Sports in Control: We’re sharing some thoughts on Tony Bennett, WSU football and more in today’s late post

Sport under control • It’s not often that I start writing just before 8am, which is what you see on the SR website. But today that is the case. Writing the column actually began just after 6 a.m. today. Filled a few screens with thoughts about Tony Bennett and his sudden retirement. But a few minutes ago I re-read what I had written, saw it for what it was – crappy – and put it aside.

•••••••

• It was excessive. Way too much. I realized that everything I needed to write was simple. Bennett is a Hall of Fame coach. This was evident in Pullman, where our paths crossed for the first time. That was evident over the years at Virginia, where he won an NCAA title, produced more NBA players and won more basketball games than anyone since the place was founded by Thomas Jefferson.

His sudden retirement should come as no surprise to anyone who has followed his career. His father did the same in Wisconsin. And even though it’s not the same person, when you set certain standards and you can no longer meet them, it’s difficult to move on. The elder Bennett couldn’t. The younger ones couldn’t do it either.

Here is the simple truth. I admired Tony Bennett. The way he trained. The way he treated his players. His faith. His family. His willingness to open up his program to me. Allowed me to learn how he trained. More than anyone else knows how I train these days.

After he left Pullman—and eroded much of the goodwill he had built there—our relationship changed. But remained intact. He helped me on my later path as a coach. I helped a few players who I felt fit his program find a home in Charlottesville.

He is on my coaching resume as a reference. I can’t think of anyone better. I’m sad to see him retire, not because it’s not his time yet. If he and his wife Laurel believe that, then so be it. What makes me sad is that the number of players he has interacted with over the years, from Wisconsin to Washington State to Virginia, will no longer increase.

He is an excellent basketball coach. He is an even better mentor. College basketball is less without him.

• Every game the Washington State football team plays This season is huge. For several reasons. Today it is no different.

Hawaii is in the Palouse. Homecoming. A chance for the Cougars to become bowl eligible. Beyond that, however, there is a chance that the momentum will continue. On the field, sure. Even off the field. The Pac-12 needs WSU to shine. To stay relevant all season long. To build the brand. Today’s game, which starts at 12:30 p.m., contributes to this. It is available on The CW in most parts of the country. Anyone who would like to watch is welcome to do so.

Every time John Mateer or Kyle Thornton or anyone else makes a play, it not only contributes to success on the field, but also builds a foundation for the future.

It’s really too much to put on the Cougars. But it is there. Every game.

•••

WSU: We have included links to Bennett’s retirement press conference throughout the column. Not one way or another, but close. The best? Jerry Brewer’s Washington Post column that appeared in SR. …Back to football today. Greg Woods has his preview, his keys and why the Cougars will win. This is a great day for defense. … Greg also has a story about WSU adding Toledo to next season’s home schedule. … Elsewhere in the (new and old) Pac-12, the Mountain West and the nation, Jon Wilner has his weekly mailbag in SR. … He also shares a football recruiting recap in the Mercury News. … It would be incredible if the Army and Navy had to meet twice within two weeks. … It’s another big day in college football, highlighted by No. 5 Georgia in the big game at Texas. … There was a remarkable game last night. Second-seeded Oregon traveled across the country and gave Purdue no breathing room, winning what was thought to be a trap game 35-0. The Ducks are 7-0. …Oregon State has to prove itself today as the Beavers host UNLV. A win would be a surprise. … Washington, like all schools, is preparing to share revenue with its players. … Both California and North Carolina State will be looking for their first ACC victory when they meet today. … Arizona has a wide receiver capable of exploiting a weakness in Colorado’s best player. … TCU vs. Utah just seems like a non-conference game. But it’s a Big 12 game. … Stanford and SMU are on the verge of becoming ACC rivals. It starts today. … USC sticks with Miller Moss. …UCLA could certainly use a breakthrough against Rutgers. … Arizona State needed a spark on defense. It got it. … There was a game in the Mountain West last night. Fresno State stayed conservative and defeated Nevada. … San Jose State will play two quarterbacks today when it hosts Wyoming. … New Mexico is making progress. The Lobos face Utah State today. … Colorado State and Air Force meet in the final battle on Interstate 25. … San Diego State has a lot to do in the second half of the season.

Gonzaga: A preview. Theo Lawson will be publishing a series of stories about GU’s recent NBA alumni next Sunday. The film about Zach Collins is available today. … John Canzano had a long conversation with Mark Few in Las Vegas.

EMU: The passing game will have to perform at a higher level today when Eastern hosts No. 6 UC Davis. That’s the focus of the Dan Thompson preview. … Elsewhere in the Big Sky, Portland State hosts No. 3 Montana State today. … Weber State and Sacramento State have followed parallel paths this season. … Idaho State heads to Northern Arizona hoping to get back on track. …In basketball news, the Idaho State women are simply hoping to stay healthy this season. … Utah State defeated the Weber State men in an exhibition game.

Idaho: The quarterback injuries have knocked UI out of the top spot in the FCS. But as Peter Harriman shares in this preview of tonight’s home game against Cal Poly, the Vandals can start to bounce back.

Preparations: Another big night in GSL football, highlighted by Gonzaga Prep’s late field goal block that clinched a 23-21 victory over Central Valley. Dave Nichols has this story as well as a recap of other football events. … Greg Lee covered West Valley’s important 2A win over Deer Park. …Dave returns with a recap of the non-football action.

Bosses: The long road trip is over, a few games late for Spokane. The Chiefs lost again on Friday night, 5-0 at Swift Current. They have a week off before playing Vancouver at the arena.

Seahawks: The Hawks have big questions in the secondary, on offense and whether they can handle the Falcons.

Sailors: Dave Roberts is questioned. Instead of giving Jack Flaherty a few more days of rest, the Dodgers started him in the fifth game and he had nothing. The Mets often scored early and won 12-6. The series returns to LA on Sunday, where the Dodgers will look to win another game. … The Yankees prevailed, Cleveland rallied, then made a crucial error in the ninth. New York won 8-6 and is one win out of the World Series.

Storm: Minnesota edged New York at home, and the Lynx’s 82-80 win sent the WNBA Finals to Game 5 in New York on Sunday.

Octopus: The depth is there. Will it be enough to lead Seattle to a historic season?

Govern: In the final home game of the season, Seattle defeated Houston. He ended a five-game losing streak. And gave yourself something to feel good about.

Sounder: It’s always big when the Timbers visit. Today’s game seems even bigger. You could call it crucial.

•••

• All my stupidity this morning was for nothing. Self-editing is an art and today I finger painted like a first grader. The wasted time means I have to post this column online late for the daily email. …By the way, have you noticed the change? I was asked to do it and I did it. See you later …