Should we buy stock in Washington’s football team this season? Coach Jedd Fisch has turned some of us into believers in a top-tier bowl. Washington seems like such a resilient program. — @Moneyline_RAY
The Hotline holds a negative outlook for Washington in Fisch’s first season, for a slew of reasons: The disruption caused by the coaching change; the massive loss of talent, especially at quarterback, receiver and offensive line; and the difficulties posed by life in the Big Ten. The Utes were battered by injuries last season but have all the ingredients needed to win the Big 12, from coaching stability to a veteran quarterback , stout lines of scrimmage and a proven culture.
Arizona State presents another buying opportunity, if only because the Sun Devils are the equivalent of a penny stock as second-year coach Kenny Dillingham attempts to revamp the roster. And we should add this: Washington State and Oregon State will be available on all the networks listed above, plus CBS Sports Network, which will carry the road games against Mountain West teams.
But in practical terms, the Huskies and Ducks are half-share members. The Big Ten’s media rights deal with Fox, NBC and CBS is believed to average about $65 million per school over the course of the seven years, starting below that figure and ending above it. The Cougars also grabbed Utah big man Keba Keita and Rutgers forward Mawot Mag from the transfer portal and signed several high school players.It could have been much, much worse for the Cougars after Pope left — and took star guard Jaxson Robinson with him to Kentucky.
For that matter, there is no guarantee Judge Claudia Wilken will approve the terms of the settlement that have been reported. What’s the likelihood Gonzaga joins the rebuilt Pac 12, and if so, would the school start a football program? — Jake IngramPredicting the school’s conference affiliation for basketball is considerably more difficult.Or they could remain in the WCC.