College football coaches have been testy this season with the media, suddenly Public Enemy No. 1.
Nick Saban of Alabama frowned when reporters asked about the challenge of keeping a team sharp against a 40-point underdog, then the Crimson Tide won by 45.
Lane Kiffin of USC stormed out of a news conference this week when asked if the sharp practice he had alluded to was because of the return of a player who had been injured.
College coaches increasingly have made it clear they will not discuss injuries, never mind that it's a reporter's job to ask such questions in trying to gain information that fans want to know.
Coaches bristling at the media is as timeless as the game, and sometimes it produces classic lines.
When Jim Harbaugh was coaching Stanford three years ago, we asked him during the Pac-10 Media Day if he planned to stay at Stanford long-term amid speculation he craved an NFL job. Harbaugh leaned forward and snarled, "God willing and the creek don't rise, I will be."
Sacramento State coach Marshall Sperbeck and UC Davis' Bob Biggs don't get irritable;they appreciate any media coverage they can get.
High-profile national programs? Many want coverage strictly on their terms, and these crabby coaches seem eager to throw media sorts into the nearest river – or rising creek.
What to watch
Baseball, A's at New York Yankees, 4:05 p.m., CSNCA: A tough trip continues with three games in New York.
Today's poll
Which Pacific-12 Conference school has the best football team this season?
• Arizona
• UCLA
• Oregon
• USC
• Stanford
• Other
Vote above or leave your comments in the comment field; or, go to www.sacbee.com/sports
Thursday's results
Which major professional team in Northern California is your favorite?
• A's: 11%
• Giants: 21%
• Raiders: 6%
• 49ers: 51%
• Kings: 8%
• Other: 3%
Total votes: 453
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