Posted by ESPN.com’s Ted Miller

I don’t know, it’s the battle, the going to war with the other guys, hanging together, having our own dorm, staying in hotels the night before the games, setting ourselves apart, being different than everybody else, having a chance to be somebody, to do something that people look up to you for, your strength, your courage, not everybody can play football … we’re the lucky ones.

• Arizona has big plans for its athletic facilities. Running QBs have given the Wildcats problems.
• Arizona State has a lot of issues — suspensions, injuries, NCAA Clearinghouse questions — as it begins the season. But Dennis Erickson doesn’t post consecutive losing seasons.
• Jeff Tedford is learning to embrace the hype at California. Blocking for Jahvid Best.
• Oregon doesn’t want a repeat of 2008 at Boise State.
• Oregon State isn’t trash-talking Portland State. Beavers video and notes.
• 1,000 yards? Bah! Stanford running back Toby Gerhart wants two grand.
• UCLA isn’t worried about its defensive line. Fires — and air quality — are still an issue near the Rose Bowl.
• It will be interesting to see who emerges at defensive end for USC. Also in that link: Will Aaron Corp transfer? Joe McKnight will start at tailback.
• Washington’s strength & conditioning program, long a program weakness, might be getting better. A walk-on will start at guard for the Huskies against LSU.
• This Washington State notebook is packed with information.