Another week, another AP Poll without any Pac-10 teams. Still, both the Washington Huskies and Washington State Cougars sit just outside the top-25, ready to strike as Pac-10 play begins. Arizona and USC also picked up votes -- or vote in USC's case -- in the poll. While the Pac-10 appears to be down again in 2010, four teams garnering attention, no matter how little, is encouraging.
The Huskies had a light week, only playing once as a final tuneup for the Pac-10 schedule. Washington easily dispatched the Nevada Wolfpack at home, 90-60. As a result, the Huskies nabbed 73 votes in the AP Poll, good for 30th place.
The Cougars finished the week at 3-1, defeating Mississippi State and previous No. 15 Baylor in the Diamond Head Classic. Washington State failed to leave a lasting impression on the voters after dropping the Diamond Head championship game to the Butler Bulldogs, 84-68. For their efforts, the Cougars picked up four votes, tied for 43rd place.
The Washington schools are in Los Angeles this week for the start of Pac-10 play. Washington plays USC and Washington State plays UCLA on Wednesday to open conference play.