What up y'all? Welcome to another edition of The Daily 12-PAC. Today we bring you a scouting report on Washington's Alameda Ta'amu, a look at the top coaches in the PAC-12, check out what school signed up to play Oregon in the near future, and check out OSU's running game.
See ya after the jump, homies.
NY Times Scouts Alameda Ta'amu
The New York Times' Fifth Down Blog put together this scouting report on Washington's Alameda Ta'amu, It wasn't as positive as others we have read, but we thought it would be good to pass along just for the sake of hearing a different opinion.
The piece says it doesn't seem Ta’amu has much versatility or upside. While I agree he lacks versatility - his role is clearly defined - I find it hard to say he lacks "upside". Certainly we get paid to write our opinions, and this writer is entitled to his, but it seems to be a pretty broad brush that he's painting Ta'amu with. In the right system, and if healthy, I think Ta'amu can be that run-stuffing 3-4 nose tackle that he is built to be.
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Leach High On Athlon's List Of Coaches
Athlon Sports released its ranking of Pac-12 coaches, and the list might surprise you. Washington State's Mike Leach ranks 3rd on the list, behind only Oregon's Chip Kelly and USC's Lane Kiffin.
It is no secret that Leach is greatly respected by both the media and in coaching circles, however, after being out of coaching for a bit and in a new conference the ranking comes as a bit of an eyebrow raiser. Just one more reason for Coug fans to be excited about the upcoming season and the new era in Pullman.
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Ducks Have A New Foe
The Oregon Ducks and the Michigan State Spartans announced a home-and-home agreement to play one another in 2014 and 2015.
The Ducks, who have had a difficult time scheduling opponents due to their recent success, are no doubt pleased that they were able to ink a deal with a school not named "Directional Tech" and that actually competes at the FBS level.
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OSU Looking To Improve Run Game
Oregon State ranked last in the PAC-12 last year in rushing. The Beavers are focused on, and committed to, re-establish their ground attack that fell off some after the departure of Jaquizz Rodgers.
However, it won't be an easy task, and Ted Miller points out. The Beavers are short on health and short on experience in the backfield and along the offensive line. But OSU coach Mike Riley remains optimistic.
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