Part II: Conversation with Herb Sendek - Arizona State [$$] (Rivals)

Source: Yahoo! NCAAB

W. Golf. Women's Golf Takes Fifth at NCAA Championships

Source: ASU Official Site

The Arizona State women's golf team finished in fifth place at the 2013 NCAA Championships in Athens, Ga., recording its best team finish since 2010. With gusting winds for the final round of competition, the Sun Devils were able to withstand the inclement weather to shoot 29-over 1181 (293-287-296-305) to finish top-five in the nation.

Watching film with ASU running back Marion Grice

Source: AZCentral.com by Doug Haller

Marion Grice had talent. That much was clear. But watching the junior-college transfer in last season's fall camp usually produced the same question among observers: How is he going to fit in Arizona State's crowded backfield? As it turned out, Grice provided that answer all by himself. As the season unfolded, it got to the point where the Sun Devils could not afford to have him off the field. He was ASU's biggest offensive play-maker, a threat at running back and receiver.

Opening the mailbag: 'Notorious' Oregon

Source: Pac-12 Football Blog

Welcome to the mailbag. Can we get you something to drink? Follow the Pac-12 blog on Twitter. To the notes! John from Portland writes: Ted, you said in an article you recently wrote that Oregon's athletic department is "notoriously tardy with releasing information to the media." Are you an expert on legal proceedings? Are you qualified to comment on a school being "tardy" when it comes to releasing information to the media? Is Oregon obligated to release information on an NCAA-sanctioned investigation to the media within a certain time frame before the supposed delay can be dubbed "notorious?

Poll: Pac-12's worst BCS moment

Source: Pac-12 Football Blog

On Wednesday, we provided you with our worst five Pac-12 BCS moments. Here's what we wrote (our polls can only included five choices, so if you think Oregon losing the Rose Bowl to Ohio State after the 2009 season, go with "other"). 1. Just one BCS national title, lots of frustration: No conference has more legitimate gripes with the BCS system than the Pac-12. Multiple seasons saw the conference have teams skipped over, most notably Oregon in 2001 and USC in 2003 and 2008.

Pac-12 lunch links: MacIntyre to coach son?

Source: Pac-12 Football Blog

Happy Friday. An ex-Arizona star is in a bit of trouble. Arizona State coach Todd Graham feels prepared for the Sun Devils' tough schedule. A California recruiting update. Colorado coach Mike MacIntyre's son is a top recruit who may end up a Buff. Oregon announces some future games with FCS schools. Yay. A post-spring Q&A on Oregon State. Andrew Luck is comfortable. UCLA OLB Anthony Barr leads a strong crew of Pac-12 linebackers.

Sun Devil Legends Series: No.97 Albrey Battle

Source: House Of Sparky by Nick Marek

The Backstory: After two obvious selections at 99 and 98, the House of Sparky staff had our first great debate over No. 97. While logic and numbers might say Shawn Patterson is most deserving, the author of this article believes that Albrey Battle's accomplishments were more impressive.

On the defensive line, Battle did things defensive linemen can only dream of. His career tackles for loss numbers are quite impressive, and he also recorded an interception. Though he was undersized as a defensive tackle, he still produced quality stats. In 1998, he made the transition to defensive end, which demonstrated his willingness to help his team in any way possible.

Though the staff was torn over No. 97, the author

Take 2: Toughest 2013 schedule?

Source: Pac-12 Football Blog

All schedules are not created equal. Sometimes it's the luck of the draw and sometimes it's soft -- or hard -- nonconference scheduling. And sometimes there are less tangible factors, such as bye weeks and fan expectations. So who's got the toughest go this fall? Here are two takes. Kevin Gemmell: If you want to go by just the raw data, then California and Colorado share the "toughest" schedule based on the combined records of last year's opponents.

ASU Baseball Series Preview vs. Washington

Source: House Of Sparky by Nick Marek

The Sun Devils could use a Pac-12 series win before NCAA play begins.

Less than a week after losing the Territorial Cup to Arizona and dropping the regular season home finale to Brigham Young University, it is safe to say ASU is in need of a rebound this weekend.

The No. 19 Sun Devils (34-18-1, 15-12) will close the season up on the road against the Washington Huskies (22-31, 13-14) with the chance to make a statement before NCAA Regionals start at the end of the month.

The Sun Devils need to clinch the series to put their team in the drivers' seat to host a regional site so this is an important weekend in Seattle, Washington. The NCAA Regional site hosts will be announced on May 26 at 6 p.m. PT and the

Video: Pac-12 official visit

Source: Pac-12 Football Blog

Erik McKinney and Phil Murphy recap Keller Chryst's performance at the San Francisco Elite 11 and break down the impact of Adoree' Jackson's track career on his football decision. And how would Cal recruiting success affect the Pac-12?

Video: One Good Thing -- Oregon State

Source: Pac-12 Football Blog

The cornerback competition between Sean Martin and Steven Nelson adds depth to an experienced secondary.

ASU softball ace Dallas Escobedo is back on track and taking control in the postseason

Source: AZCentral.com by Tyler Killian

In 2011, freshman Dallas Escobedo recorded three victories -- including two shutouts -- in regionals before winning two more in the super regionals and five in a row in the Women's College World Series to lead Arizona State to a national championship. This season as a junior, Escobedo again picked up all three wins -- including two shutouts -- in regionals and again looked much like a pitcher capable of carrying her team to a title.

Arizona State baseball's Trevor Williams showing improvement despite record

Source: AZCentral.com by Jeff Metcalfe

The numbers do lie, Trevor Williams says. The Arizona State junior right-hander believes he's a better pitcher this season than last even though he has a losing record (5-6) and much higher ERA (3.92) than in 2012, when he was second-team All-American.

Track. Two Advance to Eugene Following Day One at NCAA West T&F Prelims

Source: ASU Official Site

Seniors Chelsea Cassulo and Christabel Nettey punched their tickets to nationals and several other members of the Arizona State University track and field team lived to fight another day as the squad completed the first day of competition at the NCAA West Preliminaries at Mike A. Myers Stadium on Thursday in Austin, Texas.

San Fran Elite 11: Ricky Town highlights

Source: ESPN YouTube

Saint Bonaventure (Ventura, Calif.) quarterback Ricky Town - a 2015 prospect who holds offers from Arizona State, Miami (FL) and UCLA - competes at the Elite 11 camp at the 49ers practice facility in Santa Clara, Calif.

W. Golf. Jimenez Leads No. 12 Women's Golf into Sixth Place at NCAA Championships

Source: ASU Official Site

The No. 12 Arizona State women's golf team advances into sixth place on Thursday and will paired with the final wave of teams to finish on 18 at the 2013 NCAA Championships. The Sun Devils shot an 8-over 296 in the third round for a three-round total of 12-over 876. ASU will be paired with UCLA and Purdue in the final round of competition.

Poll: Pac-12's best BCS moment

Source: Pac-12 Football Blog

On Wednesday, we provided you with our top five Pac-12 BCS moments. Here's what we wrote (our polls can only included five choices, so if you think Oregon and Stanford both winning BCS bowl games this past year qualifies, go with other): 1. USC drubs Oklahoma for the 2004 national title: The 55-19 victory over unbeaten Oklahoma was the most dominant display of the BCS era. It was also the pinnacle of the Trojans' dynasty under Pete Carroll. It's worth noting that future Pac-12 member Utah also whipped Pittsburgh in the Fiesta Bowl to finish unbeaten that same year.

Scroggins gets second chance with Arizona

Source: Pac-12 Football Blog

Jesse Scroggins is a guy who should be able to provide some insight into USC's high-profile quarterback competition. After all, he practiced with Cody Kessler and Max Wittek for a year. He's witnessed their strengths and weaknesses and their makeup and leadership skills. So, what's his take? Does he like the scrappy Kessler or the big-armed Wittek? "I don't know and I don't care," Scroggins said. "I'll know when I see them on the field. I got NAU first.

Part I: Conversation with Herb Sendek - Arizona State (Rivals)

Source: Yahoo! NCAAB

Earlier this month we sat with Arizona State basketball coach Herb Sendek for a conversation about his program's performance in the 2012-13 season and glimpse into the future. Here's Part I of our two-part Q&A.

Video: College Football Conference Call

Source: Pac-12 Football Blog

Cary Chow and the college football bloggers look ahead and ask the question of what would happen if the season started tomorrow.

NCAA Softball Tournament Super Regionals guide - 2013

Source: AZCentral.com by Craig Bennett

Lunch links: A peek at Arizona's new digs

Source: Pac-12 Football Blog

I am never known to quail at the fury of a gale. And I'm never, never sick at sea. A video tour of Arizona's new facilities, which should be ready for move-in by July. Todd Graham is, not once, but twice as prepared to handle the schedule in 2013. The Bears picked up a running back commit. Rimington candidate Gus Handler is deserving, but still has work to do. How Oregon's running game sets up the pass. The spring tour of Oregon State opponents continues with Eastern Washington.

Sun Devil Legends Series: No. 98 Shante Carver

Source: House Of Sparky by Kerry Crowley

The Backstory: Our "Summer of Legends" series continues with No. 98. After Shawn Swayda took home the honors for No. 99, we had our choice of a slew of defensive players to pick from for 98.

While the high 90s did not become popular uniforms at Arizona State until the late 1970s, the number 98 has already had an impressive history. From All-Pac-10 nose guards, to a Playboy All-American at defensive end, 98 has been kind to the Sun Devils.

Though we had many options to choose from, one player is the clear selection as the greatest Sun Devil to wear No. 98.

The Legend: No. 98 Shante Carver (1989-1993)

Carver is one of only a handful of four-year starters in Sun Devil history. Fortunately

Baseball. No. 13 Baseball Closes Out Regular Season At Washington

Source: ASU Official Site

GAME NOTES | FRIDAY LIVE STREAM | FRIDAY RADIO | FRIDAY STATS | SATURDAY & SUNDAY TELEVISED ON PAC-12 NETWORKS | TWITTER |The 13th-ranked Sun Devils travel to Washington to finish the 2013 regular season with a three-game Pac-12 set Friday-Sunday against the Huskies. First pitch on Friday is at 5 p.m., while Saturday's begins at 4 p.m. and Sunday at 12 p.m

Tough stretches: Pac-12 North

Source: Pac-12 Football Blog

The beauty of the nine-game conference schedule -- at least from a fan’s perspective -- is that almost every week we’re going to see great football. But from a team perspective, that means every week is going to be a grind. And there are those multiple-game stretches that can be brutal. Teams that survive those stretches usually emerge atop the standings. Those who don’t are usually home in December doing some self-scouting. Here’s some of the brutal stretches for the Pac-12 North, which should stake its claim as one of the toughest divisions in all of college football in 2013.

Softball. Softball To Hold Oklahoma Relief Fund

Source: ASU Official Site

Sun Devil Athletics and Arizona State softball will be holding a relief fund for Oklahoma starting Thursday in the Carson Student Athlete Center and outside of Farrington Stadium on Saturday and Sunday during the NCAA Super Regional games.

Softball. Parlich and Wigness Named Softball First Team Academic All-America

Source: ASU Official Site

Sam Parlich and Bailey Wigness of Arizona State University softball were named to the Capital One Academic All-America Division I Softball First Team. The Sun Devil softball program now has 16 Academic All-Americans, 11 under current head coach Clint Myers.

W. Tennis. Cako Advances to Sweet 16 in NCAA Championships

Source: ASU Official Site

Senior Jacqueline Cako earned another win in the 2013 NCAA DI Women's Tennis Singles Championship on Thursday morning, clinching a spot in the third round of play and securing her third consecutive All-American honor. Cako defeated Kata Szekely of Tennessee in three sets, 6-0, 4-6, 6-1 and will play against Breaunna Addison of the University of Texas on Friday at a time yet to be determined.

Kody Koebensky Named to 2013 Rimington Trophy Watch List

Source: House Of Sparky by Nick Marek

The Sun Devils have yet another impressive student-athlete on a preseason football award list.

Senior Kody Koebensky has been named to the Rimington Trophy Spring Watch List, which is awarded to the most outstanding center in NCAA Division I football.

Forty-four total players were named to the watch list, including five from the Pac-12. The Scottsdale, native has played in 29 career games and started all 13 games last season under center. He was the catalyst that helped the Sun Devils accumulate a 205.5 yards per game average on the ground, which is the second best average in the last 25 years.

Quarterback Taylor Kelly was top-ten in the country in pass efficiency for the majority of the 2012-13 season, and

Tough stretches: Pac-12 South

Source: Pac-12 Football Blog

The beauty of the nine-game conference schedule -- at least from a fan's perspective -- is that almost every week we're going to see great football. But from a team perspective, that means every week is going to be a grind. And there are those multiple-game stretches that can be brutal. Teams that survive those stretches usually emerge atop the rankings. Those who don't are usually home in December doing some self-scouting. Here's some of the brutal stretches for the Pac-12 South -- which figures to be one of the craziest divisions in all of college football where a champ probably won't be decided until after Thanksgiving.

Video: One good thing -- Stanford

Source: Pac-12 Football Blog

The return of running back Tyler Gaffney provides a big boost to the Stanford backfield.

ASU's Noemi Jimenez tied for 6th at NCAA Women's Golf Championship

Source: AZCentral.com

ASU's Jacqueline Cako defeats top-ranked tennis player at NCAA tourney

Source: AZCentral.com

Arizona State senior Jacqueline Cako defeated top-ranked Lauren Embree of Florida 6-3, 6-2 in the opening round of the NCAA Division I women's singles championships in Urbana, Ill. Cako will play Kata Szekely of Tennessee in Thursday's second round. Cako also will play in a doubles match Thursday with Nicole Smith against Breaunna Addison and Noel Scott of Texas.

ASU football head coach Todd Graham 'twice as prepared' to face tough schedule

Source: AZCentral.com by Doug Haller

Todd Graham sat in his Arizona State office last week, watching film on an 82-inch television. "I'm a big research, analyze-type person," the football coach said.

W. Golf. No. 12 Women's Golf Moves into Seventh at NCAA Championships

Source: ASU Official Site

The 12th-ranked Arizona State women's golf team moves into seventh place after shooting 1-under 287 on the second day of competition at the 2013 NCAA Championships in Athens, Ga. For the tournament, the Sun Devils hold a two-round total of 4-over 580 (293-287).

Oregon (finally) releases NCAA notice

Source: Pac-12 Football Blog

Oregon decided this week to release its formal notice of allegations from the NCAA concerning the Willie Lyles investigation, which it received Dec. 5. Yes, the school is notoriously tardy with releasing information to the media. The notice, released in response to public-records requests and first reported by The Register-Guard, follows reports that Oregon already met with the NCAA Committee on Infractions (COI) on April 20. Much of what is included mirrors what was in a summary disposition that Oregon submitted to the NCAA last October.

QBs here today, QBs gone tomorrow

Source: Pac-12 Football Blog

Quarterbacks come and go for a variety of reasons. Some simply aren't happy in a new state or in another part of the country. Others decide football isn't the sport for them. Many feel their talents are being wasted on the bench. It always seems like the grass is greener. Sometimes the move works out. Sometimes it doesn't. Inspired by the move of Wes Lunt to leave Oklahoma State, the Pac-12 blog thought it would be fun to look back fondly at some of the quarterbacks who have left the conference following the 2008 season (a full four-year cycle).

Track. National Championship Bids on the Line for Sun Devil T&F

Source: ASU Official Site

2013 Meet Notes - NCAA Prelims  | NCAA West Prelim Heat Sheets/Entry Lists | LIVE RESULTS | LIVE BLOGThe Arizona State University men's and No. 9 women's track and field team will open up the first rounds of NCAA Championships this weekend as the squad heads to Austin, Texas, for the NCAA West Preliminaries at Mike A. Myers Stadium.

Bowl schedule announced

Source: Pac-12 Football Blog

Mark your calendars. The 2013-2014 bowl schedule has been announced (of course, participants are pending). Once again the Pac-12 will kick off the bowl season against a Mountain West team on Sat. Dec. 21 at 2 p.m. ET in the Gildan New Mexico Bowl in Albuquerque on ESPN. And settle in for what will be the first of two Pac-12 double-headers this bowl season, because the Pac-12 and Mountain West will meet again the same day in the Las Vegas Bowl at 3:30 p.

Softball. Softball Hosts Kentucky in NCAA Super Regionals

Source: ASU Official Site

TEMPE REGIONAL TOURNAMENT CENTRAL | BUY TICKETS | WEEKEND RADIO | SATURDAY LIVE STATS | SUNDAY LIVE STATS | Arizona State softball (48-10) continues its run in the NCAA Tournament with a best-of-three home series at Farrington Stadium. The Sun Devils will host 12-seed Kentucky (41-19) on Saturday (7 p.m. PT ESPN2) and Sunday (2 p.m. PT ESPN) in the Tempe Super Regional.

Baseball. 21 Baseball Student-Athletes Earn Spring 2013 Academic Recognition

Source: ASU Official Site

The Arizona State University baseball program had 21 student-athletes earn Scholar Baller® recognition during the spring semester, which honors those who achieved a 3.0 GPA or made outstanding academic improvement.

Mora and the Ace Man

Source: Pac-12 Football Blog

Not sure if anyone else is, but I'm a big Adam Carolla fan and listen to his podcast every day. He regularly has a sports element to the show, and dedicated listeners know of Bald Bryan's love of all things USC football. Tuesday Carolla was joined by UCLA coach Jim Mora from his charity golf tournament. It's a good 20-plus-minute talk and Mora hits on a number of interesting topics, including his relationship with his father, his time as a coach in the NFL and what he looks for when he's recruiting.

W. Tennis. Senior Jacqueline Cako Defeats No. 1 Lauren Embree in NCAA First Round

Source: ASU Official Site

Arizona State Senior Jacqueline Cako defeated Lauren Embree, the top-ranked women's collegiate women's tennis player in the nation, 6-3, 3-2 at the NCAA DI Individual Championships on Wednesday afternoon. Cako will play Kata Szekely of Tennessee Thursday May 23 in the second round.

Pac-12 lunch links: Barkley doing well

Source: Pac-12 Football Blog

Wake up to find out that you are the eyes of the World but the heart has its beaches its homeland and thoughts of its own. Still more on Daniel Jenkins return to Arizona after a very short transfer to Washington State. Arizona State LB Carl Bradford is a freak. And here is the entire list of "Freaks" from CBS' Bruce Feldman. California AD Sandy Barbour chats about Memorial Stadium. Former Colorado O-lineman David Bakhtiari might get in the mix with the Green Bay Packers.

Football. Football's Koebensky Named To Rimington Trophy Watch List

Source: ASU Official Site

Arizona State football student-athlete Kody Koebensky has been named to the Rimington Trophy Spring Watch List, it was announced Wednesday.

Sun Devil Legends Series: No. 99 Shawn Swayda

Source: House Of Sparky by Kerry Crowley

The Backstory: Our "Summer of Legends" series kicks off with the always-entertaining No. 99. Though only a few Hall of Famers in major sports have donned the largest number available, 99 is usually reserved for larger-than-life personalities.

For the Sun Devil football program, the players who wore 99 are no exception to this rule. While 99 has only been trotted out sparingly in comparison to other numbers, there's a definite theme amongst the players who wore it.

Through the years, the Sun Devil 99s have proven themselves as leaders in the locker room as well as on the field. Three different team captains wore 99, including our selection as today's Sun Devil legend.

The Legend: No. 99 DE Shawn Swayda

Sam looking to trim list soon - Arizona State [$$] (Rivals)

Source: Yahoo! NCAAF

2013 the year of the Pac-12 QB?

Source: Pac-12 Football Blog

You may have noticed this story Monday from Mackenzie Kraemer of ESPN Stats & Info. It's a nice breakdown of how the 2013 class of quarterbacks across college football might be one of the best ever. Kraemer offers five reasons why: The best teams of 2012 return their quarterbacks The best passers are returning A diverse array of NFL talent Little QB turnover in SEC Award winners back on campus We're going to take this and, point-by-point, give it a Pac-12 rinse.

ASU Hockey Recruiting: Sun Devils Strike Again with Addition of Chris Burkemper

Source: House Of Sparky by Nick Marek

Arizona State bolstered its recruiting class with the addition of forward Chris Burkemper two weeks ago. Head coach Greg Powers is excited for the 6-foot-2, 185-pound monster to play for him in the fall.

"Chris was a huge recruit for us and at the very top of our board for a long time. He's going to light it up," Powers said.

Burkemper spent the last two seasons in the Eastern Junior Hockey League. He played for the Bay State Breakers and the Boston Junior Bandits and scored 17 goals and tallied 25 assists in 72 games. Last season alone, he had 29 points in 40 games with Boston.

"The EJHL has prepared me for the college jump. My decision-making ability has definitely improved and I've learned to play at a quicker

New bowl arrangements?

Source: Pac-12 Football Blog

Jon Wilner of the San Jose Mercury News has been a busy bee this week, yet we somehow missed his update on the Pac-12's progress with its new bowl game negotiations, which included Wilner projecting a potential future lineup. It's an interesting article because it's clear Pac-12 administrators are trying to improve the configuration and selection process. Wilner reported the likely addition of an eighth bowl game -- the Buffalo Wild Wings Bowl -- which is run by the Fiesta Bowl and played in Sun Devil Stadium in Tempe.