The Wiz of Odds

Washington State

Washington State took a step back in Mike Leach's third season, tumbling to a 3-9 record after appearing in the New Mexico Bowl in 2013. Much of the blame was put on the defense, which ranked 97th nationally. Leach fired defensive coordinator Mike Breske and hired Alex Grinch from Missouri. But there are other issues. The team rushed for only 478 yards — worst in Division I-A — and the longest run was 26 yards.

Arizona State Stays in the Hunt in Pac-12 South

It's tough work but somebody has to do it. Wiz correspondent Greg Laughlin made the overnight trek to Tempe from San Diego in time for the 11 a.m. kickoff between Pacific 12 rivals Washington State and Arizona State.

The Sun Devils got off to a slow start but roared back for a 52-31 victory before 51,428 at Sun Devil Stadium.

There are additional images after the jump.

USC's Trip to Pullman a Smashing Success

It was soggy and foggy Saturday in Pullman, Wash., but that didn't matter to Washington State fans, who enjoyed themselves even though the Cougars were being throttled by USC, 44-17.

The photographers of Image of Sport were at Martin Stadium to chronicle the events. There are additional images after the jump. View the entire gallery by clicking here.

Stanford Makes Short Work of Washington State

Stanford had a short week to rebound from a difficult loss to Notre Dame, but the Cardinal used their might to brush aside pass-happy Washington State, 34-17, on Friday night at Stanford Stadium.

Image of Sport was among the announced 44,135 and you can view the photography service's gallery by clicking here.

Washington State

It's year three of the Mike Leach experiment at Washington State. Leach doubled the victory total from year one to year two and got the Cougars into the New Mexico Bowl, where they somehow lost a 22-point lead and the game to Colorado State. Washington State should be favored in its first three games. That would set up a Sept. 20 showdown against Oregon in Pullman.

Leach Welcomes Petrino to the Neighborhood

Washington State's Mike Leach and Idaho's Paul Petrino could be on their way to becoming the new Hatfields and McCoys.

The coaches got into a small dustup after Saturday night's game, won by the Cougars, 42-0. In the top video, Leach shouts something at Petrino after a gruff handshake between the two. In the video after the jump, the coaches yell at each other, but it's difficult to understand what was said.

Staffs from each team then stepped in and the parties went on their merry ways.

The campuses are only nine miles apart and Petrino actually lives in Pullman. But here's the interesting part: Petrino is building a new house next door to Leach's residence, according to Vince Grippi of the Spokesman-Review.