Cougars commentary

SEATTLE – When the sun sets in Husky Stadium during an afternoon Apple Cup, its red glow bounces off the crimson-wearing Washington State University fans, of whom there are many, and creates a mirage seeming as if the entire building is full of nothing but Cougars. The fact they are loud heightens the illusion.

It’s funny what pressure can do. Diamonds or dust, either one.

Deion Sanders took the turf on Gesa Field for the first (and probably last) time Friday night, not looking like he was feeling anything close to his prime.

There was an upset in Berkeley, one that had nothing to do with the result on the field – though the way Washington State’s totally Pac-12 42-39 loss to host California played out was upsetting to any Cougar follower and those who hoped the conference’s last season wouldn’t be marred by officiating issues.

Early on Saturday night, Michael Bumpus expressed the thought Mother Nature was playing defense for both teams.

You can’t always be home to watch your favorite college football team’s game. Sometimes it’s work. Sometimes pleasure. But there is the occasional Saturday when the road beckons and you found yourself miles from the Pac-12 footprint. That’s when you hope the game you want to watch is not on the Pac-12 Networks.

The better Cougars showed up for their ABC appearance Saturday afternoon. Problem was, the better Ducks did as well. With both teams coming off tough defeats, it was ninth-ranked Oregon that had too much.

If I were still a reporter, I would not be allowed to say this, but as a columnist I’m untouchable, so here is a bit of opinion: I think the labor movement in the United States was and is a good thing. If you aren’t sure why, then I suggest you read “The Cold Millions” by Spokane’s own Jess Walter.

If you wondered how Washington State would respond to its first loss of the year, the first half against Arizona on Saturday was probably not the answer you wanted. Nor was the rest of the game. Unless you support the Wildcats.