A look around the Pac-10

Which Pac-10 coach is defending his latest controversial incoming player who owns a violent past? That question and more is answered in this week's notes.

Updated: September 30, 2004, 12:03 PM ET

By Ted Miller | Special to ESPN.com

What did losing last season to Oregon State teach Cal's Aaron Rodgers about quarterbacking? Which Pac-10 coach is defending his latest controversial incoming player who owns a violent past? What important position is up for grabs this week at USC? Our Pac-10 notebook addresses those questions and provides looks at Washington's new starting quarterback, Arizona State's running back woes and more.

Arizona
Credit Mike Stoops for being accountable. He screwed up.

It's not a matter of hindsight is 20-20; he should have had quarterback Kris Heavner take a knee on the Wildcats' last possession against Washington State. With a first down on Arizona's 28-yard line and just 1:31 left with a 19-14 lead, Stoops opted to hand off, and tailback Gilbert Harris fumbled.

"We probably made a fundamental coaching mistake," Stoops said. "That's my mistake." It was another heartbreaking defeat for the Cats, who also previously were in position to beat Wisconsin. As much as anything, those emotional blows are why Stoops is embracing the bye week.

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