The "Little Ball of Hate" has been a "little ball of wait." But the wait is over. At least that's what Auburn junior linebacker Tray Blackmon says. Blackmon's promise to be a difference maker for Auburn's defense this season leads off Olin Buchanan's notebook.  

Last season proved disappointing for Washington, which finished with a losing record. The Huskies have reasons for optimism, including the return of Jon Brockman, a dependable scorer and tough rebounder. With room for improvement, will the Huskies maximize their ability ...  

It seems as if the work of coach Randy Edsall at Connecticut never is fully appreciated. His Huskies won a share of the Big East last season, building momentum for a program that has some of the nation's best facilities. Still, UConn isn't picked highly in any preseason ...