In today's edition of The Daily 12-PAC we've got more offseason accolades for Huskies' RB Chris Polk, Mike Leach bringing in the cash at WSU, spring storylines in Eugene and the Beavers' need for speed.
More Accolades For UW's Polk
ESPN continued its countdown of the PAC-12's Top 25 players, and another Husky made the list. The other day, we told you Keith Price came in at No.11, and today's Washington RB Chris Polk makes the list at No. 9.
Polk ends his career as one of the most prolific and celebrated backs in UW history, and this offseason awards come as no surprise. Interestingly, Polk was listed at No. 4 on the preseason version of the same list. Do you think Polk failed to meet expectations, or was it just a strong year within the league? We'll have to keep an eye on who ESPN's top eight players are, and see if Polk's ranking was because he underperformed, or if she was snubbed.
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Leach Boosts WSU Bankroll
If you haven't caught on yet, Mike Leach's hiring at Washington State has been a really good thing. Now, of course, games still need to be played, but Leach is definitely winning off the field.
Wazzu went from the near the bottom of the barrel in PAC-12 donor rankings to being in striking distance of USC. If Leach can also improve in the win column, donors will likely continue to support the program. Leach's hiring is a byproduct of what a little money can do (the Cougars used money that came from the PAC-12's new TV deal), and if the money continues to roll in, all WSU could feel the benefit.
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Oregon Tops PAC-12 Spring Storylines
NBC Sports takes a look at the top storylines this spring, and the Oregon Ducks top the list.
Oregon's situation is full of layers: you've got to replace players who left early for the NFL, a coach who almost did the same, and an ongoing NCAA investigation. Oh, and a PAC-12 title to defend. If Chip Kelly can navigate these waters, it might be his most masterful coaching job yet.
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OSU's Need For Speed
Came across the article on Oregon State's offseason training and its focus, or lack thereof, on speed development.
I came away from this article with the impression that OSU strength coach Bryan Miller no longer emphasizes speed training. I don't know if that's the best approach in today's PAC-12. You've got the Oregon and USC's of world who have team speed that makes many drool, high scoring offenses like Washington and Washington State and now RIch Rod taking over in Tucson. It's a risky approach, in my opinion, by Oregon State to sacrifice in this conference, but if the Beavers feel they don't need speed to keep pace in this league, more power to them.
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