Not an artistic success except for the second quarter, but as predicted the 21 points was more than enough to ensure a Husky victory. UW was able to put up 450 yards against a pretty good defense.
UW blew plenty of opportunites in the first quarter and playe dthe second half not to lose, and it worked out fine....21 was more than enough with these guys. IS picked up 340 yard in total offense in a game where he really wasn't as good as he can be.
Dog of the game....Braunstein was terrible, blowing a couple of easy field goals, he can't keep doing that. Pretty miserable performance for the conceited midget.
21-10 victory, we are sitting 4-1...have to love it after so many people dismissed us befpre the season began.
I am going to say it right now, I predict a vistory against USC in the LA....I know you think I am insane, but USC doesn't impress me the way Cal, and Oregon do.....WSU taking you to the last snap.....you have falllen.
Saturday, September 30, 2006
UW 21 Arizona 3
That is more than enough points to win the game. Pretty impressive, and we aren't even on all cylinders. So I bring you this.....USC is ready to fall.....they have been very average the last two weeks and I have to put Oregon, and Cal above them....Story of the year....USC does not win the Pac Ten.
Washington can play with USC.
Not doing a play by play tonight because I cannot do it without TV....radio does not work for that...good news is the rest of the games will be on TV.
I have to say i am pretty estatic about the first half tonight. Being 18 up at the half usually means you are headed to a victory.
It is great to be a Husky!
Washington can play with USC.
Not doing a play by play tonight because I cannot do it without TV....radio does not work for that...good news is the rest of the games will be on TV.
I have to say i am pretty estatic about the first half tonight. Being 18 up at the half usually means you are headed to a victory.
It is great to be a Husky!
Early returns
Interesting day in college football so far....some upset's brewing out there.
Illinois beats Michigan St....if you didn't realize it....Illinois sucks....John L Smith is on the hot seat after losing two he had no business losing.
Alabama is giving Florida all they can handle leading 10-6 at the half.
Georgia Tech is handing it to Virginia Tech 24 -13 after putting up 3 TD's on the board in the 1st qtr., Should be an interesting 2nd half.
Oregon is just dominating Arizona St 24-3 at half. The Duck's look pretty good, and ASU looks very beatable for UW at home.
We all hope that Notre Dame will lose, but not this week, they are up 35-14 over Purdue in the 4th qtr..
California is up 28-0 over Oregon State at half. Like the Duck's they are a team with title possibilities.
Missouri beat Colorado 28-13 to go to 5-0 under Gary Pinkel who was on the hot seat headed into the season. So far, so good in Columbia.
Iowa is playing Ohio St tonight at home. I am sure we will all be rooting for the Hawkeyes.
I am looking forward to watching USC/WSU which will give us a good idea on how good the Trojans are. Can they win another Pac Ten title?
In the nightcap we have Washington and Arizona.....will be back during the game.
Illinois beats Michigan St....if you didn't realize it....Illinois sucks....John L Smith is on the hot seat after losing two he had no business losing.
Alabama is giving Florida all they can handle leading 10-6 at the half.
Georgia Tech is handing it to Virginia Tech 24 -13 after putting up 3 TD's on the board in the 1st qtr., Should be an interesting 2nd half.
Oregon is just dominating Arizona St 24-3 at half. The Duck's look pretty good, and ASU looks very beatable for UW at home.
We all hope that Notre Dame will lose, but not this week, they are up 35-14 over Purdue in the 4th qtr..
California is up 28-0 over Oregon State at half. Like the Duck's they are a team with title possibilities.
Missouri beat Colorado 28-13 to go to 5-0 under Gary Pinkel who was on the hot seat headed into the season. So far, so good in Columbia.
Iowa is playing Ohio St tonight at home. I am sure we will all be rooting for the Hawkeyes.
I am looking forward to watching USC/WSU which will give us a good idea on how good the Trojans are. Can they win another Pac Ten title?
In the nightcap we have Washington and Arizona.....will be back during the game.
Friday, September 29, 2006
Fearless Pac Ten Predictions
Here we go as conference action moves into full swing. Looking at this weeks tilts I would think UW/UA, and Oregon/ASU would be the two best games. The others look pretty one sided. Nationally the Ohio State/Iowa game will be the game of the week. Purdue has a chance to upset Notre Dame. In the ACC Georgia Tech squares off with Virginia Tech, and in the SEC Alabama faces Florida. This isn't a blockbuster weekend, but each week always has it's surprises.
Georgia Tech at Virginia Tech
Georgia Tech started the season with a close loss to the hated Irish. VTU is a pretty banged up going into the game missing three key players.
Hokies 24 Rambling Wreck 17
Alabama at Florida
This is an interesting game because Bama isn't what they used to be, but still expect them to give the Gator's a tight game.
Gators 31 Tide 22
Purdue at Notre Dame
I hate Notre Dame, and I want them to lose most every week, and this week is not an exception.
Purdue is undefeated and undranked after playing what amounted to a MAC pre season schedule with a Div1AA opponent thrown in for good measure. ND has cut their teeth on some tougher fare and emerged 3-1 after a miraculous comeback at MSU last week. Purdue will give them their last big game until they play USC, and as much as I want a Purdue victory it isn't going to happen, but it will be close.
Notre Dame 31 Purdue 24
Ohio State at Iowa
This is as big as it gets in the heartland. #1 is coming to play #14 in a historic night TV game. I have to root for the hawkeyes since I have never liked the Buckeyes. I think Ferrenets will have his team fired up, and it will be close.
Ohio St 21 Iowa 19
Southern California at Washington State
One trip every team hates to make each year is the trek to Pullman to play the Cougars. USC hates it more than most, but should have little problem with a 3-1 Cougar team. Duane Jarrett is out for this one, and probably next week against UW with a seperated shoulder. The Coug's have three wins, Baylor, Idaho, and Stanford. That puts them on a par with Army.
USC 42 Washington St 18
Oregon at Arizona St
The Duck's get their first test since Oklahoma visiting Tempe to play the Sun Devils. Oregon is 11-1 coming of bye weeks, and ASU is still a dysfunctional group that was whooped by the Bears last week. ASU has to win to stay in the race...a loss by these guys will definitely soften them up for the rest of the year.
Oregon 31 ASU 24
Oregon State at California
Last year California was ranked No. 18 when Oregon State paid a visit and left with an upset. The year before, Cal routed the Beavers at Reser Stadium. This years edition of the Bear's are just hitting their stride for a possible title run. The Beavers are the second best team in the state of Idaho. You do the math.
Golden Bears 43 Beavers 18
Stanford at UCLA
Have you ever wanted to get better really quickly after a humilating loss in Seattle? Well the answer to that is drawing hapless Stanford at home the following weekend. UCLA is going to turn those Field Goals into TD's this week and roll over the Cardinal. This one won't be close.
Bruins 48 Cardinal 10
Washington at Arizona
Washington is 4-2 in it's last six games which includes a win in Tucson. Arizona hasn't been able to score all year, and while they have a stout defense, you need to score to win in this league. UW's defense should be able to snuff Tuitama, and if IS and the offense can hold on to the ball Washington will win. I think UW is going to be up for the task. Can Washington go into the USC game 4-1? If they do, and play at least respectable in LA, we may have something here.
Huskies 27 Wildcats 12
Georgia Tech at Virginia Tech
Georgia Tech started the season with a close loss to the hated Irish. VTU is a pretty banged up going into the game missing three key players.
Hokies 24 Rambling Wreck 17
Alabama at Florida
This is an interesting game because Bama isn't what they used to be, but still expect them to give the Gator's a tight game.
Gators 31 Tide 22
Purdue at Notre Dame
I hate Notre Dame, and I want them to lose most every week, and this week is not an exception.
Purdue is undefeated and undranked after playing what amounted to a MAC pre season schedule with a Div1AA opponent thrown in for good measure. ND has cut their teeth on some tougher fare and emerged 3-1 after a miraculous comeback at MSU last week. Purdue will give them their last big game until they play USC, and as much as I want a Purdue victory it isn't going to happen, but it will be close.
Notre Dame 31 Purdue 24
Ohio State at Iowa
This is as big as it gets in the heartland. #1 is coming to play #14 in a historic night TV game. I have to root for the hawkeyes since I have never liked the Buckeyes. I think Ferrenets will have his team fired up, and it will be close.
Ohio St 21 Iowa 19
Southern California at Washington State
One trip every team hates to make each year is the trek to Pullman to play the Cougars. USC hates it more than most, but should have little problem with a 3-1 Cougar team. Duane Jarrett is out for this one, and probably next week against UW with a seperated shoulder. The Coug's have three wins, Baylor, Idaho, and Stanford. That puts them on a par with Army.
USC 42 Washington St 18
Oregon at Arizona St
The Duck's get their first test since Oklahoma visiting Tempe to play the Sun Devils. Oregon is 11-1 coming of bye weeks, and ASU is still a dysfunctional group that was whooped by the Bears last week. ASU has to win to stay in the race...a loss by these guys will definitely soften them up for the rest of the year.
Oregon 31 ASU 24
Oregon State at California
Last year California was ranked No. 18 when Oregon State paid a visit and left with an upset. The year before, Cal routed the Beavers at Reser Stadium. This years edition of the Bear's are just hitting their stride for a possible title run. The Beavers are the second best team in the state of Idaho. You do the math.
Golden Bears 43 Beavers 18
Stanford at UCLA
Have you ever wanted to get better really quickly after a humilating loss in Seattle? Well the answer to that is drawing hapless Stanford at home the following weekend. UCLA is going to turn those Field Goals into TD's this week and roll over the Cardinal. This one won't be close.
Bruins 48 Cardinal 10
Washington at Arizona
Washington is 4-2 in it's last six games which includes a win in Tucson. Arizona hasn't been able to score all year, and while they have a stout defense, you need to score to win in this league. UW's defense should be able to snuff Tuitama, and if IS and the offense can hold on to the ball Washington will win. I think UW is going to be up for the task. Can Washington go into the USC game 4-1? If they do, and play at least respectable in LA, we may have something here.
Huskies 27 Wildcats 12
Thursday, September 28, 2006
UWAA Kicks Off 2006 Homecoming
Whether you come by plane, boat, car, foot or Dawg sled, Homecoming Week 2006 at the University of Washington promises to be well worth the journey.
Beginning with the 21st Annual Dawg Dash and culminating in the Homecoming football game between the Huskies and Arizona State, Homecoming 2006 runs from October 22-29 and is packed with Husky spirit and rousing activities.
Homecoming is all about the UW's time-honored traditions-whether that means cheering on Football Coach Tyrone Willingham at the Homecoming Rally, racing through campus in the Dawg Dash, or watching a great football game. Everyone is invited.
Highlights of Homecoming Week include the 21st annual Dawg Dash and Post-Dash Bash, a popular 10K run/5K walk through campus and post-event celebration in Husky Stadium; as well as the second annual Homecoming Kickoff, a pre-rally rally for friends of the UW Alumni Association (That means everyone is invited!)
The centerpiece is the Homecoming Rally, in which Husky fans from all over converge on "Red Square" on Friday night, October 27.
This year's rally will be emceed by KJR-AM radio personality Dave "Softy" Mahler. It will feature food, fun giveaways, the announcement of the Homecoming Court, the introduction of the Dawg Dash winners, performances by the Husky Marching Band and Cheer Squad and a pep talk from Coach Willingham.
For more information about Homecoming, visit www.uwalum.com.
Beginning with the 21st Annual Dawg Dash and culminating in the Homecoming football game between the Huskies and Arizona State, Homecoming 2006 runs from October 22-29 and is packed with Husky spirit and rousing activities.
Homecoming is all about the UW's time-honored traditions-whether that means cheering on Football Coach Tyrone Willingham at the Homecoming Rally, racing through campus in the Dawg Dash, or watching a great football game. Everyone is invited.
Highlights of Homecoming Week include the 21st annual Dawg Dash and Post-Dash Bash, a popular 10K run/5K walk through campus and post-event celebration in Husky Stadium; as well as the second annual Homecoming Kickoff, a pre-rally rally for friends of the UW Alumni Association (That means everyone is invited!)
The centerpiece is the Homecoming Rally, in which Husky fans from all over converge on "Red Square" on Friday night, October 27.
This year's rally will be emceed by KJR-AM radio personality Dave "Softy" Mahler. It will feature food, fun giveaways, the announcement of the Homecoming Court, the introduction of the Dawg Dash winners, performances by the Husky Marching Band and Cheer Squad and a pep talk from Coach Willingham.
For more information about Homecoming, visit www.uwalum.com.
Arizona Game to be shown live at Hec Ed
Through a unique cooperation between a number of involved parties, the University of Washington at Arizona football game Saturday will be televised live exclusively at the Bank of America Arena on the UW campus. The game is scheduled for a 7 p.m. start with doors open one hour prior and there will be no admission charged to UW students or the general public.
FSN Northwest, UWTV and the Washington ISP Sports Network are working in cooperation with the Arizona and Washington athletic departments to transmit and display the live feed. The video, which will be an unedited feed that originates from the Arizona Stadium video board, will be mixed with the UW's radio broadcast and delivered to large screens in Bank of America Arena. Concessions will be available.
Great job by Turner and his staff to put this together. Too bad it won't be available over the internet, that would have been great for us out of towners. If you are in town head down to Hec Ed.
FSN Northwest, UWTV and the Washington ISP Sports Network are working in cooperation with the Arizona and Washington athletic departments to transmit and display the live feed. The video, which will be an unedited feed that originates from the Arizona Stadium video board, will be mixed with the UW's radio broadcast and delivered to large screens in Bank of America Arena. Concessions will be available.
Great job by Turner and his staff to put this together. Too bad it won't be available over the internet, that would have been great for us out of towners. If you are in town head down to Hec Ed.
Wednesday, September 27, 2006
Around The Pac Ten Blogs
We are a quarter way into the football season and the Pac Ten blogs are warming up and starting to get fun. I found Arizona, UCLA, and WSU to be pretty funny.
The USC Blog has a review of their upcoming opponent Washington State who they meet on the ride in Pullman.
"The Cougars, like the Trojans, boast a stable of running backs featuring sophomore, DeMaundray Woolridge, junior, Derrell Hutsona and freshman, Dwight Tardy. Woolridge looked to be the main guy this season after helping Jerome Harrison carry the rushing load last season, but Tardy and Hutsona have proven to be every bit as necessary."
The Arizona Blog has found a new ringleader....I give you a letter to Tuitama
"Dear Willie,
As an Arizona football fan I just want to let you know how much of an overrated, over-hyped, horrible quarterback you are. Sure, last year you came off the bench more than halfway through your freshman season to lead the Cats to a road victory over Oregon St. Sure, you passed for 335 yards. But really, what does that mean? You think I am impressed with 335 yards passing and a road victory in-conference? Please. I pass for over 300 yards every time I play College Football ’07 on my Xbox. "
On the WSU Blog the folks there are trying to limit their enthusiasm over Washington's victory over UCLA by writing a love letter to all UW football fans.
"Anyone who knows Northwest College football, knows and remembers the famous Don James addage: "when you get to the endzone, act like you've been there before." So, spare us the rant Dawg fans, you've done nothing so far and are STILL NOTHING despite a having a program that happened to have a GREAT run in the late 70's and early 80's before falling flat in the last half of that decade...Oh, and you had a great run there in the 90's, if it wasn't for a minor technicality:
YOU CHEATED TO GET THERE!
The UCLA Blog of course is looking for the momentum to hire a new head coach after last weeks loss to Washington.
After a decidedly spineless and clueless performance in Seattle, we've been treated to a delightful performance by the Bruin coaching staff. They kicked it off by playing the blame game, evidence of a potential implosion. Then, more troubling signs of ineptitude, as the excuses kept growing, and the nation began to take notice of the problems in Westwood.
Stay tuned to a the Beaver Blog about their upcoming date with California. Despite the win over Idaho the Beavers are still the second ranked team in Idaho.
The California Blog feels they would beat Tennessee in a rematch.
"Cal is rapidly erasing the memories of their opening game embarrassment in Knoxville...it would be a much different game if played today...Jeff Tedford's crew heads to Corvallis, Oregon this weekend to take on the Oregon State Beavers . Oregon State has nowhere to hide Saturday against No. 20 California. Dominating Eastern Washington and Idaho was nice, but what did it prove? Getting blown out at Boise State wasn't the end of the world, but was it a sign the Beavers are every bit the team predicted to finish seventh in the Pacific-10 Conference? "
The Oregon Blog reports that the Duck's have been getting healthy during their week off.
"There doesn't seem to be any issue with Jonathan Stewart and Jeremiah Johnson, Oregon's leading rushers, who seemingly participated without limits in Monday's workout."
At ASU they are recovering from the loss to Cal and trying to find a bright side.
"The Sun Devils actually out rushed Marshawn Lynch and the vaunted Cal running attack, 237 yards to 139 but Cal QB Nate Longshore picked up the slack going 18-26 for 270 yards and four TD's. Longshore was on the money all day long and the ASU defense, who entered the game leading the nation with 18 sacks, could not get any pressure on Longshore."
At Stanford they are both winless, and blog less, a bad combination, but we can always dig something up in the San Jose paper.
"If Saturday wasn't rock bottom for the Stanford football team, it had to be close. With its new stadium about two-thirds empty on a sun-splashed afternoon, the Cardinal delivered another uninspired performance, losing to Washington State 36-10."
The USC Blog has a review of their upcoming opponent Washington State who they meet on the ride in Pullman.
"The Cougars, like the Trojans, boast a stable of running backs featuring sophomore, DeMaundray Woolridge, junior, Derrell Hutsona and freshman, Dwight Tardy. Woolridge looked to be the main guy this season after helping Jerome Harrison carry the rushing load last season, but Tardy and Hutsona have proven to be every bit as necessary."
The Arizona Blog has found a new ringleader....I give you a letter to Tuitama
"Dear Willie,
As an Arizona football fan I just want to let you know how much of an overrated, over-hyped, horrible quarterback you are. Sure, last year you came off the bench more than halfway through your freshman season to lead the Cats to a road victory over Oregon St. Sure, you passed for 335 yards. But really, what does that mean? You think I am impressed with 335 yards passing and a road victory in-conference? Please. I pass for over 300 yards every time I play College Football ’07 on my Xbox. "
On the WSU Blog the folks there are trying to limit their enthusiasm over Washington's victory over UCLA by writing a love letter to all UW football fans.
"Anyone who knows Northwest College football, knows and remembers the famous Don James addage: "when you get to the endzone, act like you've been there before." So, spare us the rant Dawg fans, you've done nothing so far and are STILL NOTHING despite a having a program that happened to have a GREAT run in the late 70's and early 80's before falling flat in the last half of that decade...Oh, and you had a great run there in the 90's, if it wasn't for a minor technicality:
YOU CHEATED TO GET THERE!
The UCLA Blog of course is looking for the momentum to hire a new head coach after last weeks loss to Washington.
After a decidedly spineless and clueless performance in Seattle, we've been treated to a delightful performance by the Bruin coaching staff. They kicked it off by playing the blame game, evidence of a potential implosion. Then, more troubling signs of ineptitude, as the excuses kept growing, and the nation began to take notice of the problems in Westwood.
Stay tuned to a the Beaver Blog about their upcoming date with California. Despite the win over Idaho the Beavers are still the second ranked team in Idaho.
The California Blog feels they would beat Tennessee in a rematch.
"Cal is rapidly erasing the memories of their opening game embarrassment in Knoxville...it would be a much different game if played today...Jeff Tedford's crew heads to Corvallis, Oregon this weekend to take on the Oregon State Beavers . Oregon State has nowhere to hide Saturday against No. 20 California. Dominating Eastern Washington and Idaho was nice, but what did it prove? Getting blown out at Boise State wasn't the end of the world, but was it a sign the Beavers are every bit the team predicted to finish seventh in the Pacific-10 Conference? "
The Oregon Blog reports that the Duck's have been getting healthy during their week off.
"There doesn't seem to be any issue with Jonathan Stewart and Jeremiah Johnson, Oregon's leading rushers, who seemingly participated without limits in Monday's workout."
At ASU they are recovering from the loss to Cal and trying to find a bright side.
"The Sun Devils actually out rushed Marshawn Lynch and the vaunted Cal running attack, 237 yards to 139 but Cal QB Nate Longshore picked up the slack going 18-26 for 270 yards and four TD's. Longshore was on the money all day long and the ASU defense, who entered the game leading the nation with 18 sacks, could not get any pressure on Longshore."
At Stanford they are both winless, and blog less, a bad combination, but we can always dig something up in the San Jose paper.
"If Saturday wasn't rock bottom for the Stanford football team, it had to be close. With its new stadium about two-thirds empty on a sun-splashed afternoon, the Cardinal delivered another uninspired performance, losing to Washington State 36-10."
Getting on the Bandwagon
Local journalists seem to have jumped on the bandwagon as Art Thiel, Steve Kelley, and Jim Moore all wrote positive articles this week after the UCLA win. The reporters also seem to be feeling good as Condotta, and Yanity are positive as well. Will have to wait till the end of the week for their predictions on the Arizona game. Bud Withers of the Times voted UCLA #25 in the AP while not also giving a vote to the Huskies. I don't think the Huskies deserve a ranking at this point, but what is the logic concerning UCLA?
On the Net AAndy's weekly Meanderings post on Dawgman was downright giddy as he backed off his 4 win prediction and suggested that the team had a really good chance to win as many as eight games! Look for Race Bannon to jump on as well. Since both these guys follow every move the team makes it isn't exactly fair to say they are jumping on the bandwagon...I would say they are just going to be more pleasant to drive with.
The excellent staff at Dawgman didn't exactly feel this would happen going into the Fall, and I think it is more of a case that it is one thing to eat the sausage, but a whole differnet thing to watch it getting made. I am sure they get to close to the sausage machine.
People are actually declaring that this team has turned the corner, and Ty feel the turning point was last year in the second half against Arizona. I have to agree since the team is 4-2 since then which represents a high point. A win this week in Tucson should leave the Husky nation feeling pretty giddy going into L.A. 4-1 to face USC on the road.
As I said in my last post, we should beat Arizona. They are going to be fired up, they feel it is a must win game for them. I am sure when they looked at the schedule to begin the year Washington was circled as a probable win. They are going to want some revenge for the whooping we put on them last year. Still, if we can score three TD's it should be more than enough to win.
No TV this week so the radio is the only option if you aren't flying to Tucson. We will be on the tube for USC.
Announcements were made today regarding the roster and Hasty, and Mason are in while Palmer is enrolled in a local CC trying to get his credits in order for Winter Quarter. Chancellor Young is gone. Mason will redshirt this year, Hasty will lose a year but can practice, and Palmer will have two left to play if he gets in this Winter.
A couple of things going for us so far
No major injuries....a few guys have been banged up, but all will be available in the short term. On a team with limited depth this is a big plus as we head into the meat of conference.
DB's are jelling.....we took away a lot of stuff from UCLA last week as the game went on, and I was surprised that they didn't try to attack us long. The play from the DB's, especially Wallace who is playing at an AA level is fun to watch, each week these guys get better as a unit.
Offensive Line....The Achiles heal has been consistent so far health wise, and performance wise. Run blocking is still a concern after a strong start, but the shot gun spread is giving IS a lot more time to create whether he is passing, handing off, or running. All five starters have played every single down this year.
The crowd....The stadium isn't full, but it has been far from empty, and they have been loud which has helped the team so far this season. If you win, they will come, and they will yell.
IS....He has had a few rough quarters, but overall he is improved over last year with last Saturdays second half being one of his best. The Pac Ten knows that to beat UW you need to make him pass, and take away the run, so they are going to keep doing it till he starts burning them long. We need to stretch the field a little more.
Defense....Guy's like Mateaki, White, and Ala are having excellent senior seasons. Gunheim is rounding into stride as we saw when he chased down the ount returner. We are getting better pressure off the edges, and the Roy Lewis Corner Blitz sack was fun to watch. The increased speed at LB is showing, and Taj has been solid in the middle. This is a group that is jelling, they shut down UCLA in the second half, and kept UW in the game during the first by forcing FG's rather than giving up TD's.
Leadership at WR....Shackleford and Russo have had great starts. Sonny had a career day against UCLA. Reese was absent last week while Ellis got some reps. Williams still hasn't done anything incredible, while Quinton Daniels, and Marlon Woods are getting more involved each week. We didn't expect Reese to really catch on till mid season even though he has had some good catches. There are some guys ahead of him who have been here for awhile who have really put in the time and effort to improve. I only counted one drop last week, and it wasn't exactly the easiest pass to catch.
On the Net AAndy's weekly Meanderings post on Dawgman was downright giddy as he backed off his 4 win prediction and suggested that the team had a really good chance to win as many as eight games! Look for Race Bannon to jump on as well. Since both these guys follow every move the team makes it isn't exactly fair to say they are jumping on the bandwagon...I would say they are just going to be more pleasant to drive with.
The excellent staff at Dawgman didn't exactly feel this would happen going into the Fall, and I think it is more of a case that it is one thing to eat the sausage, but a whole differnet thing to watch it getting made. I am sure they get to close to the sausage machine.
People are actually declaring that this team has turned the corner, and Ty feel the turning point was last year in the second half against Arizona. I have to agree since the team is 4-2 since then which represents a high point. A win this week in Tucson should leave the Husky nation feeling pretty giddy going into L.A. 4-1 to face USC on the road.
As I said in my last post, we should beat Arizona. They are going to be fired up, they feel it is a must win game for them. I am sure when they looked at the schedule to begin the year Washington was circled as a probable win. They are going to want some revenge for the whooping we put on them last year. Still, if we can score three TD's it should be more than enough to win.
No TV this week so the radio is the only option if you aren't flying to Tucson. We will be on the tube for USC.
Announcements were made today regarding the roster and Hasty, and Mason are in while Palmer is enrolled in a local CC trying to get his credits in order for Winter Quarter. Chancellor Young is gone. Mason will redshirt this year, Hasty will lose a year but can practice, and Palmer will have two left to play if he gets in this Winter.
A couple of things going for us so far
No major injuries....a few guys have been banged up, but all will be available in the short term. On a team with limited depth this is a big plus as we head into the meat of conference.
DB's are jelling.....we took away a lot of stuff from UCLA last week as the game went on, and I was surprised that they didn't try to attack us long. The play from the DB's, especially Wallace who is playing at an AA level is fun to watch, each week these guys get better as a unit.
Offensive Line....The Achiles heal has been consistent so far health wise, and performance wise. Run blocking is still a concern after a strong start, but the shot gun spread is giving IS a lot more time to create whether he is passing, handing off, or running. All five starters have played every single down this year.
The crowd....The stadium isn't full, but it has been far from empty, and they have been loud which has helped the team so far this season. If you win, they will come, and they will yell.
IS....He has had a few rough quarters, but overall he is improved over last year with last Saturdays second half being one of his best. The Pac Ten knows that to beat UW you need to make him pass, and take away the run, so they are going to keep doing it till he starts burning them long. We need to stretch the field a little more.
Defense....Guy's like Mateaki, White, and Ala are having excellent senior seasons. Gunheim is rounding into stride as we saw when he chased down the ount returner. We are getting better pressure off the edges, and the Roy Lewis Corner Blitz sack was fun to watch. The increased speed at LB is showing, and Taj has been solid in the middle. This is a group that is jelling, they shut down UCLA in the second half, and kept UW in the game during the first by forcing FG's rather than giving up TD's.
Leadership at WR....Shackleford and Russo have had great starts. Sonny had a career day against UCLA. Reese was absent last week while Ellis got some reps. Williams still hasn't done anything incredible, while Quinton Daniels, and Marlon Woods are getting more involved each week. We didn't expect Reese to really catch on till mid season even though he has had some good catches. There are some guys ahead of him who have been here for awhile who have really put in the time and effort to improve. I only counted one drop last week, and it wasn't exactly the easiest pass to catch.
Tuesday, September 26, 2006
Arizona isn't very good
Arizona isn't very good. In twelve quarters against D-IA opponents, they have managed one touchdown. They don't block well, and there two top offensive players are going to be banged up going into the game. You add the the mix of Mike Stoops who isn't a very good choice, and some good talent that hasn't jelled together under his watch and you can count on a Washington victory come Saturday night. It all comes down to this....Arizona simply can't put points on the board, and even though they have a decent defense they won't be able to win in this league till they start scoring in the high twenties per game.
Las Vegas has the Dawgs as 4 point underdogs and I think if I were a betting man I would run with the points on this one.
Washington of course can lose any game they play, including this one, but it will take three quarters of what we saw in the first quarter last week for it to happen. the Dawg's aren't exactly a scoring machine, and you can't let the Arizona defense score points. If you hold onto the ball, minimize mistakes you are going to beat this team even in hostile territory. I just don't expect any miracles out of the Wildcat offense. If UW can be consistent they will win.
Arizona gave the Trojan's a bit of a game last week, but I think it was more the story of USC not executing very well on offense during the first half. The Trojans are very talented, but they don't have the experience they enjoyed the last three years. They will their moments from time to time this year.
USC goes on the road to Pullman this weekend, and it is a place they absolutely hate to visit. Will be interesting to see what kind of game the Coug's will be able to give them. I haven't seen WSU play yet so I have no idea of what they are truly capable of outside of being spanked by Auburn.
This weeks UA/UW game isn't going to be on TV, so listen in on the radio, or over the internet. Next weeks tilt against SC will be televised. Washington will have more games on TV each year then they have previously, so everyone cheer up. I would fly down and watch the game but I am way too tired to make the trip. This would be a good time for Turner to get creative and show the game on GoHuskies.com. Not sure if he can get permission to do that with a road game, but at home it may be a possibility.
We asked the question earlier in the week if Washington had turned the corner? Well beating anyone from LA is always a good sign, but the Pac Ten is simply not very good once you get past the top three teams. If Washington finishes with a winning record and heads to a bowl game then you can say we have turned the corner. The next two recruiting classes are going to be large in number, and the quality of those two classes will go a long way in forging the stamp that Ty Willingham puts on the program during his tenure.
If Washington wins they will be 4-1 going into the USC game, and that isn't too shabby for a team that has won only three games over two previous seasons. I honestly don't think we can play with USC, especially on the road, but upsets can happen.
Still coming out of the USC game with a 4-2 record and a respectable showing would boost UW into the upper divison of the conference if they are able to beat Oregon St, Stanford, and WSU. It also looks like they should be able to handle ASU, so an 8-4 record is a distinct possibility for this club. That would be a heck of a springboard into recruiting, and would reward some kids who have had a tough career at UW with a well deserved bowl game.
Can we play with Cal, USC, and Oregon? I need to see a lot more before I believe that, but the next two weeks will tell the story. Willingham has these kids thinking Rose Bowl, now we all know it is pretty remote, but why not shoot for the top?
Expect some news on the ineligible players such as Young, Hasty, Palmer, and Mason. Hasty will be back with the team, and will be ineligible for the rest of the year while he tries to shed the poundage he has gained since last Fall. Not sure what it will be on the other three.
One thing you should expect in the off season is some retooling of the officiating if Tom Hansen has any garbanzo's. You need to take the homerism out of it, or at least keep it on the same par as the rest of the nation, you don't want to be labeled the WAC of the 70's. Remember when going to Hawaii meant you played against two teams rather than one? Frssh blood is needed in the Pac Ten along with anew director of officiating.
If you hate Notre Dame this week may be the last chance they have a good chance to lose until they face USC at the end of the year. The Irish face Purdue in what is always a tough game in Northern Indiana.
We are finally back from Hawaii, it has been a pretty amazing month month for me since I ahave been on vacation since Labor Day weekend which is a new record. I am however glad to be back because you have to return to reality some time. Expect some better stuff in coming days because I have to admit I was just mailing it in while I was away, the honeymoon took precedence over the blog. It was nice to be able to watch all three games from the Islands.
PAC Ten Power Ratings
1. USC.................Trojans ride at #1 till somebody can beat them.
2. California.......Bear's are starting to play like a title contender.
3. Oregon...........Duck's win over Oklahoma is slightly tainted.
4. Washington...Surprising start for the former doormat.
5. Arizona St......Falling apart at the seams.
6. WSU...............Coug's are only three wins away from bowl eligibility.
7. UCLA.............Disspointing showing in Seattle.
8. Oregon State..Have not played well this year
9. Arizona............Will battle the Cardinal for the basement
10. Stanford.......Only 15,000 fans showing up in new stadium
Las Vegas has the Dawgs as 4 point underdogs and I think if I were a betting man I would run with the points on this one.
Washington of course can lose any game they play, including this one, but it will take three quarters of what we saw in the first quarter last week for it to happen. the Dawg's aren't exactly a scoring machine, and you can't let the Arizona defense score points. If you hold onto the ball, minimize mistakes you are going to beat this team even in hostile territory. I just don't expect any miracles out of the Wildcat offense. If UW can be consistent they will win.
Arizona gave the Trojan's a bit of a game last week, but I think it was more the story of USC not executing very well on offense during the first half. The Trojans are very talented, but they don't have the experience they enjoyed the last three years. They will their moments from time to time this year.
USC goes on the road to Pullman this weekend, and it is a place they absolutely hate to visit. Will be interesting to see what kind of game the Coug's will be able to give them. I haven't seen WSU play yet so I have no idea of what they are truly capable of outside of being spanked by Auburn.
This weeks UA/UW game isn't going to be on TV, so listen in on the radio, or over the internet. Next weeks tilt against SC will be televised. Washington will have more games on TV each year then they have previously, so everyone cheer up. I would fly down and watch the game but I am way too tired to make the trip. This would be a good time for Turner to get creative and show the game on GoHuskies.com. Not sure if he can get permission to do that with a road game, but at home it may be a possibility.
We asked the question earlier in the week if Washington had turned the corner? Well beating anyone from LA is always a good sign, but the Pac Ten is simply not very good once you get past the top three teams. If Washington finishes with a winning record and heads to a bowl game then you can say we have turned the corner. The next two recruiting classes are going to be large in number, and the quality of those two classes will go a long way in forging the stamp that Ty Willingham puts on the program during his tenure.
If Washington wins they will be 4-1 going into the USC game, and that isn't too shabby for a team that has won only three games over two previous seasons. I honestly don't think we can play with USC, especially on the road, but upsets can happen.
Still coming out of the USC game with a 4-2 record and a respectable showing would boost UW into the upper divison of the conference if they are able to beat Oregon St, Stanford, and WSU. It also looks like they should be able to handle ASU, so an 8-4 record is a distinct possibility for this club. That would be a heck of a springboard into recruiting, and would reward some kids who have had a tough career at UW with a well deserved bowl game.
Can we play with Cal, USC, and Oregon? I need to see a lot more before I believe that, but the next two weeks will tell the story. Willingham has these kids thinking Rose Bowl, now we all know it is pretty remote, but why not shoot for the top?
Expect some news on the ineligible players such as Young, Hasty, Palmer, and Mason. Hasty will be back with the team, and will be ineligible for the rest of the year while he tries to shed the poundage he has gained since last Fall. Not sure what it will be on the other three.
One thing you should expect in the off season is some retooling of the officiating if Tom Hansen has any garbanzo's. You need to take the homerism out of it, or at least keep it on the same par as the rest of the nation, you don't want to be labeled the WAC of the 70's. Remember when going to Hawaii meant you played against two teams rather than one? Frssh blood is needed in the Pac Ten along with anew director of officiating.
If you hate Notre Dame this week may be the last chance they have a good chance to lose until they face USC at the end of the year. The Irish face Purdue in what is always a tough game in Northern Indiana.
We are finally back from Hawaii, it has been a pretty amazing month month for me since I ahave been on vacation since Labor Day weekend which is a new record. I am however glad to be back because you have to return to reality some time. Expect some better stuff in coming days because I have to admit I was just mailing it in while I was away, the honeymoon took precedence over the blog. It was nice to be able to watch all three games from the Islands.
PAC Ten Power Ratings
1. USC.................Trojans ride at #1 till somebody can beat them.
2. California.......Bear's are starting to play like a title contender.
3. Oregon...........Duck's win over Oklahoma is slightly tainted.
4. Washington...Surprising start for the former doormat.
5. Arizona St......Falling apart at the seams.
6. WSU...............Coug's are only three wins away from bowl eligibility.
7. UCLA.............Disspointing showing in Seattle.
8. Oregon State..Have not played well this year
9. Arizona............Will battle the Cardinal for the basement
10. Stanford.......Only 15,000 fans showing up in new stadium
Monday, September 25, 2006
The Monday Morning Wash
One of the most interesting things that happened this weekend was the various Seattle area sports columnists taking the tepid first step toward jumping on the Ty Willingham bandwagon.
Steve Kelly's column of course always gives us the best of cowardly sports journalism as he declares the Huskies bowl worthy after panning Willingham and the Husky program in general for four years (master of the obvious). Hard to believe he was George N. Meyers replacement. (He is a loser) Steve only know's the NBA, everything else he writes is just random hyperboly. I will give him credit for the golfing in Afghanistan column, that was special...Steve stick to what you know, you don't know football. (By the way Gary Payton has left he building, Sonic's are next, then your job.)
Bob Condotta of course is only comfortable complaining about access to Ty and predicting Husky losses, he was of course dissapointed that the Huskies rallied to beat FUCLA. After a little criticism here they have opened up their blog for comments from the populace....learning curve going on here. (Bob, get on the bandwagon.)
Same thing with the ever negative, and clueless Molly Yanity who has never met a center snap she didn't like. She continues to show each week she has a limited grasp of the game. The PI has much better writers on the staff. All the local writers make Jim Moore look really positive.
Ted Miller was strangely silent, the best college football writer in the N.W. may want his job back from Molly Yanity now that he has something to write about. Can't blame Art Thiel for reassingning this fine writer during the transition. The PI always tries to make it's point which is at least refreshing, but please give Ted back to the Huskies, we have suffered enough.
Look for more crappy articles on the team this week in the local rag's as they expect the team to collapse on the road against Arizona this week. Not a bad bet if you consider past history, but readers here know better. For those in the know all you have to do to beat Arizona is score three TD's, their offense sucks. The low scoring game against SC was a fluke, SC was looking ahead to ND. SC will spank ND.
Warren Moon has taken a distinct personal interest in IS, he seems to know how to push his buttons, and I see a lot of similarities in the two QB's....Rose Bowl? Well Ty, and Warren think it is more than a possibility, reminds me of 1977, and we are off to a better start. This team will go as far as IS will take them, and he is just brushing on his future potential. The kid has the best arm, and legs of any past, or future Husky QB, just needs to polish his mind. Kudo's to Warren for pitching in,
UW picked up a couple of commitments over the weekend reeling in Nate Williams from Kennedy. and Dwight Aguillar from Denver, Colorado...kudo's for Bob Simmons for the Rocky Mountain connection that will net at least one more player for the 2007 class. Simmons is a top recruiter and an underated bonus for the current Husky staff. Bob is big in LA, the Rockies, and Texas. People who underestimate his importance on the staff are asleep at the wheel.
The Pac Ten is wide open with only SC and Cal distinguishing themselves early. Oregon of course has done well, but the Oklahoma win at home with "home" cooking does not impress me. I predicted to much laughter that the Dawg's would win 7 games, and now I am thinking 9 is a possibility. ASU, and Oregon do not scare me, USC, and Cal do.
Congratulations to Todd Turner for his son's performance against O'Dea this weekend. The Seattle Prep Sophmore QB put himself on the recruiting map with this performance. I went to O'Dea, and hate Prep, but you can't argue with talent. Todd, why would you send your kid to a snotty school like Seattle Prep, is academics really everything?
Steve Kelly's column of course always gives us the best of cowardly sports journalism as he declares the Huskies bowl worthy after panning Willingham and the Husky program in general for four years (master of the obvious). Hard to believe he was George N. Meyers replacement. (He is a loser) Steve only know's the NBA, everything else he writes is just random hyperboly. I will give him credit for the golfing in Afghanistan column, that was special...Steve stick to what you know, you don't know football. (By the way Gary Payton has left he building, Sonic's are next, then your job.)
Bob Condotta of course is only comfortable complaining about access to Ty and predicting Husky losses, he was of course dissapointed that the Huskies rallied to beat FUCLA. After a little criticism here they have opened up their blog for comments from the populace....learning curve going on here. (Bob, get on the bandwagon.)
Same thing with the ever negative, and clueless Molly Yanity who has never met a center snap she didn't like. She continues to show each week she has a limited grasp of the game. The PI has much better writers on the staff. All the local writers make Jim Moore look really positive.
Ted Miller was strangely silent, the best college football writer in the N.W. may want his job back from Molly Yanity now that he has something to write about. Can't blame Art Thiel for reassingning this fine writer during the transition. The PI always tries to make it's point which is at least refreshing, but please give Ted back to the Huskies, we have suffered enough.
Look for more crappy articles on the team this week in the local rag's as they expect the team to collapse on the road against Arizona this week. Not a bad bet if you consider past history, but readers here know better. For those in the know all you have to do to beat Arizona is score three TD's, their offense sucks. The low scoring game against SC was a fluke, SC was looking ahead to ND. SC will spank ND.
Warren Moon has taken a distinct personal interest in IS, he seems to know how to push his buttons, and I see a lot of similarities in the two QB's....Rose Bowl? Well Ty, and Warren think it is more than a possibility, reminds me of 1977, and we are off to a better start. This team will go as far as IS will take them, and he is just brushing on his future potential. The kid has the best arm, and legs of any past, or future Husky QB, just needs to polish his mind. Kudo's to Warren for pitching in,
UW picked up a couple of commitments over the weekend reeling in Nate Williams from Kennedy. and Dwight Aguillar from Denver, Colorado...kudo's for Bob Simmons for the Rocky Mountain connection that will net at least one more player for the 2007 class. Simmons is a top recruiter and an underated bonus for the current Husky staff. Bob is big in LA, the Rockies, and Texas. People who underestimate his importance on the staff are asleep at the wheel.
The Pac Ten is wide open with only SC and Cal distinguishing themselves early. Oregon of course has done well, but the Oklahoma win at home with "home" cooking does not impress me. I predicted to much laughter that the Dawg's would win 7 games, and now I am thinking 9 is a possibility. ASU, and Oregon do not scare me, USC, and Cal do.
Congratulations to Todd Turner for his son's performance against O'Dea this weekend. The Seattle Prep Sophmore QB put himself on the recruiting map with this performance. I went to O'Dea, and hate Prep, but you can't argue with talent. Todd, why would you send your kid to a snotty school like Seattle Prep, is academics really everything?
Sunday, September 24, 2006
Weekend wrap up
USC had a tough time with Arizona yesterday and needed a strong second half to get by the Wildcats 20-3. Arizona is still incapable of putting together an offense and I think the Trojan's were definitely looking ahead to Notre Dame which young teams tend to do regardless of talent.
Cal is back in the limelight after blasting Arizona State 49-21 on TV yesterday. Cal and SC are definitely the class of the league at this point, and ASU seems to be enduring the end days of the Koetter regime. Look for ASU to contunue in tailspin.
WSU won another game yesterday 36-10 against hapless Stanford and is now only three games away from qualifying for a bowl game after an easy early season schedule.
Oregon State just blasted Idaho 38-0, and Dennis Erickson just may have a lot more work to do to get the Vandal program back on a solid footing. No idea how long Dennis will hang around but he should be able to bring in the usual suspects over time to return the Spud's to respectability.
Oregon had the week off to continue it's evil plot to take over the replay officiating world.
Dan Hawkins and Colorado lost a heartbreaker to Georgia in the last seconds of the game...he will have that program fixed in quick order...nothing to worry about in Boulder, they made a good choice.
Ohio St had to rally in the 4th quarter to shut down Penn State in a Big ten matchup.
Boston College lost a heartbreaker to NC St in the last seconds on a 35 yard TD pass.
The bummer of the day was Notre Dame's improbable rally to beat Michigan St who had them beaten pretty much all day. For all SLBOB haters this win by the IRish was a mjor pill to swallow, but don't worry, next week USC will beat them like a drum as usual.
Over here in Hawaii everything is great as we finish our next to last day of vacation and head back to the real world on Monday night. It has been a great three week vacation, and it is the first time I have ever taken a month off from work, feels kind of funny, but well worth it. You only get married once, or at least I will.
Cal is back in the limelight after blasting Arizona State 49-21 on TV yesterday. Cal and SC are definitely the class of the league at this point, and ASU seems to be enduring the end days of the Koetter regime. Look for ASU to contunue in tailspin.
WSU won another game yesterday 36-10 against hapless Stanford and is now only three games away from qualifying for a bowl game after an easy early season schedule.
Oregon State just blasted Idaho 38-0, and Dennis Erickson just may have a lot more work to do to get the Vandal program back on a solid footing. No idea how long Dennis will hang around but he should be able to bring in the usual suspects over time to return the Spud's to respectability.
Oregon had the week off to continue it's evil plot to take over the replay officiating world.
Dan Hawkins and Colorado lost a heartbreaker to Georgia in the last seconds of the game...he will have that program fixed in quick order...nothing to worry about in Boulder, they made a good choice.
Ohio St had to rally in the 4th quarter to shut down Penn State in a Big ten matchup.
Boston College lost a heartbreaker to NC St in the last seconds on a 35 yard TD pass.
The bummer of the day was Notre Dame's improbable rally to beat Michigan St who had them beaten pretty much all day. For all SLBOB haters this win by the IRish was a mjor pill to swallow, but don't worry, next week USC will beat them like a drum as usual.
Over here in Hawaii everything is great as we finish our next to last day of vacation and head back to the real world on Monday night. It has been a great three week vacation, and it is the first time I have ever taken a month off from work, feels kind of funny, but well worth it. You only get married once, or at least I will.
Saturday, September 23, 2006
Program turning the corner
I guess you can say that the program is starting to turn the corner, but Arizona is a must win for them next week on the road to keep this bandwagon rolling. 3-1 is an accomplishment for these guys even though UCLA is mortal, and Arizona coming up next week is mediocre, still we are winning the games we are supposed to win.
I enjoyed Bob Condotta's blog where he had to eat some crow today for predicting a UCLA victory, but that his job, to predict what he really thinks will happen. I love it when the sportswriters are surprised, but after today's first quarter it really looked pretty ugly. Holding UCLA to 16 points rather than giving up 35 was the key to this victory.
I also have to admit I wanted to pull IS midway through the 2nd quarter, but he sure did losen up and get a lot better as the game went on. This is the first time in his career, HS, or college where he has won two games in a row...imagine that...he is learning how to win.
How about the defense today, was that a return to old style Husky defense, especially in the second half? You have to like how Baer called the game. Anyway had to sneak this in before dinner on the beach tonight!
What do you guy's think, have we turned the corner?
I enjoyed Bob Condotta's blog where he had to eat some crow today for predicting a UCLA victory, but that his job, to predict what he really thinks will happen. I love it when the sportswriters are surprised, but after today's first quarter it really looked pretty ugly. Holding UCLA to 16 points rather than giving up 35 was the key to this victory.
I also have to admit I wanted to pull IS midway through the 2nd quarter, but he sure did losen up and get a lot better as the game went on. This is the first time in his career, HS, or college where he has won two games in a row...imagine that...he is learning how to win.
How about the defense today, was that a return to old style Husky defense, especially in the second half? You have to like how Baer called the game. Anyway had to sneak this in before dinner on the beach tonight!
What do you guy's think, have we turned the corner?
UW-UCLA Game Blog
First Quarter
UCLA takes the kickoff and marches down the field with some viscous blocking, and brilliant play calling. The drive stalls at the 10 and UCLA converts on the FG...3-0 Bruins. UW is going to need to score some points and keep the ball out of the Bruins hands.
Huskies start their first drive at the 24. two runs for little in the middle, then IS underthrows Williams to avoid getting a sure first down, UW punts. Marovick makes another crappy snap, UCLA recovers the muff and has the ball inside the ten, this one could be over early. UCLA takes it down to the one. TD UCLA, and as quickly as this one has begun mistakes have possibly put it out of reach in the first five minutes. 10-0 UCLA. Ty is visibly pissed on the sideline.
UCLA kicks off to UW and Lewis returns it to the 29, UW goes 3 and out, and IS can't hit the broad side of a barn. UCLA starts out their next drive by throwing, get used to it, then Chris Markey breaks a 62 yarder as the defense just is blocked perfectly. This is getting uglier by the second. UCLA stalls again and settle for the FG 13-0 Bruins.
UW starts off at the 30 after another short kickoff, UCLA wants us to return kicks to open up the possibilities of turnovers. Stanback gains a couple. He then completes his firt one to Russo for a couple. Huskies line up 3rd and short and run into the middle for no gain ....terrible. Time to punt. Douglas punts it for a touchback, UCLA starts the next drive from their own 20. Possesion for UCLA in the first half is ridiculous. UCLA starts with a short gain on the ground. 3rd and one for UCLA and Olsen picks it up on the keeper. UW needs some intensity here, could use a turnover. First quarter ends, and it was the ugliest I have seen in years. UW just came out flat against a team that came in pumped up with more talent, bad combination.
Second Quarter
UCLA drives a bit, picks up a penalty for movement, and face a 3rd and long from the UW 40. UCLA hits a 51 yard FG and takes the lead 16-0. UW has another 3 and out, pretty pathetic, Douglas booms one to the UCLA 38 where they take over. UCLA fumbles and recovers, now face the third and long. UCLA finally is stopped and has to punt, they jump offsides. Bruins punt to the UW 20 where Lewis is buried.
UW starts at the 20. Incomplete on the first play. Pass interference on the Bruins as Kirton is tackled before the ball gets there. Husky ball on the 30. Nothing on the ground for Rankin. By the way that was our first first down. Stanback hit while passing and fumbles. The ugliness continues, time for IS to sit. Ty challenges the call, looks like a fumble to me, and the refs agree. Fisrt down for UCLA on the UW 30. Roy Lewis sacks Olsen for a big loss on the Corner blitz, nice call by Baer. 3rd and 18 for the Bruins and it is almost intercepted...big stop by the Dawgs as the Bruin punting crew hits the field.
UW starts at the 10 and James is stopped for nothing....we aren't going to run the ball today.
Stanback runs a draw for 1, UW facing the 3rd and 8 again. Qunton Daniels picks up 19 to keep the drive alive. Sonny reels in another big one streaking down the sideline for 35 yards....maybe we can turn this around. We throw a nice screen for five. We have a drive going. Wood takes it to the UCLA 25 and we are starting to finally click. IS almost throws a pick in the endzone, 2nd and ten, and we need a TD. No blocking and IS throws it away, just ugly. 3rd and 10 form the Bruin 25. IS throws a rocket to Sonny in the endzone.....TD Washington!!! UCLA 16 UW 7....tough to believe we are still in it because it could have gotten very ugly, like 35-0 ugly.
UCLA starts on the 19 after a squib kick. 35 seconds left and UW calls time, Ty wants the ball back. UCLA is stalled on third down as they lose a couple...momentum has miraculously changed. UW calls another TO to stop the clock. 3rd and 4 for the Bruins and UW stop them....UCLA will head to the lockee room leading 16-7, but momentum has changed.
Warren Moon reportedly chewed out IS in the lockerrom at the hal questioning his leadership.
Third Quarter
UW takes the ball to start the half and immeditely starts driving and puts together a great drive for the touchdown. Nice run after the catch by Shackleford. IS seems to have it back together which is his nature, just when you want o pull him he puts it together. Momentum has swung 16-14 UCLA.
UCLA starts their first drive from the 20 after the touchback. Husky defense comes out inspired and looks different in the second half. UCLA has a 3rd and 6 and converts it to the 33 to quiet the crowd. Nice toss by Olsen. So loud that UCLA gets called for delay, 3rd and 13. UCLA picks up 11 or 12, but will have to punt.
Wood takes the punt and is swarmed at the Husky 3o where the Huskies take over. Get a TD on this drive and the game is all turned around. We pick up a short reception to Shackleford who has 6 so far. Stanback fumbles and UCLA recovers. Trouble as mo changes again, you can't give up the ball IS, you just can't.
UCLA is at the UW 24 and UCLA marches to the 13 because of some broken tackles. Need to limit this to 3. UW has plugged the middle, 2nd and 10 from the 13. White stops them again, 3rd and 12. UCLA throws the interception and Meshpin Forrester has another big one as UW dodges the bullet.
Stanback picks up 7 on 1st down, looking good. 2nd and three from the 16 and UW picks up the 1st down on a nice pass tot he underbelly. James picks up a couple to keep them honest. UW is starting to move the sticks. Short passing game making up for the lack of running. 3rd and eight from the shotgun dumps it to James for a small game, Douglas comes into to punt. Need a big one from Douglas to keep field position in check. He delivers a boomer but UCLA returns it all the way back inside the Husky 20....geez. why not kick it shorter, but out of bounds?
UCLA takes over on the Husky 10. Huskies are hitting and the first pitch goes for little yardage.
2nd and 10 and the pass goes for a 2 yard loss....3rd and 12...Huskies stop them and UCLA will go for a FG. UCLA converts for 3, and takes a 19-14 lead. Wow, we still have the momentum believe it or not, and I feel like we we win the game.
Lewis return the ball to the Husky 37 so we start with some good field position. 30 seconds left in the third. IS takes a keeper for 20 yards to start things off, the wheels are coming off for the Bruins. 19-14 at the end of the quarter.
Fourth Quarter
UW starts 1st and ten from the and Lappano stretches them out down the sidelines but incomplete. 2nd and ten from the UCLA 45 and we pick up another 6.....3rd and 5 to Shackleford and he picks it up. IS is on fire right now. The line is blocking well. IS picks uop none on a draw, 2nd and 10 and UW stretches the field again and it is incomplete to Daniels. Big 3rd and 11 for UW.....UCLA intercepts the ball at the Husky 11....IS pump faked and threw off his back foot.
UCLA at their own 11....it is loud, very loud, they pick up a few on the ground...2nd at 6 and UW just destroys the screen for a loss of 2...UCLA is calling it very conservatively....3rd and 10 and Olsen gets sacked by Bomar.....Woof! Time to punt.....Wood take it to midfield.
UW starts off at the 50...plenty of time left. James takes a delay for 4....2nd and 6...Great catch by Russo inside the 20 for 23 yards! He fought for that one. 1st and ten to Shackleford down to the 12, he has nine catches tonight. Stanback takes a keeper inside the five, we have first and goal for the Dawg's. James picks up one maybe two tough yards. 2nd and 4....TD Washington to Johnnie Kirton in the endzone on the reverse rollout...great call! UW is going for 2....and converts to Kirton!!! UW 21 UCLA 19
Seven minutes left and UCLA picks up a first down....this is a big one for the Bruins.....Olsen throws an interception and I believe the jinx has been broken TD Washington as Daniel Howell runs it in for a TD for his father who is smiling in heaven. UW 29-19!!!
UCLA is in big trouble they are at their own five with five to play and UW is just beating them up. 3rd and long inside the five, Bruins have to punt.
UW is trying to run down the clock and picks up a false start....need to minimize the mistakes....under 3 minutes left....2nd and 14 and James picks up five.
Huskies have a third and long from the UCLA 39....Shackleford drops a pss for the first down....UW is going to have to punt and Douglas pooches it to the 10.
2:05 left...UCLA has the ball, down by ten.....Olsen picks up a couple of first downs....he is almost sacked on the next play.....1:33 left 2nd and ten....SACK by ALA!!!
3rd and 18, and Olsen picks up a lot of it...Bruins will go on 4th down...incomplete....game over!!!
UW is now 3-1....you have to like it, and by the way I am 100% as a prognostigator!
UCLA takes the kickoff and marches down the field with some viscous blocking, and brilliant play calling. The drive stalls at the 10 and UCLA converts on the FG...3-0 Bruins. UW is going to need to score some points and keep the ball out of the Bruins hands.
Huskies start their first drive at the 24. two runs for little in the middle, then IS underthrows Williams to avoid getting a sure first down, UW punts. Marovick makes another crappy snap, UCLA recovers the muff and has the ball inside the ten, this one could be over early. UCLA takes it down to the one. TD UCLA, and as quickly as this one has begun mistakes have possibly put it out of reach in the first five minutes. 10-0 UCLA. Ty is visibly pissed on the sideline.
UCLA kicks off to UW and Lewis returns it to the 29, UW goes 3 and out, and IS can't hit the broad side of a barn. UCLA starts out their next drive by throwing, get used to it, then Chris Markey breaks a 62 yarder as the defense just is blocked perfectly. This is getting uglier by the second. UCLA stalls again and settle for the FG 13-0 Bruins.
UW starts off at the 30 after another short kickoff, UCLA wants us to return kicks to open up the possibilities of turnovers. Stanback gains a couple. He then completes his firt one to Russo for a couple. Huskies line up 3rd and short and run into the middle for no gain ....terrible. Time to punt. Douglas punts it for a touchback, UCLA starts the next drive from their own 20. Possesion for UCLA in the first half is ridiculous. UCLA starts with a short gain on the ground. 3rd and one for UCLA and Olsen picks it up on the keeper. UW needs some intensity here, could use a turnover. First quarter ends, and it was the ugliest I have seen in years. UW just came out flat against a team that came in pumped up with more talent, bad combination.
Second Quarter
UCLA drives a bit, picks up a penalty for movement, and face a 3rd and long from the UW 40. UCLA hits a 51 yard FG and takes the lead 16-0. UW has another 3 and out, pretty pathetic, Douglas booms one to the UCLA 38 where they take over. UCLA fumbles and recovers, now face the third and long. UCLA finally is stopped and has to punt, they jump offsides. Bruins punt to the UW 20 where Lewis is buried.
UW starts at the 20. Incomplete on the first play. Pass interference on the Bruins as Kirton is tackled before the ball gets there. Husky ball on the 30. Nothing on the ground for Rankin. By the way that was our first first down. Stanback hit while passing and fumbles. The ugliness continues, time for IS to sit. Ty challenges the call, looks like a fumble to me, and the refs agree. Fisrt down for UCLA on the UW 30. Roy Lewis sacks Olsen for a big loss on the Corner blitz, nice call by Baer. 3rd and 18 for the Bruins and it is almost intercepted...big stop by the Dawgs as the Bruin punting crew hits the field.
UW starts at the 10 and James is stopped for nothing....we aren't going to run the ball today.
Stanback runs a draw for 1, UW facing the 3rd and 8 again. Qunton Daniels picks up 19 to keep the drive alive. Sonny reels in another big one streaking down the sideline for 35 yards....maybe we can turn this around. We throw a nice screen for five. We have a drive going. Wood takes it to the UCLA 25 and we are starting to finally click. IS almost throws a pick in the endzone, 2nd and ten, and we need a TD. No blocking and IS throws it away, just ugly. 3rd and 10 form the Bruin 25. IS throws a rocket to Sonny in the endzone.....TD Washington!!! UCLA 16 UW 7....tough to believe we are still in it because it could have gotten very ugly, like 35-0 ugly.
UCLA starts on the 19 after a squib kick. 35 seconds left and UW calls time, Ty wants the ball back. UCLA is stalled on third down as they lose a couple...momentum has miraculously changed. UW calls another TO to stop the clock. 3rd and 4 for the Bruins and UW stop them....UCLA will head to the lockee room leading 16-7, but momentum has changed.
Warren Moon reportedly chewed out IS in the lockerrom at the hal questioning his leadership.
Third Quarter
UW takes the ball to start the half and immeditely starts driving and puts together a great drive for the touchdown. Nice run after the catch by Shackleford. IS seems to have it back together which is his nature, just when you want o pull him he puts it together. Momentum has swung 16-14 UCLA.
UCLA starts their first drive from the 20 after the touchback. Husky defense comes out inspired and looks different in the second half. UCLA has a 3rd and 6 and converts it to the 33 to quiet the crowd. Nice toss by Olsen. So loud that UCLA gets called for delay, 3rd and 13. UCLA picks up 11 or 12, but will have to punt.
Wood takes the punt and is swarmed at the Husky 3o where the Huskies take over. Get a TD on this drive and the game is all turned around. We pick up a short reception to Shackleford who has 6 so far. Stanback fumbles and UCLA recovers. Trouble as mo changes again, you can't give up the ball IS, you just can't.
UCLA is at the UW 24 and UCLA marches to the 13 because of some broken tackles. Need to limit this to 3. UW has plugged the middle, 2nd and 10 from the 13. White stops them again, 3rd and 12. UCLA throws the interception and Meshpin Forrester has another big one as UW dodges the bullet.
Stanback picks up 7 on 1st down, looking good. 2nd and three from the 16 and UW picks up the 1st down on a nice pass tot he underbelly. James picks up a couple to keep them honest. UW is starting to move the sticks. Short passing game making up for the lack of running. 3rd and eight from the shotgun dumps it to James for a small game, Douglas comes into to punt. Need a big one from Douglas to keep field position in check. He delivers a boomer but UCLA returns it all the way back inside the Husky 20....geez. why not kick it shorter, but out of bounds?
UCLA takes over on the Husky 10. Huskies are hitting and the first pitch goes for little yardage.
2nd and 10 and the pass goes for a 2 yard loss....3rd and 12...Huskies stop them and UCLA will go for a FG. UCLA converts for 3, and takes a 19-14 lead. Wow, we still have the momentum believe it or not, and I feel like we we win the game.
Lewis return the ball to the Husky 37 so we start with some good field position. 30 seconds left in the third. IS takes a keeper for 20 yards to start things off, the wheels are coming off for the Bruins. 19-14 at the end of the quarter.
Fourth Quarter
UW starts 1st and ten from the and Lappano stretches them out down the sidelines but incomplete. 2nd and ten from the UCLA 45 and we pick up another 6.....3rd and 5 to Shackleford and he picks it up. IS is on fire right now. The line is blocking well. IS picks uop none on a draw, 2nd and 10 and UW stretches the field again and it is incomplete to Daniels. Big 3rd and 11 for UW.....UCLA intercepts the ball at the Husky 11....IS pump faked and threw off his back foot.
UCLA at their own 11....it is loud, very loud, they pick up a few on the ground...2nd at 6 and UW just destroys the screen for a loss of 2...UCLA is calling it very conservatively....3rd and 10 and Olsen gets sacked by Bomar.....Woof! Time to punt.....Wood take it to midfield.
UW starts off at the 50...plenty of time left. James takes a delay for 4....2nd and 6...Great catch by Russo inside the 20 for 23 yards! He fought for that one. 1st and ten to Shackleford down to the 12, he has nine catches tonight. Stanback takes a keeper inside the five, we have first and goal for the Dawg's. James picks up one maybe two tough yards. 2nd and 4....TD Washington to Johnnie Kirton in the endzone on the reverse rollout...great call! UW is going for 2....and converts to Kirton!!! UW 21 UCLA 19
Seven minutes left and UCLA picks up a first down....this is a big one for the Bruins.....Olsen throws an interception and I believe the jinx has been broken TD Washington as Daniel Howell runs it in for a TD for his father who is smiling in heaven. UW 29-19!!!
UCLA is in big trouble they are at their own five with five to play and UW is just beating them up. 3rd and long inside the five, Bruins have to punt.
UW is trying to run down the clock and picks up a false start....need to minimize the mistakes....under 3 minutes left....2nd and 14 and James picks up five.
Huskies have a third and long from the UCLA 39....Shackleford drops a pss for the first down....UW is going to have to punt and Douglas pooches it to the 10.
2:05 left...UCLA has the ball, down by ten.....Olsen picks up a couple of first downs....he is almost sacked on the next play.....1:33 left 2nd and ten....SACK by ALA!!!
3rd and 18, and Olsen picks up a lot of it...Bruins will go on 4th down...incomplete....game over!!!
UW is now 3-1....you have to like it, and by the way I am 100% as a prognostigator!
Thursday, September 21, 2006
Bruin's Nation, and Oregon Blog
Bruins Nation the premier blog on the web for Bruins football interviewed our friend Zach from UW Dish...they are both in the same blogging network. Nice work, and I think you will all enjoy it.
Bruins Nation
The Wines Family over at the Oregon Blog highlights of course the story of the week, and that was the officiating at the Oregon/Oklahoma game. No truth to the rumor that Michael was in charge of the instant replays in the officiating box...lol...really nice people, and a really nice website.
Oregon Football Blog
This is the last week in the islands, so next week we will be back as we were when the season started, thanks for everyone being patient, most of all Kate!
Bruins Nation
The Wines Family over at the Oregon Blog highlights of course the story of the week, and that was the officiating at the Oregon/Oklahoma game. No truth to the rumor that Michael was in charge of the instant replays in the officiating box...lol...really nice people, and a really nice website.
Oregon Football Blog
This is the last week in the islands, so next week we will be back as we were when the season started, thanks for everyone being patient, most of all Kate!
Wednesday, September 20, 2006
UCLA invades Montlake
The Bruin's roll into Seattle this weekend for what should be another track meet of a football game in Husky Stadium. UCLA is a team that we have a lot in common with, and a lot of trouble with no matter what the talent level is for each program. The Bruin's are traditionally soft due to their location in the hills of LA, and the proximity to the beach which always tends to help them tail off as the season goes on. Strong starts, and weak finishes are a Bruin football trademark.
UCLA as Dick Baird said on Dawgman usually has the second best collection of talent West of the Rockies, but I think Cal, and Oregon may be ahead of them this year, but they seem to get the least out of that talent until they play UW who they seem to own on a yearly basis.
This years Bruin team seems to be rebuilt on offense as the other "Olsen" has had a good start at QB. Defensively the Bruin's fired most of their coaches in an effort to become tougher, but we still haven't seen enough to believe that the change is here already. Last year's Bruin team was like a mirage in the Sunset as they strode to a 10 victory season despite not being a great football team, this team doesn't have the same aspirations as this is termed a rebuilding year at Westwood.
UCLA is coming off a bye week which usually would favor them, but I think it isn't that big of a deal to have a bye this early, and Washington will arrive being the team who will be most in psync from the first snap on Saturday. Victories over Rice, and this years edition of Utah are not exactly a true guage of how judge a team, even though the Bruin's played better than expected.
UW will win if the score more points...don't laugh, but that seems to be the way this high scoring series tends to go. Throw out the records, and throw out the fact that UCLA currently leads the conference in defense, both teams will probably combine to score almost 70 points this weekend.
UCLA has a five game winning streak in the series including last years heartbreaker, and I think this is the year Washington breaks the jinx and comes out with a solid victory at home to open the conference season. Winning last week against Fresno should give this team the confidence that they can hang with almost anyone on their home field. Believe me, this current team is hungry to erase the last two seasons, so the Bruin's better prepared to play against a team that may want it more than they do.
So anyway guys, sit back, and enjoy a high scoring affair on Saturday via TBS. Washington will move on to a 3-1 record, and people, especially recruits will begin to take notice that UW is headed for better days on the gridiron.
I think the noise in Husky stadium will be a decisive factor....so arrive early and make noise while I spend my last weekend on the Big Island before I have to get back to reality!
UCLA as Dick Baird said on Dawgman usually has the second best collection of talent West of the Rockies, but I think Cal, and Oregon may be ahead of them this year, but they seem to get the least out of that talent until they play UW who they seem to own on a yearly basis.
This years Bruin team seems to be rebuilt on offense as the other "Olsen" has had a good start at QB. Defensively the Bruin's fired most of their coaches in an effort to become tougher, but we still haven't seen enough to believe that the change is here already. Last year's Bruin team was like a mirage in the Sunset as they strode to a 10 victory season despite not being a great football team, this team doesn't have the same aspirations as this is termed a rebuilding year at Westwood.
UCLA is coming off a bye week which usually would favor them, but I think it isn't that big of a deal to have a bye this early, and Washington will arrive being the team who will be most in psync from the first snap on Saturday. Victories over Rice, and this years edition of Utah are not exactly a true guage of how judge a team, even though the Bruin's played better than expected.
UW will win if the score more points...don't laugh, but that seems to be the way this high scoring series tends to go. Throw out the records, and throw out the fact that UCLA currently leads the conference in defense, both teams will probably combine to score almost 70 points this weekend.
UCLA has a five game winning streak in the series including last years heartbreaker, and I think this is the year Washington breaks the jinx and comes out with a solid victory at home to open the conference season. Winning last week against Fresno should give this team the confidence that they can hang with almost anyone on their home field. Believe me, this current team is hungry to erase the last two seasons, so the Bruin's better prepared to play against a team that may want it more than they do.
So anyway guys, sit back, and enjoy a high scoring affair on Saturday via TBS. Washington will move on to a 3-1 record, and people, especially recruits will begin to take notice that UW is headed for better days on the gridiron.
I think the noise in Husky stadium will be a decisive factor....so arrive early and make noise while I spend my last weekend on the Big Island before I have to get back to reality!
Dirty Duck's?
Oregon played a great game last week in Autzen only to have it marred by bad officiating by the Pac Ten crew who were in charge of the game. We all love to blame Oregon, and it is highly suspicous that the reaply official was also a Nike employee, but these things do happen in in college football every year, and Oklahoma which has served up it's own share of home cooking over the years reaction was understadable, even though it was laughable. The president of OU's demand that the game be eliminated from the record books is the worse type of grandstanding since he obviously knows that would, and never will happen.
Oklahoma is now threatening to pull out of a return game with Washington in 2008 as retaliation which is laughable since we already played down there under good faith. Even though Oklahoma was screwed they are taking the low road as they usually do which is common of community college teams that field major league football teams. My opinin was that I hoped both teams would lose, but of course that is impossible, and as improbable as Oklahoma's demand that the game be wiped from the record books.
The Pac Ten of course reacted, rather than acted by suspending the officiating crew for a week when they should have been fired on the spot. Not sure of the legalities of such a move, but one game is simply not enough. Once again Hansen give's us another reason to wonder why he still has a job.
Down in Eugene everything is strangely silent....hey they got a cheap win, why rock the boat? How Washington get's dragged into is anyone's guess...don't the Duck's have a return game in Norman...you wouldn't think that Oklahoma would show up in Eugene for a one game series.
The replay official is blaming it on a bad feed tot he press box even though everyone in the stadium, and watching on ABC knew that it was a bad call, now he is thinking of retiring...good idea...you cheated another team out of a win and now you feel bad....no sympathy here.
The USC agent payoff scandal continues to deepen, yes it is much worse than fruit baskets in the hotel rooms of recruits....look for SC to get off unschathed depite inviting agents intot he locker room which is a big NCAA no no...thank god thaey didn't do something like get involved in a Final Four pool with their golfing buddies.
The Pac Ten continues to lose credibility and respect nationally on a daily basis.
Oklahoma is now threatening to pull out of a return game with Washington in 2008 as retaliation which is laughable since we already played down there under good faith. Even though Oklahoma was screwed they are taking the low road as they usually do which is common of community college teams that field major league football teams. My opinin was that I hoped both teams would lose, but of course that is impossible, and as improbable as Oklahoma's demand that the game be wiped from the record books.
The Pac Ten of course reacted, rather than acted by suspending the officiating crew for a week when they should have been fired on the spot. Not sure of the legalities of such a move, but one game is simply not enough. Once again Hansen give's us another reason to wonder why he still has a job.
Down in Eugene everything is strangely silent....hey they got a cheap win, why rock the boat? How Washington get's dragged into is anyone's guess...don't the Duck's have a return game in Norman...you wouldn't think that Oklahoma would show up in Eugene for a one game series.
The replay official is blaming it on a bad feed tot he press box even though everyone in the stadium, and watching on ABC knew that it was a bad call, now he is thinking of retiring...good idea...you cheated another team out of a win and now you feel bad....no sympathy here.
The USC agent payoff scandal continues to deepen, yes it is much worse than fruit baskets in the hotel rooms of recruits....look for SC to get off unschathed depite inviting agents intot he locker room which is a big NCAA no no...thank god thaey didn't do something like get involved in a Final Four pool with their golfing buddies.
The Pac Ten continues to lose credibility and respect nationally on a daily basis.
Monday, September 18, 2006
Monday Morning Wash
2-1, sounds sweet doesn't it with UCLA, and Arizona on tap next...can we dare start thinking bowl game? A great weekend where four Washington players were singled out for Pac Ten honor's including CJ Wallace who was named Pac Ten defensive player of the week after recording 17 tackles on Saturday...talk about playing a mean centerfield.
Around the league Stanford was killed by Navy in the home opener of their new stadium, Cal actually struggled a bit with Portland St before the eventual blowout, USC dismantled Nebraska, and Oregon literally stole one with the help of a Nike employee masquerading as a replay official in the press box with a win over Oklahoma. WSU got by an improved Baylor team as their cakewalk continues. ASU continued Dan Hawkins inauspicous debut at Colorado...who would have thought the Buff's would be so bad? Arizona needed a strong 4th quarter to overcome 1-AA Stephen F Austin.
What it really shakes down to is that after USC, and maybe Cal, the Pac Ten is a crapshoot and Washington can benefit by continuing to play error free football. Oregon, and ASU which were also picked to contend will not have a chance against the Trojans, and an upper division finish by UW is a good possibility which will jump start a program most people picked to finish dead last in the Pac Ten this year.
UW seems to be playing as a well disciplined team which is making up for the lack of numbers and talent in the early going. The team is starting to really believe and people will always remember the Rayford blocked kick as one of the biggest plays of the season.
Offensively the Dawgs still have work to do to play with UCLA. The Bruins will score points, and 21 isn't enough to win in this conference. Last weeks culprit was five dropped balls that just killed series which Washington could have used to put the game away with early. this week the Dawg's will need all the parts working against a more porous UCLA defense to come out with a W.
Nationally you had to love Michigan's drubbing of Notre Dame which should burst the bubble on the unrealistic rating the Irish have enjoyed throughout the early season. LSU and Auburn played a classic low scoring affair, Florida got by Tennessee, Florida St loses the Bowden Bowl, and Miami starts the year off 1-2. The depleted Big East has roared back with Louisville, and West Virginia showing early national championship aspirations....Don't forget Boise who should finish the season undefeated and bet a shot at a BCS bid...The WAC can play as we have seen the past couple of weeks.
Keep an eye on Washington practice reports this week to see how the victory should inspire another great week of practice. You don't think that these kids have an axe to bury with UCLA?
Well off to the beach and on to the big Island in the morning....
Aloha
Around the league Stanford was killed by Navy in the home opener of their new stadium, Cal actually struggled a bit with Portland St before the eventual blowout, USC dismantled Nebraska, and Oregon literally stole one with the help of a Nike employee masquerading as a replay official in the press box with a win over Oklahoma. WSU got by an improved Baylor team as their cakewalk continues. ASU continued Dan Hawkins inauspicous debut at Colorado...who would have thought the Buff's would be so bad? Arizona needed a strong 4th quarter to overcome 1-AA Stephen F Austin.
What it really shakes down to is that after USC, and maybe Cal, the Pac Ten is a crapshoot and Washington can benefit by continuing to play error free football. Oregon, and ASU which were also picked to contend will not have a chance against the Trojans, and an upper division finish by UW is a good possibility which will jump start a program most people picked to finish dead last in the Pac Ten this year.
UW seems to be playing as a well disciplined team which is making up for the lack of numbers and talent in the early going. The team is starting to really believe and people will always remember the Rayford blocked kick as one of the biggest plays of the season.
Offensively the Dawgs still have work to do to play with UCLA. The Bruins will score points, and 21 isn't enough to win in this conference. Last weeks culprit was five dropped balls that just killed series which Washington could have used to put the game away with early. this week the Dawg's will need all the parts working against a more porous UCLA defense to come out with a W.
Nationally you had to love Michigan's drubbing of Notre Dame which should burst the bubble on the unrealistic rating the Irish have enjoyed throughout the early season. LSU and Auburn played a classic low scoring affair, Florida got by Tennessee, Florida St loses the Bowden Bowl, and Miami starts the year off 1-2. The depleted Big East has roared back with Louisville, and West Virginia showing early national championship aspirations....Don't forget Boise who should finish the season undefeated and bet a shot at a BCS bid...The WAC can play as we have seen the past couple of weeks.
Keep an eye on Washington practice reports this week to see how the victory should inspire another great week of practice. You don't think that these kids have an axe to bury with UCLA?
Well off to the beach and on to the big Island in the morning....
Aloha
Saturday, September 16, 2006
Hail Ceasar!
A fantastic win by our doggies!
A great win, no turnovers, that is the difference in the game not to mention a great block by Rayford!
You have to love it!
2-1 my friends, and we are in bowl contention!
Beating Fresno is not an easy thing, just ask Oregon!!!!
Way to go Dawg's, and now back to the honeymoon!
Love you guy's!
A great win, no turnovers, that is the difference in the game not to mention a great block by Rayford!
You have to love it!
2-1 my friends, and we are in bowl contention!
Beating Fresno is not an easy thing, just ask Oregon!!!!
Way to go Dawg's, and now back to the honeymoon!
Love you guy's!
First Half from Kauai
We staterd off the morning looking for a sports bar on Kauai, and the only one on the island is owned by an Oregon graduate which just sucks. No Direct TV, only cable so we are listening on the internet with the Dawgman crew in the chat room.
When we walked on they asked if we were Duck fan's, we both smiled and said in unison that we are fans of anyone playing the Duck's.....for some reason the drinks were really expensive....lol, and FU to UO....we are back at Princeville listening on the internet and having a great time....Dawg's are not running the ball well, but fortunately IS seems up to the task which is great because I just want all the best for this kid.
14-7...I will take it, let's come out and smoke these pretenders in the second half...
Kate went to Boston College so we had to get up for the game at 7:30 in the morning...fair is fair....but she loves the Huskies....
See you at the end of the game!!!
Mahalo and Aloha!
When we walked on they asked if we were Duck fan's, we both smiled and said in unison that we are fans of anyone playing the Duck's.....for some reason the drinks were really expensive....lol, and FU to UO....we are back at Princeville listening on the internet and having a great time....Dawg's are not running the ball well, but fortunately IS seems up to the task which is great because I just want all the best for this kid.
14-7...I will take it, let's come out and smoke these pretenders in the second half...
Kate went to Boston College so we had to get up for the game at 7:30 in the morning...fair is fair....but she loves the Huskies....
See you at the end of the game!!!
Mahalo and Aloha!
Friday, September 15, 2006
Fresno State Prediction
Fresno State arrives tommorow for what is a pretty big game for both programs. Win and you are 2-1 thinking of bowl games, lose, you are 1-2 and being criticized by the fans, media, and alumni.
Washington should win tommorow, and they will if they don't turn it over and keep running the ball up the middle. I expect IS to bounce back and have a good game at home. He has a habit of doing that, if not CB will be warm on the bench with the coaching staff not hesitant to use him. Frsno is not Oklahoma, and they gave the Duck's a tough one at home last week, but UW should be equal to the task in what amounts as a payback game for our seniors.
On Offense I look for the Dawgs to rack up nearly 300 yards on the ground, that's right, 100 yard games for both Kenny, and Louis. UW will try to simplify things for IS, and look for the designed plays/runs to be less than last week. You can also expect to see a little more of Johnnie Kirton down by the goal line, but Mark Palaita had some excellent lead block last week.
On Defense we need to stop the pass because Fresno obviously will try to exploit the secondary. Daniel Howell is out with a death in the family, but Chris Stevens, and Scott white should fill in nicely. Fresno likes to pound the middle too, but as we saw against Oklahoma, and San Jose run defense can be a strength even against a Heisman type candidate. Paul Williams is a guy to keep an eye as the emotion should propel the talented NFL bound receiver to a big game if he can get his hands on the ball.
Hang onto the ball, keep it simple, and we win.
I am picking UW by a touchdown, I just think the team is ready for a big win over a traditional WAC powerhouse....lol...did I really say that?
So Aloha, and Mahalo and I hopefully will see most of you in the dawgman chat room during the game if possible. You never know over here if the internet will work, or where the game will be on...all part of the fun.
Washington should win tommorow, and they will if they don't turn it over and keep running the ball up the middle. I expect IS to bounce back and have a good game at home. He has a habit of doing that, if not CB will be warm on the bench with the coaching staff not hesitant to use him. Frsno is not Oklahoma, and they gave the Duck's a tough one at home last week, but UW should be equal to the task in what amounts as a payback game for our seniors.
On Offense I look for the Dawgs to rack up nearly 300 yards on the ground, that's right, 100 yard games for both Kenny, and Louis. UW will try to simplify things for IS, and look for the designed plays/runs to be less than last week. You can also expect to see a little more of Johnnie Kirton down by the goal line, but Mark Palaita had some excellent lead block last week.
On Defense we need to stop the pass because Fresno obviously will try to exploit the secondary. Daniel Howell is out with a death in the family, but Chris Stevens, and Scott white should fill in nicely. Fresno likes to pound the middle too, but as we saw against Oklahoma, and San Jose run defense can be a strength even against a Heisman type candidate. Paul Williams is a guy to keep an eye as the emotion should propel the talented NFL bound receiver to a big game if he can get his hands on the ball.
Hang onto the ball, keep it simple, and we win.
I am picking UW by a touchdown, I just think the team is ready for a big win over a traditional WAC powerhouse....lol...did I really say that?
So Aloha, and Mahalo and I hopefully will see most of you in the dawgman chat room during the game if possible. You never know over here if the internet will work, or where the game will be on...all part of the fun.
Internet Half Brains
Todd Turner has put the word out in his blog that he feels the internet chat rooms, and message boards are hurting the program by being too negative. Pretty interesting stuff, and for one thing it shows how out of touch he and his administration may be with this type of new world media.
I started this blog to be positive about Husky Football because I think UW, and the football program is on the right track in a long rebuilding process. I too got a little tired of all the ridiculous negativity elsewhere, but that negativity is also protected under something called "Freedom of Speech" which is vigourously defended by the US constitution. We all have the choice to self censor what we don't want to read, and we all have the choice to voice our comments whether positive, or negative...that goes for this blog too.
This is a blurb from Bob Condotta's blog over in the Times.
In particular, he says in one sentence that UW fans need to display "blind enthusiasm." In another, he writes that "negativity'' in "internet chat rooms and radio talk shows" is counter-productive, especially that which is "mean-spirited or unfairly criticizes our program.''
Todd, there is only one way around all this, win some football games, and the negativity will dissapear over night. You can't expect a program that was mismanaged for 13 years before you took over to rebound over night, and that includes the opinions of the suporters too. It goes both ways.
Is Todd right in saying that the negativity hurts the program?
He is absolutely right, it does, but it happens everywhere, and you should be concentrating first on repairing a badly frayed relationship which the UW has developed with the traditional media first before you go knocking the internet sites such as Dawgman...etc.... . The traditional media is the ring leader in all this, and every article is written with a negative disclaimer that you are restricting access too much for writers following the football team.
What you need to realize is the negativity while unfortunate is an accurate barometer of what is happening with your paying customers, and fan base in general. Rather than complain about it, try harder to take care of the problems that our creating the negative perceptions....use it as a tool to get better. Put a positive spin on it rather than complain about it....you can do it!
Once again I think most people look for negative rather than the positive, and that is why tabloid journalism has grown so much in the past decade, it would all be great if the majority showed blind faith and loyalty. Honestly that would help heal the program faster, but it isn't realistic in most quarters in the real world.
I started this blog to be positive about Husky Football because I think UW, and the football program is on the right track in a long rebuilding process. I too got a little tired of all the ridiculous negativity elsewhere, but that negativity is also protected under something called "Freedom of Speech" which is vigourously defended by the US constitution. We all have the choice to self censor what we don't want to read, and we all have the choice to voice our comments whether positive, or negative...that goes for this blog too.
This is a blurb from Bob Condotta's blog over in the Times.
In particular, he says in one sentence that UW fans need to display "blind enthusiasm." In another, he writes that "negativity'' in "internet chat rooms and radio talk shows" is counter-productive, especially that which is "mean-spirited or unfairly criticizes our program.''
Todd, there is only one way around all this, win some football games, and the negativity will dissapear over night. You can't expect a program that was mismanaged for 13 years before you took over to rebound over night, and that includes the opinions of the suporters too. It goes both ways.
Is Todd right in saying that the negativity hurts the program?
He is absolutely right, it does, but it happens everywhere, and you should be concentrating first on repairing a badly frayed relationship which the UW has developed with the traditional media first before you go knocking the internet sites such as Dawgman...etc.... . The traditional media is the ring leader in all this, and every article is written with a negative disclaimer that you are restricting access too much for writers following the football team.
What you need to realize is the negativity while unfortunate is an accurate barometer of what is happening with your paying customers, and fan base in general. Rather than complain about it, try harder to take care of the problems that our creating the negative perceptions....use it as a tool to get better. Put a positive spin on it rather than complain about it....you can do it!
Once again I think most people look for negative rather than the positive, and that is why tabloid journalism has grown so much in the past decade, it would all be great if the majority showed blind faith and loyalty. Honestly that would help heal the program faster, but it isn't realistic in most quarters in the real world.
Thursday, September 14, 2006
UWAA Kick's off Homecoming 2006!
UWAA Kicks Off Homecoming 2006!
Students, alumni and UW community celebrate during week-long festivities
October 22-28, 2006 - Whether you come by plane, boat, car, foot or Dawgsled, Homecoming Week 2006 promises to be more than worth the journey. Beginning with the 21st Annual Dawg Dash and culminating in the traditional Rally in Red Square, the UWAA-sponsored Homecoming 2006 will be packed with Husky spirit and rousing activities.
Homecoming is all about time-honored traditions-whether that means cheering on Coach Willingham at the rally, racing through campus or watching a great football game in Husky stadium. The week's events include the entire UW community, bringing together alumni, students and friends of the U.
Highlights of Homecoming Week include the 21-year-old Dawg Dash and Pre-Dash Bash, a popular 10K run/5K walk through campus and post-event celebration in Husky Stadium; as well as the second annual Homecoming Kickoff, a pre-rally rally for friends of the UWAA (i.e. everybody.) But the centerpiece is Homecoming Rally, in which Husky fans from all over the world converge on Red Square. This year's rally will be emceed by KJR-AM radio personality Dave "Softy" Mahler and will feature food, fun giveaways, the announcement of the Homecoming Court, the introduction of the Dawg Dash winners, performances the Husky Band and Cheer Squad and a pep talk from Coach Tyrone Willingham.
For more information about Homecoming activities, see calendar attached or go to http://www.uwalum.com/.
Students, alumni and UW community celebrate during week-long festivities
October 22-28, 2006 - Whether you come by plane, boat, car, foot or Dawgsled, Homecoming Week 2006 promises to be more than worth the journey. Beginning with the 21st Annual Dawg Dash and culminating in the traditional Rally in Red Square, the UWAA-sponsored Homecoming 2006 will be packed with Husky spirit and rousing activities.
Homecoming is all about time-honored traditions-whether that means cheering on Coach Willingham at the rally, racing through campus or watching a great football game in Husky stadium. The week's events include the entire UW community, bringing together alumni, students and friends of the U.
Highlights of Homecoming Week include the 21-year-old Dawg Dash and Pre-Dash Bash, a popular 10K run/5K walk through campus and post-event celebration in Husky Stadium; as well as the second annual Homecoming Kickoff, a pre-rally rally for friends of the UWAA (i.e. everybody.) But the centerpiece is Homecoming Rally, in which Husky fans from all over the world converge on Red Square. This year's rally will be emceed by KJR-AM radio personality Dave "Softy" Mahler and will feature food, fun giveaways, the announcement of the Homecoming Court, the introduction of the Dawg Dash winners, performances the Husky Band and Cheer Squad and a pep talk from Coach Tyrone Willingham.
For more information about Homecoming activities, see calendar attached or go to http://www.uwalum.com/.
Wednesday, September 13, 2006
Honolulu Advertiser Front Page Spread
While flying over to Kauai today we were pleasantly surprised with a front page spread ont he four Husky defensive lineman from the islands who all played together last week against Oklahoma. It was the first time an entire defensive line made up by locals had played together as a unit in the history of the Pac Ten.
Pretty nice spread on the front page of the sports section with a full color photo of the guys lined up in front of the Husky Stadium scoreboard.....has to help big time with recruiting over here.
Hawaii Husky Defensive Line
Pretty nice spread on the front page of the sports section with a full color photo of the guys lined up in front of the Husky Stadium scoreboard.....has to help big time with recruiting over here.
Hawaii Husky Defensive Line
Tidbits
We are enjoying our final night in Maui and head to Kauai in the morning, not too shabby a vacation. This week has been all about rest as we were both exhausted after the wedding weekend. We felt the strength coming back yesterday, and should be better than new when we get back.
An interesting thing happened to me while snorkeling off Kanapali today, my wedding ring slipped off and fell into the surf around 20 yards from shore. Not exactly the best way to start off the morning. We looked for it in the pounding surf in vain for over three hours as many other people from shore donned masks and joined in the treasure hunt. After about three hours a guy two feet from me saw something shiny and dove for it and mazingly enough it was my ring....miracles do happen....special thanks to St Anthony of Padua (patron saint of last causes) for all his divine intervention. What are the chances of finding your ring in pounding surf....just amazing.
We had some amazing meals in Maui, a couple of which were among the best ever. If you visit here try Sonn'z at the Hyatt, Mala Tavern, and Pacific'O, all were just off the charts incredible. the guy that owns Sonn'z is a great guy for a Bruin, and we met him while watching football at one of his other restaurants. He set us up big time at Sonn'z. If you visit Maui it is a must stop.
As far as the Huskies go we have a pretty big physical test this week against Fresno this week, and I expect us to pull out the "W" at home if IS can get his head together. I mthink the coaches and team learned a lot about themselves last week and it is going to carry over to this week. Expect Ty to have a quick trigger regarding IS. They put Carl in the game last week to see what he could do and he responded pretty well. I don't think either is truly the answer, but it would be nice to RS Locker. Every week Locker practices and continues to learn the offense he gets a lot closer to seeing action.
Injury wise UW came out of the game pretty well, but Gottleib, and Lewis are still two weeks away from coming back. Oklahoma really exploited the inexperience at TE by loading up on the ends. IS was able to avoid sacks, but it caused some havoc, look for FSU to try the same thing.
Will post again from the Garden Isle tommorow internet connection willing.
An interesting thing happened to me while snorkeling off Kanapali today, my wedding ring slipped off and fell into the surf around 20 yards from shore. Not exactly the best way to start off the morning. We looked for it in the pounding surf in vain for over three hours as many other people from shore donned masks and joined in the treasure hunt. After about three hours a guy two feet from me saw something shiny and dove for it and mazingly enough it was my ring....miracles do happen....special thanks to St Anthony of Padua (patron saint of last causes) for all his divine intervention. What are the chances of finding your ring in pounding surf....just amazing.
We had some amazing meals in Maui, a couple of which were among the best ever. If you visit here try Sonn'z at the Hyatt, Mala Tavern, and Pacific'O, all were just off the charts incredible. the guy that owns Sonn'z is a great guy for a Bruin, and we met him while watching football at one of his other restaurants. He set us up big time at Sonn'z. If you visit Maui it is a must stop.
As far as the Huskies go we have a pretty big physical test this week against Fresno this week, and I expect us to pull out the "W" at home if IS can get his head together. I mthink the coaches and team learned a lot about themselves last week and it is going to carry over to this week. Expect Ty to have a quick trigger regarding IS. They put Carl in the game last week to see what he could do and he responded pretty well. I don't think either is truly the answer, but it would be nice to RS Locker. Every week Locker practices and continues to learn the offense he gets a lot closer to seeing action.
Injury wise UW came out of the game pretty well, but Gottleib, and Lewis are still two weeks away from coming back. Oklahoma really exploited the inexperience at TE by loading up on the ends. IS was able to avoid sacks, but it caused some havoc, look for FSU to try the same thing.
Will post again from the Garden Isle tommorow internet connection willing.
Monday, September 11, 2006
Monday Morning Wash
Great game on Saturday with lot's of improvement shown by the team over last season. Too bad we didn't get better play out of I.S. because victory was there for the taking. Did they come out flat in the 3rd quarter? I really doubt it, just the players being nice to IS in my opinion who never had it the entire game.
Do we have a QB controversy at UW after Bonnell came in late in the game to do well? I think we do, and I think the days of I.S. are only a couple of bad series away next Saturday from ending. I really like the kid, but he was terrible for most of the game and cost us 11 points on the day by looking the same as he has most of his career on Saturday. He has everything you want athletically except leadership , and decision making ability. Isn't that what the QB position is all about? Nice to know that the answer resides on the current roster.
We always figured we would be 1-1 coming into this game, and Fresno St is a really big game as far as bowl contention is concerned. The Bulldogs gave the Duck's everything they could handle at home on Saturday and will be just as formidable a foe as Oklahoma.
Lappano also didn't call a very good game by continuing to force a square peg in a round hole which did not give his QB a lot of help. The call for an option inside the 5 when you have had no trouble running the ball up the middle all day is very questionable to say the least. You have four downs to make four yards, go with the percentages, and the percentages say that I.S. can't run the option under pressure.
Pass defense becomes a real concern as we get closer to the conference season because two teams that don't pass well have put a lot of yards on us the past two weeks. We all were counting on improved play and have yet to see it at the corners. Not many teams will beat UW with the run this year, but they really won't need to.
How good is Oklahoma? I don't think they will beat the Duck's in Autzen, if they do it will really surprise me.
How good is Washington? Much better than most expected, and about where I figured they would be. The question is will they be able to bounce back and win this week against another tough opponent? They will if they get improved play from QB. I expected a lot better performance from IS, obviously he hasn't made a quantum leap from last year but perhaps Carl Bonnell has.
Around the league Boise St just hammered Oregon St 42-12, the game was over by halftime.
The Cougars did what you should do to a WAC opponent ruining Dennis Ericksons return to the Palouse 56-10.
Stanford lost by one to an improved San Jose St team 35-34 in the battle for bragging rights in Silicon Valley. The Spartans will be competitive this year.
Cal bounced back to humble Minnesota 42-17 in another game that was over by halftime.
Arizona St had little trouble with Nevada winning 52-21.
LSU pounded Arizona 45-3.
UCLA struggled with Rice winning 26-16 despite another strong day for Ben Olson.
This weeks ledger has:
UW vs Fresno St and I am taking UW.
WSU vs Baylor and I take WSU.
Oklahoma vs Oregon and I take Oregon.
Cal takes on Portland St and that will be one ugly game...I take Cal.
ASU vs Colorado....bet on ASU.
Arizona vs Stephen F. Austin.....I take UA of course.
Stanford vs Navy....Have to go with the Midshipmen in a close one.
Finally USC plays Nebraska and they will pummel the Cornhuskers IMHO.
Internet connection in this area has been an on and off thing for me this week, so I will be posting sporadically as the week goes on.
Do we have a QB controversy at UW after Bonnell came in late in the game to do well? I think we do, and I think the days of I.S. are only a couple of bad series away next Saturday from ending. I really like the kid, but he was terrible for most of the game and cost us 11 points on the day by looking the same as he has most of his career on Saturday. He has everything you want athletically except leadership , and decision making ability. Isn't that what the QB position is all about? Nice to know that the answer resides on the current roster.
We always figured we would be 1-1 coming into this game, and Fresno St is a really big game as far as bowl contention is concerned. The Bulldogs gave the Duck's everything they could handle at home on Saturday and will be just as formidable a foe as Oklahoma.
Lappano also didn't call a very good game by continuing to force a square peg in a round hole which did not give his QB a lot of help. The call for an option inside the 5 when you have had no trouble running the ball up the middle all day is very questionable to say the least. You have four downs to make four yards, go with the percentages, and the percentages say that I.S. can't run the option under pressure.
Pass defense becomes a real concern as we get closer to the conference season because two teams that don't pass well have put a lot of yards on us the past two weeks. We all were counting on improved play and have yet to see it at the corners. Not many teams will beat UW with the run this year, but they really won't need to.
How good is Oklahoma? I don't think they will beat the Duck's in Autzen, if they do it will really surprise me.
How good is Washington? Much better than most expected, and about where I figured they would be. The question is will they be able to bounce back and win this week against another tough opponent? They will if they get improved play from QB. I expected a lot better performance from IS, obviously he hasn't made a quantum leap from last year but perhaps Carl Bonnell has.
Around the league Boise St just hammered Oregon St 42-12, the game was over by halftime.
The Cougars did what you should do to a WAC opponent ruining Dennis Ericksons return to the Palouse 56-10.
Stanford lost by one to an improved San Jose St team 35-34 in the battle for bragging rights in Silicon Valley. The Spartans will be competitive this year.
Cal bounced back to humble Minnesota 42-17 in another game that was over by halftime.
Arizona St had little trouble with Nevada winning 52-21.
LSU pounded Arizona 45-3.
UCLA struggled with Rice winning 26-16 despite another strong day for Ben Olson.
This weeks ledger has:
UW vs Fresno St and I am taking UW.
WSU vs Baylor and I take WSU.
Oklahoma vs Oregon and I take Oregon.
Cal takes on Portland St and that will be one ugly game...I take Cal.
ASU vs Colorado....bet on ASU.
Arizona vs Stephen F. Austin.....I take UA of course.
Stanford vs Navy....Have to go with the Midshipmen in a close one.
Finally USC plays Nebraska and they will pummel the Cornhuskers IMHO.
Internet connection in this area has been an on and off thing for me this week, so I will be posting sporadically as the week goes on.
Saturday, September 09, 2006
Live from Maui
Live from Maui. 9:30 AM. We are watching the game from our room, and we both feel that the Huskies have pretty good chance today, of course we have been drinking a lot over the past week and may be a little delusional by about this time.
We have to go down to the Westin to get internet since the internet connection at our hotel was knocked out by a power surge a few weeks ago. They take their time repairing things over here. So far we have just been recovering from the wedding and all the travel by lying on the beach and sipping Mai Tai's.
First Quarter
So we kickoff to Oklahoma, and Braunstein kicks it out of the stadium.
Oklahoma begins sloppy with a couple of penalties, and Kate declares it is time for Bloody Mary's. Three, and out for the Sooners.
UW takes over at the 46. Kenny James takes it 54 yards to the house, the OL just blows the Sooners away. 7-0 Washington! That is the way to start a game! I smell upset!
Sooners come back with a couple first downs, but UW is really applying some good pressure so far. Sooners are forced to punt once again. Great punt by the Sooners which puts UW back on their one yard line. In past years the PR would have tried to make that catch rather than letting it go which would have been big trouble. The Huskies have no room to operate and are unable to get a first down and narrowly avoid a safety. Douglas out punts his coverage with a 73 yarder and Reggie Smith takes it back 63 yards…Oklahoma is threatening inside the Husky 10. Adrian Peterson isn’t getting any running room, have to be impressed with our D so far. TD Oklahoma as Malcolm Kelly snares one in the end zone. 7-7 and a great game so far.
UW starts it's next series from the 25 after an off sides on the Sooners. Larry Burdine the Sooner DE is having a pretty active game so far. UW needs to show it can drive the ball. I.S. seems a little tentative so far, he calls a TO on 3rd and 11. UW is forced to punt, Stanback is still not making decisions quickly enough. Douglas did a helluva job getting the punt away after the high snap.
Sooners start at their 35. Peterson finally get loose for 26 yards. You can’t tackle him with one arm. Interception by Scott White!!! We just hammered the Sooner QB. I hope you guys are having as great time because we are!
I.S. finally gets things clicking as the momentum changes and drives into OU territory.
Rankin slams it down to the OU 36. Our OL is doing very well so far.
Second Quarter
1st down from the 23 and IS once again is not getting many yards as sthe Sooners are keying very well on him. Rankin keeps on churning up yards because we are knocking the snot out of OU with our OL. IS swings out wide with a blocker in front of him and throws the ball away, he has an easy TD, or first down. He still isn't clicking. Braunstein nails the 3 and it is 10-7 UW. If I am Lappano I keep handing the ball off to Rankin and James till they prove they can stop him. I switch the emphasis from IS who is brain cramping.
Specialty teams are still pretty iffy for UW. This game could be decided by special teams.
OU starts from the 35. The Sooner’s are going to continue to give the ball to Peterson. Thompson isn’t much of a QB. The Husky D is hitting. Nice 3rd down conversion by the Sooners. UW needs more pressure. 4th down for the Sooners and they are going for 3 and it is good 10-10.
UW starts the next drive from the 20….I tell ya, we can play with these guys. IS still isn’t able to get anything going. Lappano needs to rely on what is working, and that is handing the ball off to Rankin and James. Reece picks up a 1st down on a screen, very nice job. OU is not tackling well, keep running the ball. Russo picks up a big gainer and UW is on the OU 20 and threatening to score again. Kirton lines up at FB and makes a reception for a good game, nice twist. UW is controlling the line of scrimmage on both sides of the ball. UW is starting to hammer it inside the five. The drive stalls at the five as OU obviously has IS handled. Braunstein puts it through the uprights 13-10 UW.
OU starts from their 25. 2:41 left in the half. OU is moving again and takes it to 50 and calls TO, UW could use a sack about now. OU is using a quick passing offense now. OU is threatening as we over run Thompson on the blitz. OU down to the 20 with a pass top Smith. OU is forced to kick a FG and it is good 13-13.
49 seconds left in the half and UW takes over from the 20. The Huskies are just going to run the ball and let the clock run down. Nice first half Dawgs!
First Half Notes
The key to the first half was Washington dominating the line of scrimmage on both sides of the ball. The OL looks really solid which has us all surprised for the second straight week. If they stay healthy we can go bowling. Penalties and turnovers where never a factor as UW played with a lot of discipline. Matt Fountaine is a guy the Sooners will pick on in the second half if Thompson can deliver the ball. The DB’s need some work. IS is still brain cramping, but at least he isn't making fatal mistakes. I think they should keep handing the ball off to Rankin and James rather than go with the designed IS plays which OU has scouted and sniffed out.
Third Quarter
OU kicks off to UW and Lewis takes a knee, UW starts from the 20. Rankin takes the first carry on a pitch sweep for 10. We still are dominating the line of scrimmage. Rankin picks another 9 and says to OU…try to stop this because if you can’t we are going to keep doing it till you can. Huskies up around midfield with a crucial 3rd and 10. IS from the shot gun and overthrows deep, weird call…time to punt. Douglas needs to pin them deep and shanks a 23 yarder.
OU takes over from the 30, and Peterson just smokes CJ Wallace to the 40. Look for OU to run him 20-25 times in the second half. Husky DB’s are having problems but the Thompson isn’t accurate enough to take advantage. 3rd and five for the Sooners and OU picks it up on a swing pass. OU is driving at the Husky 35. TD Oklahoma as the UW CB gets burned one and one by Kelly. 20-13 Sooners. As predicted the Sooners are going to pick on the corners and let Peterson carry the ball.
UW starts from the 20 after the touch back. IS gets chased on the first play and almost throws the INT. Momentum has changed. 3rd and 10. Motion 3rd and 15. Huskies call a draw which is the same as saying no mas. IS is not having a good day. Blocked punt, now the wheels are coming off….bummer. Need to hold it to a FG, and they do…we are still in it. OU 23-13. Morovick may be a fine snapper, but he hasn’t impressed me today, plus the defense just runs right through him.
UW starts from the 20 once again after the touch back. IS on 3rd and ten avoids the sack and makes a great athletic play to get a 1st down. Is still isn’t setting his feet well and clicking. 3rd and 14 and IS scrambles for what is nearly a 1st down. Huskies are left with a 4th and 2. Douglas gets off a nice punt which pins the Sooners back inside the 20. IS could have had a first down if he had better field awareness. I hate to keep knocking him but he is a deer in the headlights who isn’t using his head out there. You have to credit the team speed of the Sooners for neutralizing him.
OU starts at the 19. Now it is OU’s turn to make some mistakes as penalties back them up inside the five. Nice nipple shot by the women’s BB coach of OU…geeez classy….get some bandaids or wear a bra on national TV.
OU Fumble and UW recover's at the 4! OU decides to challenge the call. From the replay it looks like a sure fumble. OU looses the challenge.
UW from the OU 4, 1st and goal. IS screws up, doesn't pitch, fumbles and gives the ball back to OU. Why not just run straight ahead? I mean they haven’t stopped it all day? Bonehead call by Lappano with poor execution by IS l. Just terrible, just terrible, IS didn't’t give us the chance to win simple as that.
OU is driving again as they take advantage of the corners once again. Peterson is one helluva an athlete. Nice way to get him the ball and Gunheim is shook up on the play. Gunheim has been a non factor today. Way too much time for Thompson as he threads a long one to Kelly between three receivers who couldn't go for the ball. Peterson marches it in from 17 yards and it is now 30-13.
What a momentum changer, here you are at the three, you have them on the ropes, and that bonehead lets them off. Great athlete, but the wink link on offense, tought to win a big one with this kid. IS fumbles again on the next possession! Ref’s call the ball down so UW retains possession. We had this game, we had it, and IS just negated in the third quarter. Tough for the rest of the players who fought so well to be undone by inconsistent QB play. I like the kid personally, who doesn’t, but he just doesn’t have it today.
Bottom line though, this team is much better, and can win with Locker in the future.
Fourth Quarter
UW starts with a bang as Garcia gets a 15 yarder after the whistle….the wheels are coming off. Stanback responds by almost throwing a pick. 3rd and 23…Kirton lets one slip thorough his hands. The Huskies lack of TE’s is hurting them as Oklahoma is now rushing at will by stacking the ends, and taking advantage of the mismatch. Morovick is not snapping well at all. Douglas just kicked another 80 yard punt…amazing.
OU takes over from their own 20. Peterson takes it for 9, the defense is beginning to tire. I think OU is just going to hand it to Peterson from now on and take it home. UW’s defensive front has been impressive against the run for the most part. A.P. is the best back they will see all year. OU has a 4th and 2 and elects to punt.
UW starts from the 33 with still a glimmer of hope down by 17. IS is still scrambling around and picks up a bout 40 yards laterally before throwing it away. He is 1-9 in the second half. 3rd and 8 and completes a pass to Shackleford for the first down. IS completes another to Kirton as we start to drive. Kirton is having a good game. UW is down around the OU 20. 3rd and 3 and IS is sacked…fantastic, poor snap is the culprit in the shotgun. Why not run the ball when you have two downs left? IS scrambles just shy of the first down and OU takes over. Man, Oh, Man is this tough to watch.
OU from the 20….Stoops smells blood and decides to run it up and pick up some votes in the polls. The Sooners go deep into UW territory on a long pass completion. UW needs to keep these guys out of the end zone in the 4th quarter to keep it respectable. 2nd and 13 from the 20. UW takes a time out which is interesting, do they really think they are still in it? I guess Ty wants another drive to make it close. OU is really trying to score here. I just saw Peterson throw one heckuva block. 4th and 1, OU show’s their traditional questionable sportsmanship by not going for a field goal, and by calling a time out. Nice to know we get that jerk back in Husky Stadium in the future, Dawg's need to stop these guys. OU picks up the 1st down. 2nd and a couple feet left to go for the Sooner’s . Mateaki limps off the field. TD Oklahoma by Peterson two TD's and 165 yards rushing with 107 in the second half. 37-13 Oklahoma….not exactly a rout, but not pretty either.
UW sets up for what will be the final drive of the game, and ABC changes to the Iowa Syracuse game. Huskies do score a late TD to make it respectable, thanks ABC, but who can blame them.
Final game notes
We never expected a victory, and we all saw a lot of good things out there. IS didn’t give UW a chance to win this today and he didn’t look much different then he did last year. It is a shame because we had our chances today. UW is going to win a lot more game this year as long as they limit the mistakes. Oklahoma has better athletes, but I didn’t feel like they outclassed us, the offense just beat themselves in the 3rd quarter today. Pass defense is going to be a concern. Oklahoma did well against our secondary using a QB with a weak arm. Pac Ten QB’s will be much better. Oklahoma will not beat Oregon next week, you read it here.
Aloha and Mahalo from John and Kate!
We have to go down to the Westin to get internet since the internet connection at our hotel was knocked out by a power surge a few weeks ago. They take their time repairing things over here. So far we have just been recovering from the wedding and all the travel by lying on the beach and sipping Mai Tai's.
First Quarter
So we kickoff to Oklahoma, and Braunstein kicks it out of the stadium.
Oklahoma begins sloppy with a couple of penalties, and Kate declares it is time for Bloody Mary's. Three, and out for the Sooners.
UW takes over at the 46. Kenny James takes it 54 yards to the house, the OL just blows the Sooners away. 7-0 Washington! That is the way to start a game! I smell upset!
Sooners come back with a couple first downs, but UW is really applying some good pressure so far. Sooners are forced to punt once again. Great punt by the Sooners which puts UW back on their one yard line. In past years the PR would have tried to make that catch rather than letting it go which would have been big trouble. The Huskies have no room to operate and are unable to get a first down and narrowly avoid a safety. Douglas out punts his coverage with a 73 yarder and Reggie Smith takes it back 63 yards…Oklahoma is threatening inside the Husky 10. Adrian Peterson isn’t getting any running room, have to be impressed with our D so far. TD Oklahoma as Malcolm Kelly snares one in the end zone. 7-7 and a great game so far.
UW starts it's next series from the 25 after an off sides on the Sooners. Larry Burdine the Sooner DE is having a pretty active game so far. UW needs to show it can drive the ball. I.S. seems a little tentative so far, he calls a TO on 3rd and 11. UW is forced to punt, Stanback is still not making decisions quickly enough. Douglas did a helluva job getting the punt away after the high snap.
Sooners start at their 35. Peterson finally get loose for 26 yards. You can’t tackle him with one arm. Interception by Scott White!!! We just hammered the Sooner QB. I hope you guys are having as great time because we are!
I.S. finally gets things clicking as the momentum changes and drives into OU territory.
Rankin slams it down to the OU 36. Our OL is doing very well so far.
Second Quarter
1st down from the 23 and IS once again is not getting many yards as sthe Sooners are keying very well on him. Rankin keeps on churning up yards because we are knocking the snot out of OU with our OL. IS swings out wide with a blocker in front of him and throws the ball away, he has an easy TD, or first down. He still isn't clicking. Braunstein nails the 3 and it is 10-7 UW. If I am Lappano I keep handing the ball off to Rankin and James till they prove they can stop him. I switch the emphasis from IS who is brain cramping.
Specialty teams are still pretty iffy for UW. This game could be decided by special teams.
OU starts from the 35. The Sooner’s are going to continue to give the ball to Peterson. Thompson isn’t much of a QB. The Husky D is hitting. Nice 3rd down conversion by the Sooners. UW needs more pressure. 4th down for the Sooners and they are going for 3 and it is good 10-10.
UW starts the next drive from the 20….I tell ya, we can play with these guys. IS still isn’t able to get anything going. Lappano needs to rely on what is working, and that is handing the ball off to Rankin and James. Reece picks up a 1st down on a screen, very nice job. OU is not tackling well, keep running the ball. Russo picks up a big gainer and UW is on the OU 20 and threatening to score again. Kirton lines up at FB and makes a reception for a good game, nice twist. UW is controlling the line of scrimmage on both sides of the ball. UW is starting to hammer it inside the five. The drive stalls at the five as OU obviously has IS handled. Braunstein puts it through the uprights 13-10 UW.
OU starts from their 25. 2:41 left in the half. OU is moving again and takes it to 50 and calls TO, UW could use a sack about now. OU is using a quick passing offense now. OU is threatening as we over run Thompson on the blitz. OU down to the 20 with a pass top Smith. OU is forced to kick a FG and it is good 13-13.
49 seconds left in the half and UW takes over from the 20. The Huskies are just going to run the ball and let the clock run down. Nice first half Dawgs!
First Half Notes
The key to the first half was Washington dominating the line of scrimmage on both sides of the ball. The OL looks really solid which has us all surprised for the second straight week. If they stay healthy we can go bowling. Penalties and turnovers where never a factor as UW played with a lot of discipline. Matt Fountaine is a guy the Sooners will pick on in the second half if Thompson can deliver the ball. The DB’s need some work. IS is still brain cramping, but at least he isn't making fatal mistakes. I think they should keep handing the ball off to Rankin and James rather than go with the designed IS plays which OU has scouted and sniffed out.
Third Quarter
OU kicks off to UW and Lewis takes a knee, UW starts from the 20. Rankin takes the first carry on a pitch sweep for 10. We still are dominating the line of scrimmage. Rankin picks another 9 and says to OU…try to stop this because if you can’t we are going to keep doing it till you can. Huskies up around midfield with a crucial 3rd and 10. IS from the shot gun and overthrows deep, weird call…time to punt. Douglas needs to pin them deep and shanks a 23 yarder.
OU takes over from the 30, and Peterson just smokes CJ Wallace to the 40. Look for OU to run him 20-25 times in the second half. Husky DB’s are having problems but the Thompson isn’t accurate enough to take advantage. 3rd and five for the Sooners and OU picks it up on a swing pass. OU is driving at the Husky 35. TD Oklahoma as the UW CB gets burned one and one by Kelly. 20-13 Sooners. As predicted the Sooners are going to pick on the corners and let Peterson carry the ball.
UW starts from the 20 after the touch back. IS gets chased on the first play and almost throws the INT. Momentum has changed. 3rd and 10. Motion 3rd and 15. Huskies call a draw which is the same as saying no mas. IS is not having a good day. Blocked punt, now the wheels are coming off….bummer. Need to hold it to a FG, and they do…we are still in it. OU 23-13. Morovick may be a fine snapper, but he hasn’t impressed me today, plus the defense just runs right through him.
UW starts from the 20 once again after the touch back. IS on 3rd and ten avoids the sack and makes a great athletic play to get a 1st down. Is still isn’t setting his feet well and clicking. 3rd and 14 and IS scrambles for what is nearly a 1st down. Huskies are left with a 4th and 2. Douglas gets off a nice punt which pins the Sooners back inside the 20. IS could have had a first down if he had better field awareness. I hate to keep knocking him but he is a deer in the headlights who isn’t using his head out there. You have to credit the team speed of the Sooners for neutralizing him.
OU starts at the 19. Now it is OU’s turn to make some mistakes as penalties back them up inside the five. Nice nipple shot by the women’s BB coach of OU…geeez classy….get some bandaids or wear a bra on national TV.
OU Fumble and UW recover's at the 4! OU decides to challenge the call. From the replay it looks like a sure fumble. OU looses the challenge.
UW from the OU 4, 1st and goal. IS screws up, doesn't pitch, fumbles and gives the ball back to OU. Why not just run straight ahead? I mean they haven’t stopped it all day? Bonehead call by Lappano with poor execution by IS l. Just terrible, just terrible, IS didn't’t give us the chance to win simple as that.
OU is driving again as they take advantage of the corners once again. Peterson is one helluva an athlete. Nice way to get him the ball and Gunheim is shook up on the play. Gunheim has been a non factor today. Way too much time for Thompson as he threads a long one to Kelly between three receivers who couldn't go for the ball. Peterson marches it in from 17 yards and it is now 30-13.
What a momentum changer, here you are at the three, you have them on the ropes, and that bonehead lets them off. Great athlete, but the wink link on offense, tought to win a big one with this kid. IS fumbles again on the next possession! Ref’s call the ball down so UW retains possession. We had this game, we had it, and IS just negated in the third quarter. Tough for the rest of the players who fought so well to be undone by inconsistent QB play. I like the kid personally, who doesn’t, but he just doesn’t have it today.
Bottom line though, this team is much better, and can win with Locker in the future.
Fourth Quarter
UW starts with a bang as Garcia gets a 15 yarder after the whistle….the wheels are coming off. Stanback responds by almost throwing a pick. 3rd and 23…Kirton lets one slip thorough his hands. The Huskies lack of TE’s is hurting them as Oklahoma is now rushing at will by stacking the ends, and taking advantage of the mismatch. Morovick is not snapping well at all. Douglas just kicked another 80 yard punt…amazing.
OU takes over from their own 20. Peterson takes it for 9, the defense is beginning to tire. I think OU is just going to hand it to Peterson from now on and take it home. UW’s defensive front has been impressive against the run for the most part. A.P. is the best back they will see all year. OU has a 4th and 2 and elects to punt.
UW starts from the 33 with still a glimmer of hope down by 17. IS is still scrambling around and picks up a bout 40 yards laterally before throwing it away. He is 1-9 in the second half. 3rd and 8 and completes a pass to Shackleford for the first down. IS completes another to Kirton as we start to drive. Kirton is having a good game. UW is down around the OU 20. 3rd and 3 and IS is sacked…fantastic, poor snap is the culprit in the shotgun. Why not run the ball when you have two downs left? IS scrambles just shy of the first down and OU takes over. Man, Oh, Man is this tough to watch.
OU from the 20….Stoops smells blood and decides to run it up and pick up some votes in the polls. The Sooners go deep into UW territory on a long pass completion. UW needs to keep these guys out of the end zone in the 4th quarter to keep it respectable. 2nd and 13 from the 20. UW takes a time out which is interesting, do they really think they are still in it? I guess Ty wants another drive to make it close. OU is really trying to score here. I just saw Peterson throw one heckuva block. 4th and 1, OU show’s their traditional questionable sportsmanship by not going for a field goal, and by calling a time out. Nice to know we get that jerk back in Husky Stadium in the future, Dawg's need to stop these guys. OU picks up the 1st down. 2nd and a couple feet left to go for the Sooner’s . Mateaki limps off the field. TD Oklahoma by Peterson two TD's and 165 yards rushing with 107 in the second half. 37-13 Oklahoma….not exactly a rout, but not pretty either.
UW sets up for what will be the final drive of the game, and ABC changes to the Iowa Syracuse game. Huskies do score a late TD to make it respectable, thanks ABC, but who can blame them.
Final game notes
We never expected a victory, and we all saw a lot of good things out there. IS didn’t give UW a chance to win this today and he didn’t look much different then he did last year. It is a shame because we had our chances today. UW is going to win a lot more game this year as long as they limit the mistakes. Oklahoma has better athletes, but I didn’t feel like they outclassed us, the offense just beat themselves in the 3rd quarter today. Pass defense is going to be a concern. Oklahoma did well against our secondary using a QB with a weak arm. Pac Ten QB’s will be much better. Oklahoma will not beat Oregon next week, you read it here.
Aloha and Mahalo from John and Kate!
Tuesday, September 05, 2006
San Jose Review
Tonight we see the Husky replay in a totally new format on the Dawg Channel which is an internet based media application the UW has put together with their broadcast partners to show replays, live games, highlights, and press conferences. I like the effort on this one since Fox dropped the replays because they were losing money.
Each year I pick one particular guy to place a lot of extra focus on while watching the game. Last year it was Greyson Gunheim, this year it is going to be EJ Savannah. Greyson didn't look very good till midway through the season when he finally got his footwork down, then of course he took off. I am picking EJ initially this year because like Greyson I think he has what it takes to be an impact player.
Tight End is a concern since Gottleib, and Lewis are going to be out with a broken hand, and broken foot respectively. Walter Winter has been moved over to temporarily bolster the position, Paul Homer is another guy they may be considering. You might even see the twist of a Marcus Reese lining up out there at times.
Update
Well due to technical difficulties I wasn't able to see the game tonight. Did anyone else get that thing to work? I guess they will show it again tomorrow, but I will be on a plane.
I will say this, I think if we can stay healthy we can win some games this year, and I think the team will get better every week.
Oklahoma?
I think we can play with these guys if we have plus ratio in the turnover department. I am not predicting a victory, but we will have our chances. A victory would be a huge upset non the less.
I think the Duck's will slaughter the Sooner's when they play in Autzen, I just don't think Oklahoma is a BCS contender.
Maui
I am off to the Airport, and my next report will be written from recliner with a Mai Tai in my hand.
Each year I pick one particular guy to place a lot of extra focus on while watching the game. Last year it was Greyson Gunheim, this year it is going to be EJ Savannah. Greyson didn't look very good till midway through the season when he finally got his footwork down, then of course he took off. I am picking EJ initially this year because like Greyson I think he has what it takes to be an impact player.
Tight End is a concern since Gottleib, and Lewis are going to be out with a broken hand, and broken foot respectively. Walter Winter has been moved over to temporarily bolster the position, Paul Homer is another guy they may be considering. You might even see the twist of a Marcus Reese lining up out there at times.
Update
Well due to technical difficulties I wasn't able to see the game tonight. Did anyone else get that thing to work? I guess they will show it again tomorrow, but I will be on a plane.
I will say this, I think if we can stay healthy we can win some games this year, and I think the team will get better every week.
Oklahoma?
I think we can play with these guys if we have plus ratio in the turnover department. I am not predicting a victory, but we will have our chances. A victory would be a huge upset non the less.
I think the Duck's will slaughter the Sooner's when they play in Autzen, I just don't think Oklahoma is a BCS contender.
Maui
I am off to the Airport, and my next report will be written from recliner with a Mai Tai in my hand.
Monday, September 04, 2006
The Monday Morning Wash
I am back from Lake Geneva, Wisconsin and head off to Hawaii on Wednesday. We weren't able to listen to much of the game, but we were updated on the score throughout the game and were pretty surprised by how close a game it was, and how many points the defense gave up.
It is pretty strange not to have watched a single minute of college football during the weekend except for five minutes of ESPN highlights, but I think I had more fun at my wedding then the fans did at Husky Stadium. Everything went great, the weather was perfect, and we had a fantastic time!
First of all a win is a win for a program that has only won three games the last two seasons. The Huskies showed they could run the ball, and stop the run on San Jose which was good news, but you do expect that against a smaller WAC opponent. What UW didn't count on was sloppy errors on offense, and a pass defense that was caught by surprise by San Jose in the second half. Giving up 323 passing yards is pretty ridiculous....I haven't seen the the film, and won't till tommorow night, but we all expected a much better performance. I will have a review up after I see the game. It isn't fair to comment till I do.
You do have to give Dick Tomey credit for surprising them with a wrinkle they didn't expect, but from what I read conditioning, and fatigue, and a failure to make adjustments were the biggest problems for the defense in the second half. It was a hot day, but it will be hotter in Norman next week when you factor in the humidity.
Surprises this weekend.
Washington wasn't the only team to struggle in it's opener. Oklahoma by the way came out of the gates struggling against UAB. The Sooner's have a few problems of their own, and Washington just may match up well with them.
Colorado losing to Montana St? How exactly does that happen, well the Dan Hawkins era has opened in Boulder, and Barney must have left the cupboard bare.
Notre Dame struggled with Georgia Tech. I would have liked it better if the over rated Irish had lost.
Tennessee pounded California which most of us didn't expect. Tedford picked up a little criticism in the media, but he will have the Bears in shape by conference time.
Penn State struggled with Akron.
Power Statements
We all hoped that USC would be merely mortal this year, but that was laid to rest by a 50-14 win over Arkansas in their opener.
UCLA beat Utah 31-10 which caught most people by surprise. Is UCLA good, or is Utah down?
Oregon blasted Stanford 48-10 putting it's best webbed foot forward to start the years. Stanford is pretty weak, probably on a par with San Jose.
Florida St started the season with a big win over rival Miami in a closely fought contest.
The Rest of the Pac Ten
The Coug's were out of their league against Auburn losing 40-14.
Arizona snuck by BYU
ASU was unimpressive against N. Arizona needing a big 4th quarter to come away with a win.
The Beavers humbled Eastern Washington, next week they travel to Portland to play Jesuit HS.
Points of Interest
I received an email from a reader that Bob Condotta labeled one of his posts the "Sunday Wash" and was copying my idea, and even one upping me a day by calling it the Sunday Wash, rather than "Monday Morning Wash." Thanks for taking my back, but the truth is the title originally comes from the late Royal Brougham of the PI. Using that title is just a way to pay a little homage to one of the greatest sportwriters ever to work in the Northwest.
The blog will be getting back to it's regular schedule this week. Thanks to ABC I will be able to watch the game in Maui.
Thanks for all the nice notes concerning the wedding, I am a pretty lucky guy!
It is pretty strange not to have watched a single minute of college football during the weekend except for five minutes of ESPN highlights, but I think I had more fun at my wedding then the fans did at Husky Stadium. Everything went great, the weather was perfect, and we had a fantastic time!
First of all a win is a win for a program that has only won three games the last two seasons. The Huskies showed they could run the ball, and stop the run on San Jose which was good news, but you do expect that against a smaller WAC opponent. What UW didn't count on was sloppy errors on offense, and a pass defense that was caught by surprise by San Jose in the second half. Giving up 323 passing yards is pretty ridiculous....I haven't seen the the film, and won't till tommorow night, but we all expected a much better performance. I will have a review up after I see the game. It isn't fair to comment till I do.
You do have to give Dick Tomey credit for surprising them with a wrinkle they didn't expect, but from what I read conditioning, and fatigue, and a failure to make adjustments were the biggest problems for the defense in the second half. It was a hot day, but it will be hotter in Norman next week when you factor in the humidity.
Surprises this weekend.
Washington wasn't the only team to struggle in it's opener. Oklahoma by the way came out of the gates struggling against UAB. The Sooner's have a few problems of their own, and Washington just may match up well with them.
Colorado losing to Montana St? How exactly does that happen, well the Dan Hawkins era has opened in Boulder, and Barney must have left the cupboard bare.
Notre Dame struggled with Georgia Tech. I would have liked it better if the over rated Irish had lost.
Tennessee pounded California which most of us didn't expect. Tedford picked up a little criticism in the media, but he will have the Bears in shape by conference time.
Penn State struggled with Akron.
Power Statements
We all hoped that USC would be merely mortal this year, but that was laid to rest by a 50-14 win over Arkansas in their opener.
UCLA beat Utah 31-10 which caught most people by surprise. Is UCLA good, or is Utah down?
Oregon blasted Stanford 48-10 putting it's best webbed foot forward to start the years. Stanford is pretty weak, probably on a par with San Jose.
Florida St started the season with a big win over rival Miami in a closely fought contest.
The Rest of the Pac Ten
The Coug's were out of their league against Auburn losing 40-14.
Arizona snuck by BYU
ASU was unimpressive against N. Arizona needing a big 4th quarter to come away with a win.
The Beavers humbled Eastern Washington, next week they travel to Portland to play Jesuit HS.
Points of Interest
I received an email from a reader that Bob Condotta labeled one of his posts the "Sunday Wash" and was copying my idea, and even one upping me a day by calling it the Sunday Wash, rather than "Monday Morning Wash." Thanks for taking my back, but the truth is the title originally comes from the late Royal Brougham of the PI. Using that title is just a way to pay a little homage to one of the greatest sportwriters ever to work in the Northwest.
The blog will be getting back to it's regular schedule this week. Thanks to ABC I will be able to watch the game in Maui.
Thanks for all the nice notes concerning the wedding, I am a pretty lucky guy!
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