Utah is beginning a short week, playing Oregon State, the giant killers, on national television Thursday. The time has come to let go. There is no excuse for a student section that isn't standing shoulder to shoulder.

The Utes' four-game unbeaten streak came to an end Friday night when head coach Rich Manning and his squad were blanked by Washington 3-0.

Whether you call him Sweet, King or plain old Louie Sakoda, Utah's All-American kicker solidified his legend Saturday by breaking two more school records.

The United States will defend their title in 2010, when the Ryder Cup will be held at Celtic Manor Resort in Newport, South Wales. Whethereather or not Azinger, or Woods, will be there, remains to be seen. What we do know is that in the Ryder Cup, one is much more important thaen the other.

The Utah women's volleyball team was dead set on redeeming itself from its loss to Wyoming last weekend8212;consider its dominating 3-0 win over Air Force as mission accomplished.

It's a bit far-fetched to say a prodigal son is returning to Rice-Eccles Stadium, but any way you look at it, Utah's stadium during Homecoming 2008 will be friendly confines for McBride.

The Utes leave this weekend for their final tune-up before opening conference play next weekend at home.

Before the game on Saturday, there will be a fitting tribute to Ron McBride. Whether you know who he is or not, stand up and cheer for the grumbling bear. The stadium you're sitting in and the team you're watching wouldn't be the same without him.

So far, so good for the Wildcats this season8212;but will it last through Saturday?

After a fifth-place finish at the Montana State Invitational last week, the Utah cross country team will head to Palo Alto, Calif., for the Stanford Invitational.