p.m. PT. ESPN. Let’s kick things off with a Pac-12 Football Championship Game video breakdown with Ted Miller of ESPN Pac-12 Blog fame. The Card is looking for a second straight conference title, and Tyler Gaffney holds the key to Stanford’s Rose Bowl hopes. That was from Jon Wilner, and David Lombardi gives Stanford fans the keys on how to beat Arizona State. With Tyler Gaffney being a key on the offensive side of the ball, Trent Murphy is just as important on the other side of things, and with a steer wrestling background coupled with one-on-one self-defense lessons with his pops, Stanford’s Murphy traces his toughness to his family.

Arizona State

As Pac-12 Coach of the Year Todd Graham tells our Ashley Adamson, Arizona State football is excited to host the Pac-12 title game. And, with a home record of 7-0, it’s no wonder why they’re so excited to be playing this game in Tempe. It’s not just the team, either, because the ASU atmosphere is electric as the big game nears (students have been camping out for days, son). The reason why there is so much excitement and electricity is obvious: Arizona State is bracing for its own Super Bowl (the Cowboys and Steelers played for the actual Super Bowl in Tempe in 1996). As far as the actual gameplay goes, a Rose Bowl berth could hinge on the play of ASU’s improving offensive line. Also, D.J. Foster plans to be a factor again for Arizona State in the title game with Marion Grice injured. And…one more link, just because: One win from the Rose Bowl, Todd Graham has his redemption. Remember the public beating he took for leaving Pitt to come to ASU?

Oregon

With so much going on around the Pac this week, Marcus Mariota’s decision to return to Eugene didn’t make as many headlines as it would have if it were another week. But headlines don’t win championships, and Mariota is a boon for Year 2 of Helfrich, according to Uncle Ted.

Colorado

The Buffs have a huge game at home against No. 6 Kansas on the hardwood, and B.G. Brooks pens a story about how Colorado freshman Jaron Hopkins is likely to get the first call on KU’s Andrew Wiggins. The athletic collegiate rook has been improving on the defensive end of the floor. 12:15 p.m. PT in Boulder- gives you plenty of time to watch CU-KU and then the Pac-12 Football Championship Game.

California

Cal and Kabam have formed a 15-year partnership for the naming rights of its football field in a deal that is valued at nearly $18 million. So now it will be called Kabam Field at California Memorial Stadium.

UCLA

As the only non-ACC team in the College Cup for women’s soccer, UCLA will take on Virginia today at 4:30 p.m. PT in Cary, N.C. UCLA is looking for its 110th national championship as an athletic department. Virginia Tech and Florida State are on the other side of the bracket. UCLA beat North Carolina in the quarters (in double overtime in Chapel Hill, no less), so if it wasn't for Angela Cromwell's bunch, this would have been all-ACC affair.

Arizona

Ya know, with Michigan State losing at home to North Carolina earlier this week, Arizona basketball has a chance to move to No. 1 next week. All the Cats have to do is beat UNLV tomorrow, and the top spot is theirs (not that UNLV is an easy opponent).

Oregon State

With the Beavers’ football season still up in the air, let’s move on over to Craig Robinson territory, where Devon Collier is playing with “urgency” after learning a tough lesson. The senior forward was suspended for the 2013-14 for a violation of team rules, but has made up for his lost time on the court with an aggressive style of play.

USC

Don’t forget that USC men’s water polo is taking aim at its sixth straight national championship this weekend, starting with a national semifinal bout Saturday afternoon with St. Francis (Brooklyn).

Utah

Just so much postseason action going on! It’s a shame we’re only getting to one women’s volleyball story, but the Utes are eager for their first tourney appearance since 2008, when they went all the way to the Sweet 16. Remember, Utah is one of nine Pac-12 women’s volleyball teams to make the NCAA tournament (that’s a conference record, yo). This year’s run for the Utes begins with Yale this afternoon at 2 p.m. PT.

Washington State

CougCenter has a question for you, Crimson and Gray supporter: Will you travel to a bowl game? Mike Leach seems pretty confident that the Cougs have another game in ‘em this year; Leach said that WSU not getting a bowl invite would be “unfathomable.”