The Columbian

College

FILE - In this March 6, 2018, file photo, Oregon football head coach Mario Cristobal gestures during a news conference in Eugene, Ore.

Ducks can’t fly without Herbert

August 19, 2018, 5:57pm College

Just 12 months ago it was the start of the “Willie Taggart Era” in Eugene. Now it’s Mario Cristobal’s turn. Read story

In this photo taken Friday, Aug. 10, 2018, Washington quarterbacks Jake Haener (13), Jake Browning (3), Colson Yankoff (7), Jacob Simon (11) and Jacob Eason (10) line-up to throw during drills at a team football practice in Seattle. For the first time in more than 20 years, Washington will go into a season with a legitimate belief that being in the national championship conversation doesn’t sound foolish. They are the clear choice fin the Pac-12 North and to win the Pac-12 title. Accomplish both of those and there’s a good chance the Huskies could find themselves in the College Football Playoff for the second time in three years.

Golden opportunity for Huskies

August 18, 2018, 8:49pm College

When Myles Gaskin first arrived at Washington, the outside expectations for the Huskies were very different. They weren’t seen as an overwhelming favorite in the Pac-12. Read story

A former walk-on quarterback at Oregon State, Jonathan Smith is back in Corvallis this time to lead the Beavers as their head coach.

Smith is Beavers’ feel-good story

August 17, 2018, 10:05pm College

Jonathan Smith is a feel-good story for an Oregon State team that really needs one. Read story

Washington State quarterback Gardner Minshew passes during NCAA college football practice, Thursday, Aug. 16, 2018, in Pullman, Wash. Minshew is one of three quarterbacks competing for the starting job. (AP Photo/Ted S.

With Hilinski still in thoughts, WSU searches for quarterback to replace Falk

August 16, 2018, 10:55pm College

Washington State receiver Robert Lewis is going into this season still mourning Tyler Hilinski but also drawing strength from his memory. Read story

Washington head coach Chris Petersen has his Huskies as the preseason favorite to win the Pac-12 with their roster full of NFL-caliber talent, but the entire league is looking for an improved season after going 1-8 in bowl games last winter.

Pac-12 Preview: Huskies lead favorites in search of league redemption

August 13, 2018, 5:06pm College

Chris Petersen spent the past half-decade building a powerhouse at Washington, and his latest group is the strong favorite to win the Pac-12 title while leading the league’s quest to regain national respectability. Read story

Alabama head coach Nick Saban throws a pass during a NCAA college football practice, Saturday, Aug. 4, 2018, in Tuscaloosa, Ala.

SEC Preview: Alabama, Georgia could be on collision course … again

August 13, 2018, 4:57pm College

Georgia coach Kirby Smart gave mentor Nick Saban and Alabama a run for their money in the national championship game — and did it again in the offseason. Read story

Linebackers coach Parker Henry barks out instructions to the defense during a practice last week at Portland State.

Skyview grad’s no-quit attitude lands job on PSU’s coaching staff

August 11, 2018, 11:10pm Clark County Sports

As an under-recruited, undersized linebacker at Skyview, Parker Henry learned the only thing separating him from success was to out-work everyone else. Read story

WSU enters camp with 4 QBs vying to be the starter

August 3, 2018, 5:40pm College

All four quarterbacks on the Washington State roster will get a chance during fall camp to make their case to start, though coach Mike Leach said he doubts they’ll all get equal reps. Read story

Washington NCAA college head football coach Chris Petersen points skyward in response to hearing Blue Angels jets soar nearby as he speaks at a news conference Thursday, Aug. 2, 2018, in Seattle. Petersen hates expectations, so he’s likely loathing Washington being the overwhelming favorite in the Pac-12 and likely top 10 when the preseason AP poll comes out. The Huskies open fall camp on Friday in preparation for the Sept. 1 opener against Auburn.

Time when Petersen hurled into the sky

August 2, 2018, 8:59pm College

Chris Petersen got a brief respite from the talk of the high expectations facing Washington on the eve of fall camp. Read story

UCLA coach Chip Kelly talks to reporters at the Pac-12 Conference NCAA college football media day in Los Angeles, Wednesday, July 25, 2018. (AP Photo/Jae C.

5 new head coaches giving fresh energy to weary Pac-12 football

July 25, 2018, 8:14pm College

The Pac-12 went 1-8 in its bowl games last season, leading to a winter of external criticism and internal soul-searching for most of its programs. Read story