Washington State has been decimated by injuries. It fell apart in the second half of its marquee game at Ohio State.

Last week, a couple of defensive starters brawled in the locker room over a girl. One ended up suspended, the other, cornerback Jason David, the Pac-10's leader in interceptions, is out for the regular season with -- literally -- a broken face.

Sounds like the sort of times that try men's souls and wreck football teams. All the Cougars did was go out and bury then-No. 17 Arizona State 44-22.

'A lot of people think I'm crazy'

BYU quarterback Ben Olson could be a star next year, but that's not what he wants. Olson, generally considered the nation's top prep quarterback when he signed with the Cougars a year ago, won't seek adulation the next two seasons. Instead, he will labor in anonymity, helping people and spreading the word of the Church of Latter-Day Saints. In a country of immediate gratification that lionizes star athletes, Olson knows his choice to go on a two-year mission rather than compete to be the next BYU quarterback will be greeted by raised eyebrows. "A lot of people think I'm crazy," the 6-foot-4, 219-pound native of Thousand Oaks, Calif., said. "A lot of people don't understand." Olson, a USA Today and Parade Magazine prep All-American, threw for 2,989 yards and 30 touchdowns as a high school senior last year. He briefly considered Stanford and UCLA, but his commitment to his church motivated him to sign with BYU. Many BYU fans thought he might win the starting job this season. Many others wanted him to play as the Cougars offense struggled and defeats piled up. Coach Gary Crowton admits that he often considered playing Olson. But Crowton also knows that freshmen quarterbacks rarely thrive, and their likely struggles could create long-term harm. So he opted to redshirt Olson, knowing that the quarterback was considering going on a mission. "That was something he always wanted to do," Crowton said. Now Olson won't return to the team until spring practices in 2004. Olson might have stayed if he had played this year. He also admits that he wanted to play, though he adds he understands Crowton's decision. Some BYU fans who share Olson's faith wanted him to stick around and improve the Cougars sagging fortunes. Yet going on a mission is a part of who Olson is, while football is merely something he does, however important. "A lot of people told me I could do great things for the Church by not going," he said. "But I'll serve my mission and still accomplish all my goals." -- Ted Miller

"All the situations that happened to us this year and last year, if you put them on any other team in the nation, they are not going to be where we are right now," quarterback Jason Gesser said. "This team's character is phenomenal."

While "character" might not be the best term in the wake of a fight that amounted to a blindside attack, resilience would be.

The myriad challenges the team has faced could have turned a season of high expectations into college football's version of "Waterworld." Instead, the Cougars are ranked No. 5 in the nation, the highest perch the program has ever achieved, and are alone atop the conference.

Gesser, the Washington State's first three-year captain, is not only the most prolific passer in the history of a program known for prolific passers, he's the unchallenged leader of the team.

He called a players-only meeting after the fight that refocused his frustrated teammates. He also consulted with coach Mike Price on a penalty for linebacker Ira Davis, who punched David.

The verdict: Davis doesn't rejoin the team until David does.

"We didn't think it was fair to have one guy out and to have the other guy playing," Gesser said.

The next trial is No. 15 Oregon, a team that has beaten Washington State four consecutive times.

Last year, the Ducks ran all over the Cougars in a 24-17 victory. Tailback Onterrio Smith set a school record with 285 yards rushing, the biggest chunk of Oregon's school record 446 yards on the ground.

Still, the Cougars had three chances from the Ducks' 8-yard line to tie the game and force overtime, but Gesser couldn't connect.

"I still haven't gotten over it," Gesser said.

In 2000, Gesser's season ended with a broken leg in a 27-24 defeat to Oregon. Gesser said the rivalry with the Ducks equals that of the Cougars' traditional dislike of Washington. He doesn't shy away from admitting that he wants to beat the Ducks for personal reasons, beyond what it means for the Rose Bowl race and his Heisman Trophy candidacy.

"I don't think there's anything wrong with wanting it too much," Gesser said.

This looks like a favorable matchup for the Cougars. Gesser, ranked fifth in the nation in pass efficiency, complements one of Division I-A's quickest releases with uncanny accuracy. When he does hold the ball long enough to feel pressure, he throws well on the run and is one of the conference's best scramblers.

"Jason Gesser is a magician," Oregon coach Mike Bellotti said. "He's the glue and leadership on the offensive side of the ball."

Gesser's receivers, Jerome Riley, Devard Darling and Mike Bush, are big, fast and like to catch the ball downfield. The sum total is a passing attack that averages 302.4 yards per game.

Meanwhile, the Ducks pass defense has been terrible, ranking last in the Pac-10 and 114th in the nation (286.8 yards per game).

While Gesser's Heisman candidacy has inexplicably lost momentum while USC's Carson Palmer has been gaining national attention, a big performance against the Ducks could boost his chances.

He's certainly got one huge fan.

"Everything he does is great," Price said. "He's got a real chance this last month to make a lot of splash."

Around the Pac-10

Arizona
Arizona is 0-5 in Pac-10 play for the second year in a row and appears headed for its fourth consecutive losing conference record. While the Wildcats have been rocked by injuries to key starters, fans already are anxious in coach John Mackovic's second year, particularly considering Arizona State is nationally ranked in Dirk Koetter's second season. While Mackovic believes most fans are aware of the situation and support his tenure, he admits some do not. "There's always a small group that will never understand," he said. ... The Wildcats have been outscored 109-15 in their last three games against Oregon State and had just 93 total yards last weekend against the Beavers, including minus-23 yards rushing. With UCLA coming to town Saturday, Mackovic will start looking toward next season, which means playing backup quarterback Nic Costa, even if that means benching the gutsy Jason Johnson. "I'd like to find out how much (Costa) can improve," Mackovic said. "I hate to do that to Jason, but he also knows we have to look ahead a little bit."

Arizona State
Arizona State plays host to California on Saturday in what one Arizona writer appropriately dubbed "The Turnaround Bowl." The parallels between the programs are striking. Both teams had rotten seasons last year and were picked ninth (ASU) and 10th (Cal) in the Pac-10's preseason media poll. Both teams have experienced surprising success this year. Both teams are led by former Oregon offensive coordinators. Both teams have scored upsets by winning the turnover battle, which they regularly lost last year. Cal is plus-15 in turnovers, ranking fourth in the nation, after being minus-17 a year ago. ASU is plus-six after being minus-8 last year. Both teams are coming off disappointing defeats, though Cal had a bye last weekend in which to lick its wounds. The Sun Devils played poorly against Washington State, particularly on offense. They had three possessions inside the Cougars 5-yard line but only managed to produce three points. ... Another downer for the Sun Devils: Senior defensive tackle Danny Masaniai was booted after a team rules violations.

California
California needs to win one of its final three games to ensure for the first time in five years it won't finish with a losing record. Arizona State is the eighth consecutive Cal opponent that is or has been ranked. While Bears first-year coach Jeff Tedford replaced ASU coach Dirk Koetter as Oregon's offensive coordinator in 1998, they do not know each other well. "We're friendly at coaching functions, but that's about it," Tedford said. ... The key for the Bears is protecting quarterback Kyle Boller, who was sacked four times in the loss to Oregon State after he went down just 13 times in the previous eight games. ... ASU leads the Pac-10 in sacks with 42, including 18.5 from defensive end Terrell Suggs.

Oregon
Oregon gave up only 92 yards passing in its 41-14 victory over woeful Stanford, but the Ducks porous secondary figures to face a stiffer test from Jason Gesser and Washington State. Oregon still ranks last in the Pac-10 in pass defense (286.8 yards per game). "They've got three receivers over 6-foot-2," Ducks coach Mike Bellotti said. "They spread you out and make you play in space a lot." Oregon slightly modified its aggressive, pressing scheme to help its inexperienced cornerbacks. Against Stanford, the safeties and outside linebackers played looser to help in coverage. The Ducks also worked on technique and discipline, which was in short supply while they gave up nearly 1,000 yards through the air to Arizona State and USC. ... Oregon also likely will get tailback Onterrio Smith back for the visit to WSU. Smith sat out the Stanford game with a "slight" cartilage tear in his knee. Last year against Washington State, in one of the season's most spectacular performances, he set a school record with 285 yards rushing, while the Ducks piled up a school record 446 yards on the ground in a 24-17 victory.

Oregon State
Oregon State has turned its season around by going back to basics: defense and the running game. The Beavers are ranked first in the Pac-10 in scoring defense (15.9 points per game), total defense (281.1 yards per game), passing defense (198.6 yards) and are third in rushing defense (92.6). They held their past two opponents, California and Arizona, to just minus-7 rushing yards combined. Meanwhile, tailback Steven Jackson has rushed for 373 yards and five touchdowns the past two weeks, while averaging 6.0 yards per carry. "We've stuck with (the run) a little bit more, not giving up on it, realizing it's our best chance to win," coach Dennis Erickson said. ... Last year, Oregon State ended a 13-game losing streak to Washington in overpowering fashion, outgaining the Huskies 497 yards to 281 in a 49-24 victory. While the Beavers haven't beaten Washington in Husky Stadium since 1985, the last two games there were decided by three or fewer points.

Stanford
Another week, another confusing quarterback situation at Stanford. Cardinal starter Chris Lewis is still nursing a bum shoulder and is questionable for Saturday's game against USC. Backup Kyle Matter also is banged up. After completing just 9 of 19 passes for 71 yards against Oregon, he gave way to Ryan Eklund, who completed 3 of 9 for 21 yards. Coach Buddy Teevens said the decision on a starter will be based on practice performances this week. Teevens also understands that Lewis' junior season hasn't gone as planned. "It's been up and down," Teevens said. "I think he's handled it as well as possible. He'd just like to get back into action." ... Last year, Stanford rushed for 203 yards and notched a 21-16 victory over the Trojans, its third consecutive win in the series.

UCLA
UCLA true freshman quarterback Drew Olson wasn't brilliant in his first career start against Washington, but high aspirations wasn't what coach Bob Toledo wanted. "The key thing is he didn't get us beat," Toledo said. "For the first start for a true freshman in a very difficult situation, I thought he did a very good job." ... The Bruins are beaten up, but the best place for a wounded team to go in the Pac-10 is Arizona, which has more injured folks than an average hospital. UCLA started 11 freshmen or sophomores against the Huskies, and with cornerback Matt Ware's hamstring giving him problems, the lineup might be even more inexperienced this weekend. Still, the victory over the Huskies likely guarantees the 6-3 Bruins a bowl invitation, which probably will be enough to save Toledo's job.

USC
Former USC receiver and current Tampa Bay Buccaneer Keyshawn Johnson addressed the Trojans at practice Monday. He clearly was impressed with freshman receiver Mike Williams. Said Johnson: "He could become one of the best receivers at USC, like the second-best receiver to play here." ... Former players and formerly disgruntled fans are suddenly loving their Trojans again. USC moved up to No. 10 in the Associated Press Poll, its highest ranking in November since 1989. While quarterback Carson Palmer and the stout defense have received most of he credit for the turnaround, don't forget the offensive line, which was considered the team's Achilles heal during the preseason. Last year, USC surrendered 36 sacks. This year, they've allowed just 16. That's a big reason the offense is averaging 100 more yards and seven more points per game that last year. Palmer, the nation's newest hot Heisman Trophy candidate, needs one touchdown pass against Stanford on Saturday to tie the school record of 58 set by Rob Johnson from 1991-94. The Trojans used their bye week to get healthy. ... Offensive tackle Jacob Rogers (knee) and receiver Kareem Kelly (ankle) should be at full speed for the Stanford game.

Washington
Washington is 5-8 in its last 13 games, but coach Rick Neuheisel said he's not letting the recent struggles affect him. "I will never look at it as though I am a failure," Neuheisel said. "I refuse to lose my optimism." ... The Huskies offense is a strange mixture of potency and ineffectiveness. Washington leads the Pac-10 in total offense (443.1 yards per game), third down conversions (49 percent), first downs (231) and is second in time of possession, but it also ranks eighth in scoring (29.1 points per game). Neuheisel attributed this to bad field position, which he blamed on poor special teams play and turnovers. "We're not producing in the special teams department," he said. "We're woeful in the turnover department." The Huskies rank ninth in the conference in punt returns, eighth in punting and sixth in kickoff returns. The UW is minus-8 in turnover ratio, worst in the conference. ... Sophomore tailback Chris Singleton, at least for now, has won the starting tailback job. His 92 yards rushing against UCLA was the best by a UW tailback in a Pac-10 game since Willie Hurst had 108 yards against Stanford last season -- a span of seven conference games. ... Washington hasn't lost to Oregon State in Husky Stadium since 1985, but the Beavers ended a 13-game losing streak in the series by pounding the then-No. 8 Huskies 49-24 last year.

Washington State
Washington State defensive tackle Rien Long had three sacks against Arizona State. Because of that his position coach, Mike Walker, shortly will have pierced ears, courtesy of a bet Long and Walker made. Long, who now has 10.5 sacks this season, wagered that if he recorded 10 sacks this season -- a remarkable number for an interior lineman -- Walker would have to get his ears pierced. Now the magic number is 13. If Long gets to a quarterback two and a half more times, Walker has to get a tattoo on his chest of his daughter. Long, who also had two key sacks in overtime against USC, has 16.5 tackles for a loss this season and has become an All-American candidate. Oregon coach Mike Bellotti compared him to former Washington All-American and NFL first-round draft choice Steven Emtman. "If Rien beats you inside, he's right in the quarterbacks face," Bellotti said. Long's considerable presence inside has attracted double teams and allowed the Cougars to pile up 40 sacks this season.

Around the Mountain West
Air Force shouldn't have much trouble shaking off three consecutive defeats because the Falcons have their sights on sewing up their sixth consecutive Commander-in-Chief's Trophy on Saturday at Army. This doesn't look like much of a contest, considering Army is 0-8. The Falcons have won 12 of their last 13 meetings, including five straight games in which they outscored the Black Knights 162-58. The Air Force seniors are 7-0 vs. the other service academies. ... BYU cornerback Jernaro Gilford, a first-team All-Mountain West Conference pick in 2001 who has played sparingly this year while recovering from knee surgery, had an endzone interception against San Diego State -- just three days after coach Gary Crowton had challenge him by telling the media Gilford was done for the season. Gilford, who was flagged for excessive celebration after the pick, rotated into a maligned Cougars secondary that held San Diego State to just 10 points and no passes over 20 yards. BYU needs to win two of its final three games to be bowl eligible and to avoid its first losing season since 1973. ... Walk-on Colorado State defensive back Benny Mastropaolo was named Mountain West Conference Defensive Player of the Week after making a game-high 14 tackles in the win over Air Force, but it's a travesty that kicker Jeff Babcock didn't win the honor for special teams. How many kicker's dash 29 yards for a touchdown? Babcock did after he picked up an Air Force fumble on the opening kickoff of the second half and sprinted into the endzone untouched, making him the first Rams kicker in 41 years to score a touchdown. ... The Rams are alone atop the conference and are off this week. Barring any upsets in their final three games, they should represent the conference in the Liberty Bowl for the third time in four years. ... New Mexico needs to win three of its final four games not just to become bowl eligible but also to stand alone in the country with a rare streak. If 4-5 New Mexico, which plays host to San Diego State on Saturday, wins seven games, it will be the only team in the country to have increased its win total each of the past four seasons: four in 1999, five in 2000 and six in 2001. The good news is the Lobos are 5-0 under coach Rocky Long after bye weeks. The bad news is the road team has won seven of the last eight games in the Lobos-Aztecs series, including the last six. ... The last four games have been decided by five points or less, including New Mexico's 20-15 victory last year. ... San Diego State's offense floundered against BYU's previously porous defense, producing just 246 yards, but senior receiver Kassim Osgood joined teammate J.R. Tolver in the 1,000-yard receiving club and made sure the Aztecs maintained their streak of having a 100-yard receiver in every game this season. With Tolver struggling with a concussion sustained on a first-quarter hit, Osgood caught 12 passes for 138 yards. Both Osgood (77 receptions, 1,038 yards) and Tolver (83 receptions, 1,246 yards) figure to break the team's single-season reception record of 86 shared by Dwight McDonald and Will Blackwell. They need to combine for 53 receptions over the final four games to break the NCAA's single-season tandem receiving record of 212 receptions. ... UNLV quarterback Jason Thomas will always have the Wyoming game to smile about, even though the past two seasons have been disappointing. Thomas completed 20 of 25 passes for 329 yards with three touchdowns and no interceptions in the 49-48 overtime victory over the Cowboys. He also rushed 10 times for 58 yards and three scores. "Jason Thomas hasn't played like that in any game film we've seen," Wyoming coach Vic Koenning told the Wyoming Tribune-Eagle. "He couldn't throw to save his life in most games, but (against the Cowboys) every pass was perfect." If Thomas keeps it up, the Rebels might win two of their final three games (Utah, Air Force and Colorado State) and becoming bowl eligible. ... Utah tailback Marty Johnson may be having an even worse year than Utes coach Ron McBride, and that is saying something. Johnson, who was leading the nation in rushing before blowing out his knee against Indiana in early September, may faces drunken driving and hit-and-run charges due to events during the wee hours of Oct. 27, according to a report from the Salt Lake Tribune. Johnson, who was scheduled to begin rehabilitation this week for next season, told police that he had been involved in an altercation with gang members, and that's why he left the scene of the accident. McBride, whose job is in jeopardy because the Utes have lost six games in a row, didn't comment on Johnson's status. ... Wyoming is just having that sort of season. The Cowboys rallied from a 14-point fourth-quarter deficit against UNLV -- scoring on a 36-yard touchdown pass with no time left on the clock -- and forced overtime, but then lost 49-48 because of a missed extra point. Scottie Vines, who made the dramatic, game-tying reception, hauled in 10 passes for 237 yards and two touchdowns, the fourth-best single-game effort in school history. The loss ensured the Pokes will endure their third consecutive losing season under coach Vic Koenning, whose 5-26 record has fans grumbling.

Ted Miller covers college football for the Seattle Post-Intelligencer.