Pac-Tending 10-17-07

"Every decision at our institutions has to be made on behalf of academic integrity and student well-being. We're lost otherwise. Unless we identify our value system and maintain it, we're finished."

- University of Oregon professor Nathan Tublitz, speaking about the importance of academics to be served first, before athletics, at the nation's universities.

The numbers continue to be crunched at the Creek and they still look good at the midway point of the fall sports season as the conference finds themselves with 16 teams in the national polls this week – six in volleyball and five apiece in women's soccer and football.

Meanwhile, at NCAA HQ, the new bench decorum rules will go into effect this season for men's and women's basketball, giving game officials wide latitude to issue technical fouls – without warning - for a variety of offenses, ranging from abusive language to taunting or baiting an opponent.

The NCAA will consider, among other things, the possibility of creating a Division IV to create a higher level of sport sponsorship than is currently available with the current modeling, at the NCAA convention in January.

Arizona

In football, the Wildcats lost to USC, 20-13, to drop to 2-5 overall and 1-3 in conference play. Freshman Keenyn Crier was named as the conference's special teams player of the week.

Washington

In football, the Huskies lost to Arizona State, 44-20, to fall to 2-4 overall and 0-3 in conference play. Washington received a verbal commitment from receiver Jordan Polk.

In volleyball, senior outside hitter Christal Morrison was named as the conference's player of the week.

USC

In football, the Trojans defeated Arizona, 20-13, to improve to 5-1 overall and 3-1 in conference play.

In women's hoop, guard Jackie Gemelos is out for the season with a knee injury as is Stefanie Gilbreath, also with a knee injury.

In women's soccer, sophomore goalkeeper Kristin Olsen was named as the conference's player of the week.

WSU

In football, the Cougars lost to Oregon, 53-7, to fall to 2-5 overall and 0-4 in conference play.

In soccer, Wazzu beat Arizona but lost to Arizona State to move to 8-2-2 ovrall and 1-1 in conference play.

In volleyball, WSU was swept by California and Stanford to drop to 9-12 overall and 0-7 in conference play.

Oregon State

In football, the Beavers defeated California, 31-28, to improve to 5-3 overall and 2-2 in conference play. Senior running back Yvenson Bernard was named as the conference's offensive player of the week. Linebacker Tony Wilson gave a verbal commitment to Oregon State.

UCLA

In football, quarterback Patrick Cowan is expected to start against California this week.

California

In football, the Bears lost to Oregon State, 31-28, to fall to 5-1 overall and 3-1 in conference play.

Oregon

In football, the Ducks beat WSU, 53-7, to improve to 5-1 overall and 2-1 in conference play. Running back Jeremiah Johnson and receiver Cameron Colvin are out for the year with a knee and ankle injury, respectively. Junior defensive lineman Nick Reed was named as the conference's player of the week.

Arizona State

In football, the Sun Devils defeated Washington, 44-20, to remain undefeated at 7-0 overall and 4-0 in conference play. Tight end Brent Miller is out for a few weeks with a knee injury.

Stanford

In football, the Cardinal lost to TCU, 38-36, to fall to 2-4 overall and 1-2 in conference play.

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