Legendary UCLA men’s soccer coach Sigi Schmid died on Christmas at the age of 65 due to a personal health matter. Schmid, who was admitted to the hospital two weeks prior to his death, played collegiately for UCLA before leading the Bruins to three NCAA titles as a coach and later becoming the winningest coach in MLS history as head honcho of the Los Angeles Galaxy, Columbus Crew SC and Seattle Sounders FC, winning MLS Cups in 2002 and 2008.

If you like offense, Cal-TCU was not for you. TCU outlasted Cal 10-7 in overtime in a game that featured nine — count ‘em, nine — interceptions, and Michael Shapiro of Sports Illustrated writes that the Cheez-It Bowl was a “beautiful disaster.” The Pac-12 is still in search of its first bowl game this year.

Theo Lawson writes that Washington State quarterback Gardner Minshew is “ready to steal one more show” as the Cougars get ready to play Iowa State in the Alamo Bowl. He has certainly been a revelation this year for the Cougs.

Pete Thamel of Yahoo Sports explains what Justin Herbert returning to Oregon means for the 2019 NFL Draft and even the 2020 NFL Draft.

And a domino effect of Herbert deciding to return to school is that Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Nick Foles’ “price is going up” for a new contract, writes Jonathan Jones of Sports Illustrated’s MMQB.

Conference hoops play is right around the corner, and USC women’s basketball will open up Pac-12 play against UCLA at Galen Center on Sunday at 2 p.m. PT on Pac-12 Networks (USCTrojans.com game notes).

Colorado men’s basketball is trying to regroup after a disappointing trip to Hawai’i, going 1-2 at the Diamond Head Classic, losing to Indiana State and Hawai’i before beating Charlotte. Pat Rooney has the story.

Check out the game notes for Oregon State men’s basketball’s final non-conference game against Central Connecticut Saturday at Gill Coliseum (5 p.m. PT on Pac-12 Networks). First all-time meeting between the Beavs and the other Blue Devils.

Kurt Kragthorpe features Utah cornerback Jaylon Johnson, who has done well on the field and in the classroom and could be a 2020 NFL Draft pick. The sophomore was named first-team All-Pac-12 and rocks a 3.62 GPA in business.

Adam Jude gives us a Q&A with Washington offensive coordinator Bush Hamdan. The Rose Bowl is just five days away now…

Milling about in NBA rumorville is that the Golden State Warriors are reportedly interested in Robin Lopez if he becomes available on the buyout market from the Chicago Bulls (NBC Sports via Yahoo Sports). The former Stanford center would certainly give the Dubs some big man depth.

Oooh – lets take a look at the unveiling of Arizona State ice hockey’s alternate third jersey. Slick.