Morning Links — Show starting at 9:40 a.m. today due to Ruskell press conference

The big story today for Seattle fans is the Seahawks press conference scheduled for 10:00 a.m. this morning where Tim Ruskell is expected to announce his resignation as the President and General Manager of the Seahawks. Here is a link to Danny O’Neil’s story on Ruskell’s time in Seattle. Also, Mike Sando spoke with Tim Ruskell this morning regarding his decision to resign. Brock and Salk will start at 9:40 a.m. today, followed by the press conference live at 10 a.m.

Seahawks

In light of Tim Ruskell stepping down today as the Seahawks GM, John Morgan of Fieldgulls.com posted what he believes is Mike Holmgren’s finest moment as the Seahawks general manager.

Qwest Field has been a major home field advantage since the 2005 Super Bowl season. However, Jose Miguel Romero believes the 49ers may be reversing the trend.

Jim Moore examines Olindo Mare’s impressive play since being called out by coach Jim Mora after the Week 3 home loss against the Bears.

Coach Mora believes Matt Hasselbeck is finally “getting his fastball back” after injuring his ribs in the loss at San Francisco.

 

Huskies/Cougars

Another headline going in to this weekend will be the talk surrounding Jake Locker’s possible last game at UW. Bob Condotta spoke with Jake’s father, Scott Locker, about the major decision his son is facing, and he told Bob “I know about as much as you do for which way he’s leaning.” Danny O’Neil weighs in on one of the biggest factors in Jake Locker’s impending decision to leave UW a year early for the NFL: The impending NFL negotiations on a new collective bargaining agreement that is expected to address the issue of a rookie salary cap.

Even though a major weakness this year for the Dawgs has been the defensive unit, many fans could be overlooking how many seniors UW is losing due to graduation.

The Huskies travel to Texas Tech tonight for a nationally televised match-up with the Red Raiders. Percy Allen has more on UW’s first road test of the season in front of a national audience. The game begins at 4:00 p.m. PST on ESPN 2.

WSU went in to Spokane last night and put up an impressive upset bid against Gonzaga. Unfortunately for Cougar fans, the Bulldogs rallied late to a 74-69 victory. Nicholas K. Geranios has the story on what could have been the game to revive this eastern Washington rivalry.

 

Mariners

Mariner fans may be wondering why the team would pursue Rich Harden when they just let go of Erik Bedard, another pitcher with phenomenal talent, but is unable to stay healthy or eat up innings.

 

Misc

Somewhat overshadowed by the breaking news regarding Tim Ruskell’s impending resignation is the “Civil War” game tonight to decide who will represent the Pac-10 in the Rose Bowl. Bud Withers believes the game will come down to the two head coaches.