The Huskies are tuning up for Gonzaga by playing one of their strongest halves of the season leading 49-37 at the half. Ryan Appleby has been on fire leading all scorers with 21 on 8-9 shooting and hitting 5 of six three pointers. Nelson follows with 10, Dentmon 7, and Hawes 6. Brockman has only 1 point but has grabbed five rebounds. The Huskies are shooting 55% from the field and 50% from three point range. It has been a cleaner offensive half with only 9 Husky turnovers so far. 31 of Washington's 49 points have come from the bench tonight. Adrian Oliver started again tonight but only played eight minutes making way for the scorching Appleby.
Huskies lead 73-61 with under ten minutes left to go. Southern Utah is scrappy and has been hanging close not allowing the Huskies to break it open. Spencer Hawes now has 16 points for the evening with 10 coming since intermission.
Under four minutes to go and Washington holds a 82-68 lead and is now shooting in the bonus and is ready to put this one away. Spencer has 19 points in 19 minutes...watch out Gonzaga for Spencer.
Huskies coast to the win tonight over Southern Utah 87-72. Dawgs are led by Appleby with 24, 21 in the first half, Hawes 21, 15 in the second half. Pondexter had a quiet 12/ Justin Dentmon added 11 points, and 11 assists. Nelson put in 10, all in the first half, Brockman chips in 7, and adds 12 boards. The Huskies turned the ball over 21 times tonight and need to start controlling the ball better as they make a dramatic step up in competition before Christmas. The Dawg's shot a scorching 58% from the field tonight, but were only 8-19 from the line.
Washington's only loss came with 1:13 left when Justin Dentmon landed awkwardly on his left leg. A trainer and teammate helped the sophomore point guard to the bench, while a wincing Dentmon kept his leg locked ominously at the knee. This isn't good news coupled with Harvey Perry's departure from the team this past weekend. Will update you in the morning with the severity of the injury.
Monday, December 04, 2006
Special Teams
The last srea we are going to look at is special teams. UW special teams haven't been special in quite awhile and Coach Simmons has taken some heat for it. What are the the Huskies going to do to shore up this area?
Punter (1)
The Huskies are in on a couple of punters to replace Sean Douglas. Douglas had a strong leg but he didn't get kicks off very fast so he was blocked more than he should have been. He also didn't have great control outkicking coverage and placing inside the redzone. Still he was one of the better punters in Husky history. Ryan Perkins knee injury may keep him out of the fray this year.
Placekicker (1)
The Dawgs signed Kevin Folk to replace Mike Braunstein who was asked not to return to the squad. Folk is one of the best HS kickers in the country.
Return Men (3)
You don't really see a true return man on the current roster with the graduation of Marlon Wood. Vonzell McDowell from Rainier Beach is going to get a look along with one of the speed running backs we pick up. Shaw from Stockton would plug a hole for example.
Coverages
When you bring in a class close to thirty athletes you are going to find some kids that can plug some holes and make the coverage look better. Washington on a whole lacked speed, balance, and depth last year, this class should help fill that in and make Coach Simmon's look better over the next two years.
Punter (1)
The Huskies are in on a couple of punters to replace Sean Douglas. Douglas had a strong leg but he didn't get kicks off very fast so he was blocked more than he should have been. He also didn't have great control outkicking coverage and placing inside the redzone. Still he was one of the better punters in Husky history. Ryan Perkins knee injury may keep him out of the fray this year.
Placekicker (1)
The Dawgs signed Kevin Folk to replace Mike Braunstein who was asked not to return to the squad. Folk is one of the best HS kickers in the country.
Return Men (3)
You don't really see a true return man on the current roster with the graduation of Marlon Wood. Vonzell McDowell from Rainier Beach is going to get a look along with one of the speed running backs we pick up. Shaw from Stockton would plug a hole for example.
Coverages
When you bring in a class close to thirty athletes you are going to find some kids that can plug some holes and make the coverage look better. Washington on a whole lacked speed, balance, and depth last year, this class should help fill that in and make Coach Simmon's look better over the next two years.
The Monday Morning Wash
Lot's of interesting things happened over the weekend. the most interesting in my mind was UCLA's upset of USC on Saturday. The Bruin's finally played up to their ability, and USC was obviously looking ahead after a grueling November schedule coming off the big win over Notre Dame the previous week. Congratulations to old friend Tim Cowan on his son's performance in nursing the Bruin's to a big win.
The BCS picked Florida, over Michigan which doesn't seem quite fair. The pollsters decided to make up a new rule that says if you were eliminated by the #1 a week, or two before you can't climb back in for a rematch. Coach Carr said it best when he mentioned that if USC had won Florida would not have leapfrogged them. Just another case that a modified playoff is needed in the future. You can also make a case that since a modified playoff will get rid of the intrigue it wouldn't be a plus either.
Oregon State picked up another big win, this time outlasting Hawaii. The Warrior's are a pretty good club, and for OSU to come int their stadium and pick up a win is a big deal. Congrats to Coach Riley who is my pick for Pac Ten coach of the year.
Stanford gave California everything they could handle in what could be Coach Walt Harris's last game at Stanford. The Tree is making a serious mistake if they fire Harris, and it will set them back even further. The problem is Buddy Teeven's, not Walt Harris.
Harris out at Stanford (Extra)
On the basketball front Harvey Perry has decided to transfer from Washington to find more playing time. Since Perry is a 21 year old frosh he didn't want to sit on the bench any longer. To me, I think it may have been a little rash on his part...why give up a year of playing time? Why not play the season, and see how it goes since he is going to lose the year one way, or another? Anyway he leaves on good terms, no bad blood on either side.
The basketball team takes on Southern Utah tonight in Hec Ed in what could be a pretty tough contest. The young Huskies of course are looking ahead to Gonzaga in the Kennel on saturday and Southern Utah is a pretty scrappy club capable of upsetting the Dawg's.
We will be previewing the battle of the Canines on Friday. Right now you have to go with the Zag's who have more experience, look quicker if that is possible, and already have a few huge wins under their belts. they had little problem with Texas this past weekend.
Football Recruiting
Ty Willingham had his first big recruiting weekend and by all indications it was a complete success as it looks like the Huskies went 6 for 6 over the weekend. The Huskies picked up a couple of surprises at linebacker. The first kid is MLB Austin Sylvester from the Hun Prep School in Princeton New Jersey. Austin is originally from Reno, and took a 5th HS year at the Prep school back East. The kid is big, nasty, and fast which is exactly the kind of building block we need in the middle of the defense. A really nice pick up, and he counts against last years class.
The other LB was a complete surprise that was broken by the local Monterey, California newspaper. Mason Foster is an under the radar QB, and LB who comes from that area. He has great size at 6'3 220 and says he runs a 4.5 fourty. Evaluation is one of the key assets of this staff, and these two kids are obviously kids that came in under the radar. What does under the radar mean? Well the recruiting services can't evaluate, or even know about every kid out there. These are a couple of guys from little known programs. In Monterey- Seaside's case they aren't known for putting out football talent, and this is one of those rare years when the team actually made some noise. The Husky coaches have identified a couple other players like this for this year so stay tuned for the surprises.
Previous verbals S/LB Quinton Richardson from O'Dea, and WR/DB Alvin Logan from Colorado were also there helping pump up the excitement. The Huskies still await word from Hawaii's DE/Pass Rusher Kelani Aldrich, and Colorado CB Jared Campbell who wanted to talk to their parents before committing. According to Dawgman it is just a formality. More on them after they pull the trigger.
The Huskies also picked up a runing back from Oakland's Skyline HS who has been enamored with them for some time by the name of Willie Griffin. Griffin is described as a slasher with good balance but not a real burner, think Willie Hurst? Look for UW to continue signing RB's and moving them around the field to increase overall team speed.
This coming weekend will be the biggest recruiting weekend of the year with more than 15 PSA's coming in to visit. The list is not complete yeat, but check in over at Dawgman during the week because there are going to be some big time impact players who have not been mentioned visiting Montlake.
How is UW doing so far?
They are ahead of last year with 14 in the bag so far, and probably at least that many more to give out. The meat of the class however is still lacking since they need to really come through with some nasty lineman. Washington has room for 29-30 players in this class. Sylvester is a kid that can come in early, and count against last years class. Count on 2-3 JC's who can enter Winter Quarter. UW needs to get some players that USC, Cal, and the big boys also want. Shaw from Stockton, and Johnson from Compton are a couple of examples of that. Once again this coming weekend historically is the biggest of the year for Washington recruiting so stay tuned.
The BCS picked Florida, over Michigan which doesn't seem quite fair. The pollsters decided to make up a new rule that says if you were eliminated by the #1 a week, or two before you can't climb back in for a rematch. Coach Carr said it best when he mentioned that if USC had won Florida would not have leapfrogged them. Just another case that a modified playoff is needed in the future. You can also make a case that since a modified playoff will get rid of the intrigue it wouldn't be a plus either.
Oregon State picked up another big win, this time outlasting Hawaii. The Warrior's are a pretty good club, and for OSU to come int their stadium and pick up a win is a big deal. Congrats to Coach Riley who is my pick for Pac Ten coach of the year.
Stanford gave California everything they could handle in what could be Coach Walt Harris's last game at Stanford. The Tree is making a serious mistake if they fire Harris, and it will set them back even further. The problem is Buddy Teeven's, not Walt Harris.
Harris out at Stanford (Extra)
Walt Harris is out at Stanford and the speculation has begun on who will be the the next coach down on the farm. Whoever it is he will be somebody who can sell some tickets. Veteran coaches named so far include UTEP's Mike Price, Idaho's Dennis Erickson, and SJSU's Dick Tomey. all three could be entices with another ride in the Pac Ten before they retire. Harris' team was devastated by injuries this season and finished with the most losses in school history and the worst record since an 0-10 mark in 1960. AD Bob Bowlsby said the attendance was a factor in his decision, saying the football team plays a big role in raising revenue for other programs at the school. "No question it was a factor," he said. "People vote with their pocket books and vote with their feet." Insiders feel that Harris didn't get along with alums and administration so they decided to cut bait and fish for a new coach. Harris becomes the 14th Div One coach to lose his job this year.
Husky BasketballOn the basketball front Harvey Perry has decided to transfer from Washington to find more playing time. Since Perry is a 21 year old frosh he didn't want to sit on the bench any longer. To me, I think it may have been a little rash on his part...why give up a year of playing time? Why not play the season, and see how it goes since he is going to lose the year one way, or another? Anyway he leaves on good terms, no bad blood on either side.
The basketball team takes on Southern Utah tonight in Hec Ed in what could be a pretty tough contest. The young Huskies of course are looking ahead to Gonzaga in the Kennel on saturday and Southern Utah is a pretty scrappy club capable of upsetting the Dawg's.
We will be previewing the battle of the Canines on Friday. Right now you have to go with the Zag's who have more experience, look quicker if that is possible, and already have a few huge wins under their belts. they had little problem with Texas this past weekend.
Football Recruiting
Ty Willingham had his first big recruiting weekend and by all indications it was a complete success as it looks like the Huskies went 6 for 6 over the weekend. The Huskies picked up a couple of surprises at linebacker. The first kid is MLB Austin Sylvester from the Hun Prep School in Princeton New Jersey. Austin is originally from Reno, and took a 5th HS year at the Prep school back East. The kid is big, nasty, and fast which is exactly the kind of building block we need in the middle of the defense. A really nice pick up, and he counts against last years class.
The other LB was a complete surprise that was broken by the local Monterey, California newspaper. Mason Foster is an under the radar QB, and LB who comes from that area. He has great size at 6'3 220 and says he runs a 4.5 fourty. Evaluation is one of the key assets of this staff, and these two kids are obviously kids that came in under the radar. What does under the radar mean? Well the recruiting services can't evaluate, or even know about every kid out there. These are a couple of guys from little known programs. In Monterey- Seaside's case they aren't known for putting out football talent, and this is one of those rare years when the team actually made some noise. The Husky coaches have identified a couple other players like this for this year so stay tuned for the surprises.
Previous verbals S/LB Quinton Richardson from O'Dea, and WR/DB Alvin Logan from Colorado were also there helping pump up the excitement. The Huskies still await word from Hawaii's DE/Pass Rusher Kelani Aldrich, and Colorado CB Jared Campbell who wanted to talk to their parents before committing. According to Dawgman it is just a formality. More on them after they pull the trigger.
The Huskies also picked up a runing back from Oakland's Skyline HS who has been enamored with them for some time by the name of Willie Griffin. Griffin is described as a slasher with good balance but not a real burner, think Willie Hurst? Look for UW to continue signing RB's and moving them around the field to increase overall team speed.
This coming weekend will be the biggest recruiting weekend of the year with more than 15 PSA's coming in to visit. The list is not complete yeat, but check in over at Dawgman during the week because there are going to be some big time impact players who have not been mentioned visiting Montlake.
How is UW doing so far?
They are ahead of last year with 14 in the bag so far, and probably at least that many more to give out. The meat of the class however is still lacking since they need to really come through with some nasty lineman. Washington has room for 29-30 players in this class. Sylvester is a kid that can come in early, and count against last years class. Count on 2-3 JC's who can enter Winter Quarter. UW needs to get some players that USC, Cal, and the big boys also want. Shaw from Stockton, and Johnson from Compton are a couple of examples of that. Once again this coming weekend historically is the biggest of the year for Washington recruiting so stay tuned.
Saturday, December 02, 2006
Defensive Line
The Husky defensive line kept improving last year but lacked an impact interior lineman to take the heat off of Wilson Afoa. Jordan White-Frisbee was supposed to be that guy but foot injuries have forced him to move to the offensive line. The Huskies lose Mateaki, and Ala who were both highly coveted recruits who had dissapointing carreers.
Going into Spring seniors Greyson Gunheim, Wilson Afoa, Jordan Reffert, and sophomore Daniel Teo'Nesheim should be the starters. Contending to back them up will be some talent that redshirted last year, JC transfer Atkins, So Jones, RS Elisara, and RS Matthews. Seniors Lobos, and Rayford return to round out the depth. Jr O'Connor probably won't see the field and is a candidate to be one of those guys who leave after four years. RS Kosub make some strides this year but is probably a year away at this point but still promising. Randy Hart had encouraging things to say about all members of the 2006 recruiting class and look for them to compete for playing time this year.
Defensive Line (4)
The Huskies have great depth and will be graduating five seniors in 2007 so the Huskies need to add a solid class which is a notch above talent wise to those that will be leaving. Currently we don't have any verbals at this point, and it isn't exactly a great year in the West for Defensive linemen. If you look at the recruiting lists provided by the services the Huskies have four known offers out for DT's with Wood being the most promising at this time. At DE they have four offers out too but nobody has really emerged with great interest at this point.
What is going to happen?
There is a definite need in this class for four players to groom for the future, just who they are going to be is anyone's guess at this point since the highly coveted recruits we have offered seem to be looking elsewhere. Over the next three weeks it should become more clear who the Huskies have a chance with. Last year we had a pretty strong class, following it up with another one of equal or better talent is going to be a challenge with the numbers out there currently.
Going into Spring seniors Greyson Gunheim, Wilson Afoa, Jordan Reffert, and sophomore Daniel Teo'Nesheim should be the starters. Contending to back them up will be some talent that redshirted last year, JC transfer Atkins, So Jones, RS Elisara, and RS Matthews. Seniors Lobos, and Rayford return to round out the depth. Jr O'Connor probably won't see the field and is a candidate to be one of those guys who leave after four years. RS Kosub make some strides this year but is probably a year away at this point but still promising. Randy Hart had encouraging things to say about all members of the 2006 recruiting class and look for them to compete for playing time this year.
Defensive Line (4)
The Huskies have great depth and will be graduating five seniors in 2007 so the Huskies need to add a solid class which is a notch above talent wise to those that will be leaving. Currently we don't have any verbals at this point, and it isn't exactly a great year in the West for Defensive linemen. If you look at the recruiting lists provided by the services the Huskies have four known offers out for DT's with Wood being the most promising at this time. At DE they have four offers out too but nobody has really emerged with great interest at this point.
What is going to happen?
There is a definite need in this class for four players to groom for the future, just who they are going to be is anyone's guess at this point since the highly coveted recruits we have offered seem to be looking elsewhere. Over the next three weeks it should become more clear who the Huskies have a chance with. Last year we had a pretty strong class, following it up with another one of equal or better talent is going to be a challenge with the numbers out there currently.
Saturday Notes
Bellevue beats Kennedy in OT
Good game to watch last night if you were home in front of the TV, or at the Tacoma Dome. I Tivo'd it and watched it laste because we had folks over who don't really care about HS football in Washington on a Friday night. Nate Williams looks like he is going to be a fine LB, or Safety. Read some comments on Williams offensive performance and take it with a grain of salt since he was playing against the best team in the state which happens to be a dynasty.
Eric Block definitely looks like a kid the Huskies should offer, he played one helluva game on both sides of the ball. The kid is a real leader and as Scott Ecklund pointed out is still only 16 years old....wow. I know I am going against what I said yesterday, but he looked good last night.
Everette Thompson looks like a blue chipper for next year. the kid made some nice catches and has a very nice 6'5 frame to build one.
Can see why the Huskies didn't go after Frietag, he doesn't move that well.
Stanford about to fire Walt Harris
Stupid is as stupid does is my comment on this one. Why fire an excellent coach in his second year? This will set their program back even farther and harm recruiting. Dumb move by the Tree. SF Herald Examiner reports that Walt will be fired after the Big Game today. 1-11 is never pretty, but the Cards never had a chance this year with all the injuries.
Good game to watch last night if you were home in front of the TV, or at the Tacoma Dome. I Tivo'd it and watched it laste because we had folks over who don't really care about HS football in Washington on a Friday night. Nate Williams looks like he is going to be a fine LB, or Safety. Read some comments on Williams offensive performance and take it with a grain of salt since he was playing against the best team in the state which happens to be a dynasty.
Eric Block definitely looks like a kid the Huskies should offer, he played one helluva game on both sides of the ball. The kid is a real leader and as Scott Ecklund pointed out is still only 16 years old....wow. I know I am going against what I said yesterday, but he looked good last night.
Everette Thompson looks like a blue chipper for next year. the kid made some nice catches and has a very nice 6'5 frame to build one.
Can see why the Huskies didn't go after Frietag, he doesn't move that well.
Stanford about to fire Walt Harris
Stupid is as stupid does is my comment on this one. Why fire an excellent coach in his second year? This will set their program back even farther and harm recruiting. Dumb move by the Tree. SF Herald Examiner reports that Walt will be fired after the Big Game today. 1-11 is never pretty, but the Cards never had a chance this year with all the injuries.
Friday, December 01, 2006
The New Husky Stadium
The plans for a new Husky Stadium were unveiled yesterday by Todd Turner as part of a revamped athletic village for University of Washington athletics. As you can see by clicking on the link to view the conceptual drawings that the stadium when finished will be the grandest in the country for a college football team. Nothing nationally will be able to rival the setting and sight lines once this beauty on Montlake is finished.
The question of course is when will this all happen? According to Todd it is the start of a footprint that may take up to 20 years to complete in various phases and costs range upward to 200 million dollars.
At both first and second glance you have to be impressed with what they have come up with even though the drawings do not include the proposed 100 foot off ramp for 520 running through the South parking lot of the stadium. Turner called the project one of the most complex in the world when you factor in 520, and the Sound Transit Light Rail Tunnel.
Turner presented the same drawings to the school's Board of Regents two weeks ago. At that time, the Regents authorized Turner to spend the next four to six months honing the project, then to return "with a more concrete plan," including how to fund it.
Finding money for what would be the most expensive project in the history of the athletic department doesn't figure to be easy, and Turner said all options are on the table, among them premium seating, ticket surcharges and selling partial naming rights for Husky Stadium as the school did for Bank of America Arena at Hec Edmundson Pavilion.
Turner said he doesn't necessarily plan to increase seating at Husky Stadium but said the venue, built in 1920, needs an updating to allow it to serve future generations of fans.
Linebacker
Washington had improved play at linebacker this year even though they were a little soft in the middle. Scott White had an excellent senior year outside, and Taj Bomar filled in well during the first half of the season in the middle before making way for true frosh Donald Butler who came on strong before a calf injury set him back. Butler was the story of the year as the two star recruit came in and made an impact right away. Dan Howell had a good year pushing Scott White to the outside. He will return for his final year as a Husky and will contend for honors along the way. Chris Stevens who made some impact as a frosh last year played behind White all year but still made progress and should be penciled in as a starter for next season.
Going into Spring Butler, Howell, and Stevens will be the starters pushed by Tuiasosopo, and Savannah. The later two were coming back from injuries and I think after a year shaking off the rust should be impact players in 2007. Savannah missed a few games early and was hindered by a large cast on his arm. Tui was expected to contend for the starting job but fell behind Bomar, and Butler. Kyle Trew emerged from the pack and had a surprisingly solid year as a backup. UW will go into 2007 with six solid LB's with experience, and RS Matt Houston who sat last year on the outside getting his first chance to earn some playing time. houston has the potential to have some impact as a pass rusher.
Linebacker (3-4)
The Huskies are solid at linebacker and are currently looking good on the recruiting front. Richardson from O'Dea is listed as S/LB prospect and was injures a good part of the season last year. Tough to tell where he will end up, but I am betting Safety. The Huskies are also in on some very good kids from California. If you read Dawgman you realize that the Huskies are close to getting commitments from a number of top California LB's and are actually being a bit choosy at this point as they try to settle on the three they are going to take over the next few weeks. Erskine from San Diego, Cooper from Oakland head the early list. With plenty of depth the Huskies don't need to consider JC's here and should end up with a very solid class to build with based on who currently is listed with a high interest. The West coast is deep in linebackers this year so Washington will have a great class.
Going into Spring Butler, Howell, and Stevens will be the starters pushed by Tuiasosopo, and Savannah. The later two were coming back from injuries and I think after a year shaking off the rust should be impact players in 2007. Savannah missed a few games early and was hindered by a large cast on his arm. Tui was expected to contend for the starting job but fell behind Bomar, and Butler. Kyle Trew emerged from the pack and had a surprisingly solid year as a backup. UW will go into 2007 with six solid LB's with experience, and RS Matt Houston who sat last year on the outside getting his first chance to earn some playing time. houston has the potential to have some impact as a pass rusher.
Linebacker (3-4)
The Huskies are solid at linebacker and are currently looking good on the recruiting front. Richardson from O'Dea is listed as S/LB prospect and was injures a good part of the season last year. Tough to tell where he will end up, but I am betting Safety. The Huskies are also in on some very good kids from California. If you read Dawgman you realize that the Huskies are close to getting commitments from a number of top California LB's and are actually being a bit choosy at this point as they try to settle on the three they are going to take over the next few weeks. Erskine from San Diego, Cooper from Oakland head the early list. With plenty of depth the Huskies don't need to consider JC's here and should end up with a very solid class to build with based on who currently is listed with a high interest. The West coast is deep in linebackers this year so Washington will have a great class.
Thursday, November 30, 2006
You want the true scoop? Subscribe to Dawgman!
You want the true scoop on recruiting? Subscribe to Dawgman. Dave, Kim, Scott, and Chris are the only internet source you need for the latest in Husky recruiting news. I have been a subscriber since they have started, and every year they get better!
We will be covering recruiting over here a bit, but from more of an analytical point of view once things become public in the newspapers. The current series we are running is basically put together to preview who is coming back, and what we expect the Huskies to go for this second season. There is a lot of good info here, but if you want to be an up to the minute insider subscribe to the ultimate source for Husky information on the internet www.dawgman.com
There is only one true source for Husky recruiting news, and that is www.dawgman.com!
We will be covering recruiting over here a bit, but from more of an analytical point of view once things become public in the newspapers. The current series we are running is basically put together to preview who is coming back, and what we expect the Huskies to go for this second season. There is a lot of good info here, but if you want to be an up to the minute insider subscribe to the ultimate source for Husky information on the internet www.dawgman.com
There is only one true source for Husky recruiting news, and that is www.dawgman.com!
A Thin Defensive Secondary
The Husky defense was improved for the most part last year as the secondary played better than they have played over the last four years. The bad news is the Huskies are losing All Pac Ten Stud S CJ Wallace, and CB Dashon Goldson. Look for them both to be playing somewhere on Sunday's next season. Fountaine graduates after getting a lot of playing time during his career. Chris Hemphill, and Durrell Moss won't be returning for a 5th year. Hemphill will be missed and many have questioned Ty's decision to send him packing after playing very well the last three games of the season.
Jason Wells, and Mesphin Forrester will be the starting safeties going into Spring. Ashley Palmer is still in limbo, and it is uncertain if he will get his academics in order to enter school this Winter. Roy Lewis who has all league potential return's as the lone experienced CB. Jordan Murchison, and Matt Mosley who redshirted last season will battle it out for the other CB spot. What you see is what you get, Washington will only be returning five defensive backs and that could spell trouble if Palmer doesn't get in, and Ty is unable to find some JC's, or Frosh ready to play to bolster the defensive backfield. In a perfect world Palmer gets in, Forrester moves over to CB, and UW picks up a couple of JC's.
Safety (3-4)
UW doesn't have a commitment yet from a safety per se, but they do have commitments from Nate Williams, Brandon Yakaboski, and Quinton Richardson who could all end up back there. Dion Bland from the Central Valley is the top guy on the Washington board so far. You can also count Palmer as a potential recruit since he hasn't made it in yet. Since UW showed Hemphill the door, you would think they must be pretty sure about Palmer. Don't be surprised if UW picks up a JC here. Tim Mixon is a JC name that has been thrown around but he would be a very late qualifier which means UW probably isn't interested.
Cornerback (3)
With only one starter with experience coming back, if Forrester ends up at Safety, you would think Washington would be combing the JC ranks for a guy that could play right away. McDowell from Rainier Beach is the lone signee at this point. UW is in on a couple of top California kids and you would think that the prospect of early playing time would appeal to a HS recruit. the Dawg's could really use a JC kid here who can come in and push for starting time and be able to return some kicks. Word is UW is currently in on one and is checking to see if he can get in mid year.
What do they need to do?
If there is one area of the team that needs some JC help it would be corner, and safety. UW needs a couple of guys that can come in and play right away. While Ty won't sign more than a handful of JC's this year expect him to sign a couple here if they can get in mid year. Ashley Palmer getting in would be a huge plus too!
Jason Wells, and Mesphin Forrester will be the starting safeties going into Spring. Ashley Palmer is still in limbo, and it is uncertain if he will get his academics in order to enter school this Winter. Roy Lewis who has all league potential return's as the lone experienced CB. Jordan Murchison, and Matt Mosley who redshirted last season will battle it out for the other CB spot. What you see is what you get, Washington will only be returning five defensive backs and that could spell trouble if Palmer doesn't get in, and Ty is unable to find some JC's, or Frosh ready to play to bolster the defensive backfield. In a perfect world Palmer gets in, Forrester moves over to CB, and UW picks up a couple of JC's.
Safety (3-4)
UW doesn't have a commitment yet from a safety per se, but they do have commitments from Nate Williams, Brandon Yakaboski, and Quinton Richardson who could all end up back there. Dion Bland from the Central Valley is the top guy on the Washington board so far. You can also count Palmer as a potential recruit since he hasn't made it in yet. Since UW showed Hemphill the door, you would think they must be pretty sure about Palmer. Don't be surprised if UW picks up a JC here. Tim Mixon is a JC name that has been thrown around but he would be a very late qualifier which means UW probably isn't interested.
Cornerback (3)
With only one starter with experience coming back, if Forrester ends up at Safety, you would think Washington would be combing the JC ranks for a guy that could play right away. McDowell from Rainier Beach is the lone signee at this point. UW is in on a couple of top California kids and you would think that the prospect of early playing time would appeal to a HS recruit. the Dawg's could really use a JC kid here who can come in and push for starting time and be able to return some kicks. Word is UW is currently in on one and is checking to see if he can get in mid year.
What do they need to do?
If there is one area of the team that needs some JC help it would be corner, and safety. UW needs a couple of guys that can come in and play right away. While Ty won't sign more than a handful of JC's this year expect him to sign a couple here if they can get in mid year. Ashley Palmer getting in would be a huge plus too!
Offensive Line Recruiting
Back in July we all agreed that the Huskies would go as far as the offensive line would take them. The inability to rush the ball during the second half of the season once the mobility at QB was erased showed how far we need to go to improve the foundation of this football team.
The JC's never came through as Jefferson never qualified, and Mason arrived late after finally qualifying. UW went with the same five guys for 98% of the snaps last year which in hindsight was probably a mistake because these guys while healthy wore down quite a bit in the second half. They also didn't develop much in the way of playing experience for next year. Bulyca, and Berglund were the only other guys to get limited time late last season. The line graduates Daniels, and Walker who were definitely the best lineman on the squad, and Willie Kava who graduates early. Returning starters are Garcia, Ossai, and Macklin. Ossai who started as a redshirt was man handled at times during the year but that was to be expected. Macklin is adequate, and Garcia has all league potential.
In 2007 look for the Dawgs to open with Ossai, and Macklin at tackle, with Bulyca, Rosborough, Tolar, Bush, and Mason battling for the interior spots. Garcia is solid at center. White-Frisbee is a question mark with his recurring foot problems, I hate to say it, but he may never get completely healthy. Berglund will get time at tackle during his senior season as he has proven to be an able backup. Habben, and Sedillo had good redshirt years and should be able to contribute as time goes on. Rosborough can develop into a force as he continues to develop aerobically.
Offensive Line (5-6)
UW desperately needs a big time offensive line class to start building for the future. The Huskies already have two big guys verbaled in Iweka, and Shugert, but after that things are a little up in the air. Taylor Dever would be a big get, and since he is Manu Tuiasosopo's god son we had a big in with him. Unfortunately he visited during the Stanford game and hasn't been high on UW since then. Palelei from Vegas would be a good get but he has a way to go to qualify. After that it looks a little like plan B since the Northwest, and West Coast in particular isn't flush with OL this year. There are still a couple of borderline recruits left in state, but you have to wonder why they weren't in on Kennedy's Freitag who is headed to WSU. UW could use some immediate help on the JC front if they can find someone who can qualify mid year. I think the wait and see if they get in bet is now over after last years dissapointments.
What is going to happen?
With Ty you really never know what is going on because he keeps his cards close to his vest. Simply put though he needs to find three or four more big guys to round out this class or he is going to be in trouble. One thing this staff has going for it is that they are strong evaluators. They are going to have to find some diamonds in the rough to round out this class. Sedillo was one of those guys last year who was offered in the last couple of weeks, and while raw the coaches feel he has a good future. Iweka, and Shugert are both excellent prospects with Shugert perhaps being the one closest to playing. Iweka is still growing and getting used to his size. He is a work in progress unlike a Steve Schilling who was ready to play immediately. Both players will need a year or two like most OL recruits to gain muscle, speed, and technique.
The JC's never came through as Jefferson never qualified, and Mason arrived late after finally qualifying. UW went with the same five guys for 98% of the snaps last year which in hindsight was probably a mistake because these guys while healthy wore down quite a bit in the second half. They also didn't develop much in the way of playing experience for next year. Bulyca, and Berglund were the only other guys to get limited time late last season. The line graduates Daniels, and Walker who were definitely the best lineman on the squad, and Willie Kava who graduates early. Returning starters are Garcia, Ossai, and Macklin. Ossai who started as a redshirt was man handled at times during the year but that was to be expected. Macklin is adequate, and Garcia has all league potential.
In 2007 look for the Dawgs to open with Ossai, and Macklin at tackle, with Bulyca, Rosborough, Tolar, Bush, and Mason battling for the interior spots. Garcia is solid at center. White-Frisbee is a question mark with his recurring foot problems, I hate to say it, but he may never get completely healthy. Berglund will get time at tackle during his senior season as he has proven to be an able backup. Habben, and Sedillo had good redshirt years and should be able to contribute as time goes on. Rosborough can develop into a force as he continues to develop aerobically.
Offensive Line (5-6)
UW desperately needs a big time offensive line class to start building for the future. The Huskies already have two big guys verbaled in Iweka, and Shugert, but after that things are a little up in the air. Taylor Dever would be a big get, and since he is Manu Tuiasosopo's god son we had a big in with him. Unfortunately he visited during the Stanford game and hasn't been high on UW since then. Palelei from Vegas would be a good get but he has a way to go to qualify. After that it looks a little like plan B since the Northwest, and West Coast in particular isn't flush with OL this year. There are still a couple of borderline recruits left in state, but you have to wonder why they weren't in on Kennedy's Freitag who is headed to WSU. UW could use some immediate help on the JC front if they can find someone who can qualify mid year. I think the wait and see if they get in bet is now over after last years dissapointments.
What is going to happen?
With Ty you really never know what is going on because he keeps his cards close to his vest. Simply put though he needs to find three or four more big guys to round out this class or he is going to be in trouble. One thing this staff has going for it is that they are strong evaluators. They are going to have to find some diamonds in the rough to round out this class. Sedillo was one of those guys last year who was offered in the last couple of weeks, and while raw the coaches feel he has a good future. Iweka, and Shugert are both excellent prospects with Shugert perhaps being the one closest to playing. Iweka is still growing and getting used to his size. He is a work in progress unlike a Steve Schilling who was ready to play immediately. Both players will need a year or two like most OL recruits to gain muscle, speed, and technique.
Wednesday, November 29, 2006
UW gets past Idaho 87-66
Freshman Quincy Pondexter scored a season-high 25 points to lead Washington to an 87-66 victory over outmanned Idaho on Wednesday night. Ryan Appleby had 11 points off the bench and was the only other Washington player to score in double figures. Jon Brockman had a career-high 14 rebounds, and Spencer Hawes added 9 for the much taller Huskies. Quincy was 9-for-14 from the field in his third 20-point game in six starts. He scored eight of Washington's first 11 points of the second half, including consecutive 3-pointers.
Washington started slow once again as they missed 20 of their first 28 shots, part of the reason Idaho led by three points four times in the first half. The Huskies still haven't jelled on the offensive end and the young team is still experiencing some growing pains as they near the meat of the non conference schedule which includes Gonzaga, LSU, and Pittsburg. UW could just be looking ahead at this point since the level of competition has been weak in the early going.
Washington started slow once again as they missed 20 of their first 28 shots, part of the reason Idaho led by three points four times in the first half. The Huskies still haven't jelled on the offensive end and the young team is still experiencing some growing pains as they near the meat of the non conference schedule which includes Gonzaga, LSU, and Pittsburg. UW could just be looking ahead at this point since the level of competition has been weak in the early going.
Receivers and Tight Ends
Lack of speed, lack of seperation, and lack of downfield blocking have been a problem ever since Reggie Williams moved on to the NFL. The current receivers have one thing in common, they don't seem to get open much, and they don't get a lot of yards after the catch. UW really needs to revamp this area and bring in some big play guys this year.
Wide Receiver (3-4)
The Huskies return Russo, Reece, Daniels, Ellis, and Williams. All five are going to be seniors. The lone underclassmen will be Aaron Goodwin who the coaches have been impressed with during frosh year on the scout team. Reece, Daniels, and Russo look to be the top returning threats, while Williams is still looking to break out. When you look for speed you usually head to California, but the Huskies could be bringing in three talented speedsters from Colorado, Logan, Aguilar, and the highly rated Drew Davis. Alvin Logan, and Devin Aguilar have already verbaled while Davis is very interested in UW since he is friends with the other two, and RB Michael Houston. The Huskies are also in on some kids from California so it will be interesting to see how they round out the class. At first glance it looks to be the best class since ET, and RW signed under Neuheisel. It is still early, and undoubtedly there will be some surprises as new names pop into the picture, but we are off to a good initial start.
Tight End (1)
The Huskies have some potential already on the roster with Kirton, Lewis, Gottleib, Williams, and Winter all returning. The Huskies took care of the position early by bringing in a local guy who is rated among the best in the country, Chris Izbicki. Washington needs a lot more production and blocking out of the position next year which should come through coaching and experience. Injuries hindered the rotation through most of the year but the position was stable enough to weather it.
Wide Receiver (3-4)
The Huskies return Russo, Reece, Daniels, Ellis, and Williams. All five are going to be seniors. The lone underclassmen will be Aaron Goodwin who the coaches have been impressed with during frosh year on the scout team. Reece, Daniels, and Russo look to be the top returning threats, while Williams is still looking to break out. When you look for speed you usually head to California, but the Huskies could be bringing in three talented speedsters from Colorado, Logan, Aguilar, and the highly rated Drew Davis. Alvin Logan, and Devin Aguilar have already verbaled while Davis is very interested in UW since he is friends with the other two, and RB Michael Houston. The Huskies are also in on some kids from California so it will be interesting to see how they round out the class. At first glance it looks to be the best class since ET, and RW signed under Neuheisel. It is still early, and undoubtedly there will be some surprises as new names pop into the picture, but we are off to a good initial start.
Tight End (1)
The Huskies have some potential already on the roster with Kirton, Lewis, Gottleib, Williams, and Winter all returning. The Huskies took care of the position early by bringing in a local guy who is rated among the best in the country, Chris Izbicki. Washington needs a lot more production and blocking out of the position next year which should come through coaching and experience. Injuries hindered the rotation through most of the year but the position was stable enough to weather it.
Tuesday, November 28, 2006
Let's Talk Some Recruiting
The second season has begun, and Ty Willingham has reached his moment of truth with a full class of 25 or more scheduled to come in. Let's take it position, by position and analyze the needs and figure out who we are in on at this point. This first article will focus on the offensive backfield.
Quarterback (1)
RS Jake Locker, and SR Carl Bonnell return next season to fight for the job in the Spring. It is really no contest because Carl can't stay healthy longer than two quarters, and Jake is the probably the second coming if he can get a little protection. With Durocher done the Huskies don't have much depth here.
Ronnie Fouch is already signed and will probably be the only QB signed this offseason. Does this spell trouble to you? It does to me since UW was almost down to Felix Sweetman against WSU. Problem is who wants to sit behind Locker for four years? UW needs to pick up a walk on, and a transfer to hedge against injuries.
What is Ty going to do?
I don't think he ends up with a JC transfer or another frosh QB with a rich in-state class coming up in 2008. I do think he will try to pick up a transfer from another program if available, and a walk-on frosh to groom for the scout team. Picking up walk-ons, and transfers isn't as easy to do as it once was because a kid like that can drop down a couple of levels and play quite a bit for a school like Western, or Central and get a significant amount of aid. The bottomline is Washington cannot enter 2007 with only three QB's on the roster so they need to get creative.
Tailback (5)
Rankin, Hasty, and Houston return. On paper that looks pretty good but only "dancin" Rankin can be counted on to take the first snap of the Fall. Houston has legal problems but is still on the team, and Hasty who blew a full year of eligibility can't be counted on to be around next Fall. If he screwed up once the odd's just aren't in his favor for him to be a guy they can count on.
Ty initially has nailed a couple in state tweeners in Mt Si's Brandon Yakaboski, and Kennedy's Nate Williams. Both are good athletes whose future may be on defense if Washington can nail some speedy California talent. Williams had an excellent year at Kennedy carrying the rock, but insiders feel he will grow into a LB, or Safety since he lack's breakaway speed. Yakaboski is a football player who is a little slower at this point than Williams coming in with a 4.6 40. He reminds me of Shane Pahukoa who was a dominant safety during his career at Washington.
Look for UW to bring in three more running back types. The quickest way to improve a team is to bring in speedy RB types you can fit in all over the field. They tried to do that last year and finished second on around six guys to round out a less than stellar 2006 recruiting class.
Curtis Shaw from Stockton is the type of big play speed back the Huskies crave. Brandon Johnson from compton is the other speed guy they are in on. The staff is all over these two guys and realistically needs to land one of them to have a solid class. Willie Griffin from Skyline in Oakland, and Corey White from Las Vegas are a notch below speed wise. Both are very high on the Huskies at this point. the Dawg's are also looking at a couple of JC's who will be able to enroll this Winter. Richard Murrell from Riverside is a huge 240 lb back that could give the Huskies some muscle in short yardage situations.
UW really needs to hit some HR's here because the position is so full of question marks. This team needs speed, and the quickest way to boost team speed is to bring in fast guys that have the potential to play on both sides of the ball. UW will take five or more TB types and move them around if they don't stick at RB.
Fullback (0)
Mark Palaita graduates after starting the past two season as a walkon. The heir apparent is Paul Homer who will be a sophmore next year after having a good true frosh year on special teams. He will be backed up by Kravitz who has failed to emerge fromt he depth due to injury. Both are talented FB's who are ready to play. I doubt Washington takes another one this year since the need for FB has really diminished with the reliance on West Coast type offenses. Johnnie Kirton can always be moved over for a few plays if depth is a problem, same with a LB type.
Quarterback (1)
RS Jake Locker, and SR Carl Bonnell return next season to fight for the job in the Spring. It is really no contest because Carl can't stay healthy longer than two quarters, and Jake is the probably the second coming if he can get a little protection. With Durocher done the Huskies don't have much depth here.
Ronnie Fouch is already signed and will probably be the only QB signed this offseason. Does this spell trouble to you? It does to me since UW was almost down to Felix Sweetman against WSU. Problem is who wants to sit behind Locker for four years? UW needs to pick up a walk on, and a transfer to hedge against injuries.
What is Ty going to do?
I don't think he ends up with a JC transfer or another frosh QB with a rich in-state class coming up in 2008. I do think he will try to pick up a transfer from another program if available, and a walk-on frosh to groom for the scout team. Picking up walk-ons, and transfers isn't as easy to do as it once was because a kid like that can drop down a couple of levels and play quite a bit for a school like Western, or Central and get a significant amount of aid. The bottomline is Washington cannot enter 2007 with only three QB's on the roster so they need to get creative.
Tailback (5)
Rankin, Hasty, and Houston return. On paper that looks pretty good but only "dancin" Rankin can be counted on to take the first snap of the Fall. Houston has legal problems but is still on the team, and Hasty who blew a full year of eligibility can't be counted on to be around next Fall. If he screwed up once the odd's just aren't in his favor for him to be a guy they can count on.
Ty initially has nailed a couple in state tweeners in Mt Si's Brandon Yakaboski, and Kennedy's Nate Williams. Both are good athletes whose future may be on defense if Washington can nail some speedy California talent. Williams had an excellent year at Kennedy carrying the rock, but insiders feel he will grow into a LB, or Safety since he lack's breakaway speed. Yakaboski is a football player who is a little slower at this point than Williams coming in with a 4.6 40. He reminds me of Shane Pahukoa who was a dominant safety during his career at Washington.
Look for UW to bring in three more running back types. The quickest way to improve a team is to bring in speedy RB types you can fit in all over the field. They tried to do that last year and finished second on around six guys to round out a less than stellar 2006 recruiting class.
Curtis Shaw from Stockton is the type of big play speed back the Huskies crave. Brandon Johnson from compton is the other speed guy they are in on. The staff is all over these two guys and realistically needs to land one of them to have a solid class. Willie Griffin from Skyline in Oakland, and Corey White from Las Vegas are a notch below speed wise. Both are very high on the Huskies at this point. the Dawg's are also looking at a couple of JC's who will be able to enroll this Winter. Richard Murrell from Riverside is a huge 240 lb back that could give the Huskies some muscle in short yardage situations.
UW really needs to hit some HR's here because the position is so full of question marks. This team needs speed, and the quickest way to boost team speed is to bring in fast guys that have the potential to play on both sides of the ball. UW will take five or more TB types and move them around if they don't stick at RB.
Fullback (0)
Mark Palaita graduates after starting the past two season as a walkon. The heir apparent is Paul Homer who will be a sophmore next year after having a good true frosh year on special teams. He will be backed up by Kravitz who has failed to emerge fromt he depth due to injury. Both are talented FB's who are ready to play. I doubt Washington takes another one this year since the need for FB has really diminished with the reliance on West Coast type offenses. Johnnie Kirton can always be moved over for a few plays if depth is a problem, same with a LB type.
Catching Back Up
Lot's of news around the league since I have been gone on vacation, so we will do our best to catch up this morning. Internet connections were spotty at best down there due to the tail end of a hurricane that gave us a few days of rain.
As you know Dirk Koetter has lost his job at ASU and the Devil's are set to announce a replacement as soon as today. Seems like they are looking toward an NFL assistant with Arizona roots.
Bill Moos is stepping down at Oregon which is a surprise to most outside the program but not to those within. The rift between him and Phil Knight has grown over the past few years so Oregon needed to head in a new direction if they were going to continue tapping Uncle Phil's wallet. How that affects Bellotti is uncertain but if an NFL job comes up, or another plum college job he might be looking for some new scenery too.
We were able to watch the USC/Notre Dame game via ABC in Jamaica and the Irish were unable to play up to the same standard as many Pac Ten teams did against USC this year. Notre Dame under Weis is a mirage coupled with a weak schedule. Weis still hasn't beaten anyone he wasn't supposed to since he has been in South Bend.
Mike Shula was fired at Alabama which is pretty strange. Seemed to me he was doing a good job with a team that was struggling through some serious sanctions in the SEC. Changing coaches was not what Alabama needed, what they needed was continuity to rebuild through the garbage of past years. Look for Bama to go hard after Steve Spurrier, but I think Spurrier stays at the other USC.
Larry Coeker of course as expected was fired by Miami which was no suprise to anyone since they had to name a scapegoat after all the on, and off field problems staking that program. Could the Hurricane's turn to Rick Neuheisel? That would shake things up in South Florida.
Michigan State hired Mark Dantonio from Cincinnatti which was a pretty smooth move. He had the Bearcats playing pretty tough this past season. Dantonio becomes the ninth Michigan State coach since Duffy Daugherty left after the 1972 season. Michigan State is barely above .500 since and has won eight or more games in consecutive seasons just once, with one Rose Bowl appearance. See what lack of continuity can do to a once proud program?
Oregon St finished the season 8-4 after beating Oregon 30-28 in the Civil War. OSU still has a tough game coming up to finish what will be a 13 game regular season with a visit to Hawaii this week. For Mike Riley who was on the ropes before the Washington game it was a very fine way to finish the season. For Oregon it was a disspaointing end to a football season that saw a lot of high's and low's. This could be the year that Bellotti moves on if the right gig opens up.
Texas A&M beat Texas in a calssic game that announced the return of the Aggie's back to the national picture. The Aggie defense just stifled the Horn's....Rutgers finished a strong 11-1 and just missed out on going undefeated after hiccupping against the Bearcats the previous week. Schiano is a candidate for about every job that opens on the Eastern seaboard this offseason. Rutgers has the money to keep him if he wants to stay....Rich Brooks took Kentucky to a 7-5 record this season....nice way to rebuild a dead program in the nations toughest conference. Ste Spurrier did the same at the other USC, and the season ending win over Clemson could signal the end of Bowdens in the ACC....Oklahoma finished the year 10-2 and goes away realizing that the Oregon travesty is the one thing that kept them out of a potential national championship game.
BCS Bowl Predictions
Wisconsin is the odd man out in the BCS this year. The Badgers fell victim to a BCS rule that only allows two teams from the same conference to participate in BCS Bowl games. the object of the BCS is to create a a true #1 vs #2 than divvy up the rest of the cash as evenly as possible rather than have the best teams in the country square off. I for one am in favor of a modified playoff.
BCS Championship....Ohio State vs USC
Fiesta Bowl....Oklahoma vs Boise State
Rose Bowl.... Michigan vs LSU
Orange Bowl....Georgia Tech vs Louisvile
Sugar Bowl....Florida vs Notre Dame
As you know Dirk Koetter has lost his job at ASU and the Devil's are set to announce a replacement as soon as today. Seems like they are looking toward an NFL assistant with Arizona roots.
Bill Moos is stepping down at Oregon which is a surprise to most outside the program but not to those within. The rift between him and Phil Knight has grown over the past few years so Oregon needed to head in a new direction if they were going to continue tapping Uncle Phil's wallet. How that affects Bellotti is uncertain but if an NFL job comes up, or another plum college job he might be looking for some new scenery too.
We were able to watch the USC/Notre Dame game via ABC in Jamaica and the Irish were unable to play up to the same standard as many Pac Ten teams did against USC this year. Notre Dame under Weis is a mirage coupled with a weak schedule. Weis still hasn't beaten anyone he wasn't supposed to since he has been in South Bend.
Mike Shula was fired at Alabama which is pretty strange. Seemed to me he was doing a good job with a team that was struggling through some serious sanctions in the SEC. Changing coaches was not what Alabama needed, what they needed was continuity to rebuild through the garbage of past years. Look for Bama to go hard after Steve Spurrier, but I think Spurrier stays at the other USC.
Larry Coeker of course as expected was fired by Miami which was no suprise to anyone since they had to name a scapegoat after all the on, and off field problems staking that program. Could the Hurricane's turn to Rick Neuheisel? That would shake things up in South Florida.
Michigan State hired Mark Dantonio from Cincinnatti which was a pretty smooth move. He had the Bearcats playing pretty tough this past season. Dantonio becomes the ninth Michigan State coach since Duffy Daugherty left after the 1972 season. Michigan State is barely above .500 since and has won eight or more games in consecutive seasons just once, with one Rose Bowl appearance. See what lack of continuity can do to a once proud program?
Oregon St finished the season 8-4 after beating Oregon 30-28 in the Civil War. OSU still has a tough game coming up to finish what will be a 13 game regular season with a visit to Hawaii this week. For Mike Riley who was on the ropes before the Washington game it was a very fine way to finish the season. For Oregon it was a disspaointing end to a football season that saw a lot of high's and low's. This could be the year that Bellotti moves on if the right gig opens up.
Texas A&M beat Texas in a calssic game that announced the return of the Aggie's back to the national picture. The Aggie defense just stifled the Horn's....Rutgers finished a strong 11-1 and just missed out on going undefeated after hiccupping against the Bearcats the previous week. Schiano is a candidate for about every job that opens on the Eastern seaboard this offseason. Rutgers has the money to keep him if he wants to stay....Rich Brooks took Kentucky to a 7-5 record this season....nice way to rebuild a dead program in the nations toughest conference. Ste Spurrier did the same at the other USC, and the season ending win over Clemson could signal the end of Bowdens in the ACC....Oklahoma finished the year 10-2 and goes away realizing that the Oregon travesty is the one thing that kept them out of a potential national championship game.
BCS Bowl Predictions
Wisconsin is the odd man out in the BCS this year. The Badgers fell victim to a BCS rule that only allows two teams from the same conference to participate in BCS Bowl games. the object of the BCS is to create a a true #1 vs #2 than divvy up the rest of the cash as evenly as possible rather than have the best teams in the country square off. I for one am in favor of a modified playoff.
BCS Championship....Ohio State vs USC
Fiesta Bowl....Oklahoma vs Boise State
Rose Bowl.... Michigan vs LSU
Orange Bowl....Georgia Tech vs Louisvile
Sugar Bowl....Florida vs Notre Dame
Thursday, November 23, 2006
Thanksgiving Notes
Gonzaga had a big win beating North Carolina last night in a NIT game last night. MArk Few has it going again over in Spokane and once again the rebuilt Bulldogs will challenge for an elusive National title. The one thing that hurts the Zag's is the WCC. The WCC has improved, but they are definitely a couple of steps above the rest of the league. As the season goes on the Zag's end up playing down to the level of competition in their league and that hurts come tournament time.
The young Huskies had a tough time with Sacramento State on Sunday. Young is the key as turnovers have pluged the Huskies in the early going so far this season. Romar has another six weeks to put it together for a strong conference run. It will be interesting to watch the team mature during some tough non conference games between now and then. The muscle of Hawes, and Brockman matched with the fluid quickness of Pondexter fed by the rapidly improving Dentmon should yield a high finish in the tournament. The Gonzaga game should be a pretty good guage of exactly where the team is development wise.
The second season has now begun for the football program and recruits will be streaming from all over the West between now and Christmas. Washington already has cleaned up in state getting committments from anyone they wanted. They also have pulled in a couple ofrom Colorado, with a couple more possibly on the way. UW has never recruited much in that area and it is interesting to me to see the early success from the Bob Simmons pipeline in that area. When I get back we will take a closer look at need and keep a scorecard on how the Huskies are doing.
The young Huskies had a tough time with Sacramento State on Sunday. Young is the key as turnovers have pluged the Huskies in the early going so far this season. Romar has another six weeks to put it together for a strong conference run. It will be interesting to watch the team mature during some tough non conference games between now and then. The muscle of Hawes, and Brockman matched with the fluid quickness of Pondexter fed by the rapidly improving Dentmon should yield a high finish in the tournament. The Gonzaga game should be a pretty good guage of exactly where the team is development wise.
The second season has now begun for the football program and recruits will be streaming from all over the West between now and Christmas. Washington already has cleaned up in state getting committments from anyone they wanted. They also have pulled in a couple ofrom Colorado, with a couple more possibly on the way. UW has never recruited much in that area and it is interesting to me to see the early success from the Bob Simmons pipeline in that area. When I get back we will take a closer look at need and keep a scorecard on how the Huskies are doing.
Monday, November 20, 2006
The Monday Morning Wash
Hello Husky fans from Montego Bay, Jamaica! It was a pretty darn good week of football as we saw some classic games and a couple of unpredictable upsets. First of all Washington's win in the Apple Cup rescued a team that was in a free fall with a six game losing streak and a coach who suffered a significant leadership problem last week against Stanford. Like all
Apple Cups there was plenty of emotion on both sides and the team that won converted the most big play. For Willingham it is a serious springboard to recruiting this year. Finishing with a win and a total of five for the season shows that he can at least say without smiling he has things pointed in the right direction.
(Reports this week will be on a come and go basis since the weather down here is less than ideal and it tends to knock the electricity and internet out every couple of hours.)
Willingham has some serious work to do with Willingham over the off season. He blew it losing to Stanford, and it is tough to forgive him for that even with a win over WSU. 5-7 is still a disgrace even though it is better than 2-9. Coach Ty should have won a couple more, and if he was more prepared on the field and a better leader off of it he had a good shot. the program made some progress this year, but not enough to convince most fans that Willingham is the right guy, including yours truly. No reason to go 5-7 and miss a bowl when you start off at 4-1. Last weeks off field miscue's show that he needs some help, and he needs to take it over he won't be here very long. I like Ty, I really do, but football is about winning and putting fans in the seats, and until he does exactly that he is on the hot seat. If he had gone to a bowl he would have gotten an extension, now all he gets is a shorter leash.
Ohio State and Michigan may have been one of the best games in the last fifty years of college football. #1 and #2 from the same conference squaring off for the right to play in the NAtional Championship game. I was rooting for Michigan, and of course the spirit of Schembechler, but even though it was a close on Ohio State was the best team yesterday.
Everyone says that Jeff Tedford is a genius, but I am reserving judgement till he gets to a Rose or BCS bowl game. Cal had their chances but Pete Carroll certainly has his program firing on all cylinders again in Novemeber. Look for the Trojans to win out and face Ohio State for all the marbles. Cal on the other hand blew it's chance fpr the consolation of a BCS game by choking against Arizona last weekend.
Talking about Arizona, how do they walk into Autzen and blow out the Duck's? A team left for dead earlier in the season is on a roll under Stoops. It really is about time because he has brought some talent into the program over the past few years. For Oregon it is a bitter pill to swallow with the Beavers coming up next. Despite the Plasma's and the gameboys it isn't a happy camp in the Oregon locker room. Oregon State didn't have much problem with Stanford, but you can tell the Tree is improving every week which is the mark of a good coach. Walt Harris will make them resprctable again. UCLA pounded Arizona State which should knock the Devil's out of a potential bowl. Nice win for the Bruins.
Rutgers was vanquished by Cincinnatti. The Bearcats are a program on the rise that have played every opponent tough this year. So Cinderella slips off her pedestal and out of the BCS.
In the ACC Virginia Tech knocked Wake Forest for a loop, and BC blew up Maryland as that conference continues to feast on it's own.
Durocher
Pac Ten Power Ratings
1. USC.....Two more to go and back to the championship game (BCS)
2. California.....Tedford loses another big one....hello San Diego (Holiday)
3. Oregon St....These guys were dead, now they are thinking bowl. (Sun)
4. Oregon....The Civil War actually means something this year (Las Vegas)
5. Arizona....A win against next week equals the programs first bowl in some time. (Emerald)
6. Arizona St....6-6 might not get you a bowl, UA is a must win.
6. UCLA....A win over USC would for give a lot of sins. (Hawaii)
6. WSU....6-6 means the Cougars are most likely not traveling to Hawaii
9. UW....A win over WSU was nice, but an uninspired loss to Stanford is unforgiveable.
10. Stanford...One win isn't enough to exit the cellar
Apple Cups there was plenty of emotion on both sides and the team that won converted the most big play. For Willingham it is a serious springboard to recruiting this year. Finishing with a win and a total of five for the season shows that he can at least say without smiling he has things pointed in the right direction.
(Reports this week will be on a come and go basis since the weather down here is less than ideal and it tends to knock the electricity and internet out every couple of hours.)
Willingham has some serious work to do with Willingham over the off season. He blew it losing to Stanford, and it is tough to forgive him for that even with a win over WSU. 5-7 is still a disgrace even though it is better than 2-9. Coach Ty should have won a couple more, and if he was more prepared on the field and a better leader off of it he had a good shot. the program made some progress this year, but not enough to convince most fans that Willingham is the right guy, including yours truly. No reason to go 5-7 and miss a bowl when you start off at 4-1. Last weeks off field miscue's show that he needs some help, and he needs to take it over he won't be here very long. I like Ty, I really do, but football is about winning and putting fans in the seats, and until he does exactly that he is on the hot seat. If he had gone to a bowl he would have gotten an extension, now all he gets is a shorter leash.
Ohio State and Michigan may have been one of the best games in the last fifty years of college football. #1 and #2 from the same conference squaring off for the right to play in the NAtional Championship game. I was rooting for Michigan, and of course the spirit of Schembechler, but even though it was a close on Ohio State was the best team yesterday.
Everyone says that Jeff Tedford is a genius, but I am reserving judgement till he gets to a Rose or BCS bowl game. Cal had their chances but Pete Carroll certainly has his program firing on all cylinders again in Novemeber. Look for the Trojans to win out and face Ohio State for all the marbles. Cal on the other hand blew it's chance fpr the consolation of a BCS game by choking against Arizona last weekend.
Talking about Arizona, how do they walk into Autzen and blow out the Duck's? A team left for dead earlier in the season is on a roll under Stoops. It really is about time because he has brought some talent into the program over the past few years. For Oregon it is a bitter pill to swallow with the Beavers coming up next. Despite the Plasma's and the gameboys it isn't a happy camp in the Oregon locker room. Oregon State didn't have much problem with Stanford, but you can tell the Tree is improving every week which is the mark of a good coach. Walt Harris will make them resprctable again. UCLA pounded Arizona State which should knock the Devil's out of a potential bowl. Nice win for the Bruins.
Rutgers was vanquished by Cincinnatti. The Bearcats are a program on the rise that have played every opponent tough this year. So Cinderella slips off her pedestal and out of the BCS.
In the ACC Virginia Tech knocked Wake Forest for a loop, and BC blew up Maryland as that conference continues to feast on it's own.
Durocher
Johnny Durocher's career as a Husky QB is apparently over after the discovery of a benign brain tumor before the WSU game last week. Johnny will have surgery after Thanksgiving and is expected to be able to play baseball this Spring for the Dawg's. Everyone say a prayer for Johnny!
Pac Ten Power Ratings
1. USC.....Two more to go and back to the championship game (BCS)
2. California.....Tedford loses another big one....hello San Diego (Holiday)
3. Oregon St....These guys were dead, now they are thinking bowl. (Sun)
4. Oregon....The Civil War actually means something this year (Las Vegas)
5. Arizona....A win against next week equals the programs first bowl in some time. (Emerald)
6. Arizona St....6-6 might not get you a bowl, UA is a must win.
6. UCLA....A win over USC would for give a lot of sins. (Hawaii)
6. WSU....6-6 means the Cougars are most likely not traveling to Hawaii
9. UW....A win over WSU was nice, but an uninspired loss to Stanford is unforgiveable.
10. Stanford...One win isn't enough to exit the cellar
Sunday, November 19, 2006
Huskies go out winners
The least succesful senior class in the history of Washington football went out as winners Saturday as the Huskies snapped a six game losing streak beating arch rival Washington State on the road 35-32.
We had trouble getting the game last night on XM since we are at the end of their coverage area surrounded by the tall coastal mountains surroundinf Montego Bay, but the internet reception was ok in the bar as we watched the other two thrillers Michigan/Ohio State, and California/ USC. As I advertised eallier in the week a different Husky team showed up against the Cougars on Saturday as the underdog always seems to do in the Apple Cup. Washington did something they hadn't done in awhile, they blocked people, scored on big plays, and had the best special teams day during Willinghams tenure. These were all the key ingredients that we identified earlier in the week that were neccesary for victory, not to mention a healthier Carl Bonnell.
Carl Bonnell passed to Cody Ellis down the middle for a 64-yard TD in the second quarter as UW tied the score 7-7. Carl also hit Marcel Reece for a 69-yard TD in the third quarter as UW took a 21-14 lead. Louis Rankin rushed for a 77-yard touchdown in the fourth quarter for a 35-25 lead, UW's longest run since the 2003 season. On special teams Marlon Wood in possibly his last game returned a kickoff 87 yards to set up a score before the half, and Chris Stevens blocked a punt in the thrid quarter and recovered it in the endzone for a TD late in the 3rd quarter putting UW ahead 28-17. Five big plays that won the game, five big plays that put an end to the suffering at Montlake. What this does is send the coaches out without a positive message to bring potential recruits in the upcoming crucial 2007 class.
For WSU, they fought till the bitter end only losing by three, but the big plays on offense coupled by the great special teams play were just too tough to overcome. Well it is back to the beach....Go Huskies!
We had trouble getting the game last night on XM since we are at the end of their coverage area surrounded by the tall coastal mountains surroundinf Montego Bay, but the internet reception was ok in the bar as we watched the other two thrillers Michigan/Ohio State, and California/ USC. As I advertised eallier in the week a different Husky team showed up against the Cougars on Saturday as the underdog always seems to do in the Apple Cup. Washington did something they hadn't done in awhile, they blocked people, scored on big plays, and had the best special teams day during Willinghams tenure. These were all the key ingredients that we identified earlier in the week that were neccesary for victory, not to mention a healthier Carl Bonnell.
Carl Bonnell passed to Cody Ellis down the middle for a 64-yard TD in the second quarter as UW tied the score 7-7. Carl also hit Marcel Reece for a 69-yard TD in the third quarter as UW took a 21-14 lead. Louis Rankin rushed for a 77-yard touchdown in the fourth quarter for a 35-25 lead, UW's longest run since the 2003 season. On special teams Marlon Wood in possibly his last game returned a kickoff 87 yards to set up a score before the half, and Chris Stevens blocked a punt in the thrid quarter and recovered it in the endzone for a TD late in the 3rd quarter putting UW ahead 28-17. Five big plays that won the game, five big plays that put an end to the suffering at Montlake. What this does is send the coaches out without a positive message to bring potential recruits in the upcoming crucial 2007 class.
For WSU, they fought till the bitter end only losing by three, but the big plays on offense coupled by the great special teams play were just too tough to overcome. Well it is back to the beach....Go Huskies!
Friday, November 17, 2006
Bo Schembechler Passes
Bo Schembechler, who became one of college football's great coaches in two decades at Michigan, died today while taping a TV show on the eve of the Wolverines' No. 1 vs. No. 2 showdown with perennial rival Ohio State, according to three Detroit TV stations. He was 77.
The seven-time Big Ten coach of the year compiled a 194-48-5 record at Michigan from 1969-89. Schembechler's record in 26 years of coaching was 234-64-8.
Schembechler's Wolverines were 11-9-1 against the Buckeyes. But fans in both states generally agree the rivalry's prime years were 1969-78, when Schembechler opposed his friend and coaching guru, Woody Hayes. Ohio State prevailed in those meetings, going 5-4-1.
Don James of Washington had a series of great Rose Bowl games against the legendary coach. Washington's first Rose Bowl under DJ was an upset win over Michigan led by Warren Moon in the 1978 Rose Bowl.
Coach Schembechler will be missed, he was an original just like his friend, and mentor the great Woody Hayes.
The seven-time Big Ten coach of the year compiled a 194-48-5 record at Michigan from 1969-89. Schembechler's record in 26 years of coaching was 234-64-8.
Schembechler's Wolverines were 11-9-1 against the Buckeyes. But fans in both states generally agree the rivalry's prime years were 1969-78, when Schembechler opposed his friend and coaching guru, Woody Hayes. Ohio State prevailed in those meetings, going 5-4-1.
Don James of Washington had a series of great Rose Bowl games against the legendary coach. Washington's first Rose Bowl under DJ was an upset win over Michigan led by Warren Moon in the 1978 Rose Bowl.
Coach Schembechler will be missed, he was an original just like his friend, and mentor the great Woody Hayes.
Thursday, November 16, 2006
Fearless Friday Predictions
This used to be the end of the season on the West Coast unless USC was playing Notre Dame the next week in Los Angeles. TV and a longer schedule have put a damper on this, and now the Northwest and the Big Ten are the only schools which haven't stretched it out. Mainly that is due to the inclement weather. Look for the NCAA to let the Northern schools have the option to start in August in the future to allow them to get a bye during the grueling schedule. Because of that there are not an abundance of big games this weekend. You have two classic's though in USC/Cal, and Michigan/Ohio State. I like spreading the rivalry games out over the next two weeks, followed by the conference championship games. It keeps things interesting and eliminates that dead time before the bowls start mid month.
I am watching Pittsburg and West Virginia on my new 50" Plasma in HD. Have to say it looks pretty good above the fireplace, and I really wish I could watch the Apple Cup live that way. Pittsburg can beat these guys, and Wannstedt has done a good job getting them back on track to compete. The death of the Big East was very exaggerated, this the third straight fantastic Thursday night Big East game in a row! It is the Super Conferences who seem to be at a disadvantage. Pittsburgh ked 27-24 late at the half but WVU held them scoreless in the second half and won 45-27.
The Pac Ten will have some Thursday night games on ESPN in the future. It will be interesting to see how it goes, but the Est Coast start times don't work well for the East Coast. If you move the start time up on a weekday it hurts the fans.
I am leaving for Jamaica on early Saturday morning (brother in laws wedding, but I will be listening to the game via XM radio or the internet while I am gone. Most of the Green Bay, Wisconsin family won't be making it because it is right in the middle of Deer Hunting season which is something Cheeseheads treat as a religion. They can miss a football game, or Holiday, but not Deer Season which runs from the November 18th to the 26th.
I won't however be tuning into the UW/Sacramento State yawner on Sunday, but you guys enjoy. Even though the season will be over for UW I will keep the predictions going all the way through the bowl season.
The Pac Ten
Washington at Washington
You can throw the record books out anytime these two teams play. It doesn't matter what their records are, it has always been a good game. That being said, this game looks like a real stinker on paper. WSU has the edge at QB with a healthy Brink. Washington on the other hand could be going early with walkon Felix Brinkman if Carl Bonnell is unable to go and Johnny Durocher is unable to recover from last weeks concussion. Felix has gotten a lot of snaps this week. Despite having Brink the Coug's offensive line depth is very questionable because of injury coupled with the absence of their two top WR's. Washington defense has played well all year without taking a game off. They will have the opportunity for turnovers, and they better get them because the Washington offense has been horrendous.
WSU is going to come out with eight in the box to take away the Huskies anemic run game and force them to throw from the get go. UW needs to get a run game going, if they don't it could be a long day because they just haven't been the same since the mobility was taken away from the QB position. UW receivers need to stop dropping the ball this week, and they need to start blocking down field. For UW to win they need to win on defense, and special teams.
I am going out on a limb at picking Washington. I think the 26 seniors have a lot to prove in their last game, and they want to wipe the stench from their mouth from last weeks loss to Stanford.... Washington 17-14
California at Southern California
The Bear's have been waiting anxiously for this game all year and it finally caught up to them last week when they lost to lowly Arizona. Pete Carroll has the inside track for another BCS championship game, all he has to do is beat Cal, UCLA, and Notre Dame in November. Like Don James, Carroll owns November. ....USC 31-30
Arizona at Oregon
Arizona has won to in a row, has the program finally arrived under Mike Stoops? They have a lot of young talent, and maybe they are starting to gel. Oregon has to be hopping mad after not playing very well in the Coliseum. The Duck's still have a shot at the Holiday Bowl and won't allow the upset at home. ....Oregon 34-17
UCLA at Arizona State
The Bruins finally won a game last week, and Arizona State is coming off obliterating Washington State. Ben Olsen is back this week, but no word if he will play this week, Cowan will start. I think the Devil's have enough in the tank, especially at TB to beat the Bruin's. ....Arizona State 27-25
Oregon State at Stanford
Miracles do happen, and Stanford's 20-3 win over Washington was a miracle. It isn't going to happen two times in a row with the Angry Beaver's invading the farm. ....Oregon State 45-3
Nationally
Michigan at Ohio State
This is the game of the year between the top two teams in the nation. After these two the rest of the country drops off quite a bit. The loser in fact will be deserving of a rematch if the game is close enough. That won't happen of course if USC, Florida, Arkansas, Notre Dame, and even Rutgers does not fall before the end of the season. Truth be told, it could happen. The smart money of course is on Ohio State. The Buckeyes are playing at home and haven't shown a lot of weaknesses this year even though they are a grade below the last couple of national champions. Michigan on the other hand has had more close games, but they did take apart Notre Dame earlier this year with little problem. .....Ohio State 21-20
South Florida at Louisville
South Florida isn't ranked, but don't overlook them. They are a solid team that is only going to get better with all that Florida talent at their disposal. The fall of Miami, and Florida State would help that growth as SFU has joined the Big East. Louisville will prevail at home. ....Louisville 38-24
Virginia Tech at Wake Forest
Usually this would be an end of the season cakewalk for the Hokies, but the Deamon Deacon play great football and have a shifty innovative offense. They are on a roll. .... Wake Forest 31-24
Maryland at Boston College
BC is out of the title chase, but they can still hit a decent bowl if they knock out the Terrapins. Once again it is heresy in my home to pick anyone who is playing BC, and this week my heart agrees. .... Boston College 26-24
Puppy Chow
No word on the status of Michael Braunstein and if Ty will let him and Hemphill play this Saturday after the stunt the pulled with the website. The Go To Guy thinks that Braunstein may be auditioning for a job with the Cougars.
Michael Houston is still suspended from practice, but he is still in school and involved in all team functions other than actually practicing. Chances are he will be back for Spring practice.
UW picked up another verbal last night. Three star 6'2 190 4.50 WR Alvin Logan from Aurora Colorado. That is the second WR we have received a verbal from in Colorado this year. Drew Davis a four star from Denver also has Washington at the top of his list along with Georgia Tech.
This one came in way under the radar. On a side note we won't be announcing verbals until the information hits the regular newspapers after being confirmed a day in advance by Dawgman.com.
I am watching Pittsburg and West Virginia on my new 50" Plasma in HD. Have to say it looks pretty good above the fireplace, and I really wish I could watch the Apple Cup live that way. Pittsburg can beat these guys, and Wannstedt has done a good job getting them back on track to compete. The death of the Big East was very exaggerated, this the third straight fantastic Thursday night Big East game in a row! It is the Super Conferences who seem to be at a disadvantage. Pittsburgh ked 27-24 late at the half but WVU held them scoreless in the second half and won 45-27.
The Pac Ten will have some Thursday night games on ESPN in the future. It will be interesting to see how it goes, but the Est Coast start times don't work well for the East Coast. If you move the start time up on a weekday it hurts the fans.
I am leaving for Jamaica on early Saturday morning (brother in laws wedding, but I will be listening to the game via XM radio or the internet while I am gone. Most of the Green Bay, Wisconsin family won't be making it because it is right in the middle of Deer Hunting season which is something Cheeseheads treat as a religion. They can miss a football game, or Holiday, but not Deer Season which runs from the November 18th to the 26th.
I won't however be tuning into the UW/Sacramento State yawner on Sunday, but you guys enjoy. Even though the season will be over for UW I will keep the predictions going all the way through the bowl season.
The Pac Ten
Washington at Washington
You can throw the record books out anytime these two teams play. It doesn't matter what their records are, it has always been a good game. That being said, this game looks like a real stinker on paper. WSU has the edge at QB with a healthy Brink. Washington on the other hand could be going early with walkon Felix Brinkman if Carl Bonnell is unable to go and Johnny Durocher is unable to recover from last weeks concussion. Felix has gotten a lot of snaps this week. Despite having Brink the Coug's offensive line depth is very questionable because of injury coupled with the absence of their two top WR's. Washington defense has played well all year without taking a game off. They will have the opportunity for turnovers, and they better get them because the Washington offense has been horrendous.
WSU is going to come out with eight in the box to take away the Huskies anemic run game and force them to throw from the get go. UW needs to get a run game going, if they don't it could be a long day because they just haven't been the same since the mobility was taken away from the QB position. UW receivers need to stop dropping the ball this week, and they need to start blocking down field. For UW to win they need to win on defense, and special teams.
I am going out on a limb at picking Washington. I think the 26 seniors have a lot to prove in their last game, and they want to wipe the stench from their mouth from last weeks loss to Stanford.... Washington 17-14
California at Southern California
The Bear's have been waiting anxiously for this game all year and it finally caught up to them last week when they lost to lowly Arizona. Pete Carroll has the inside track for another BCS championship game, all he has to do is beat Cal, UCLA, and Notre Dame in November. Like Don James, Carroll owns November. ....USC 31-30
Arizona at Oregon
Arizona has won to in a row, has the program finally arrived under Mike Stoops? They have a lot of young talent, and maybe they are starting to gel. Oregon has to be hopping mad after not playing very well in the Coliseum. The Duck's still have a shot at the Holiday Bowl and won't allow the upset at home. ....Oregon 34-17
UCLA at Arizona State
The Bruins finally won a game last week, and Arizona State is coming off obliterating Washington State. Ben Olsen is back this week, but no word if he will play this week, Cowan will start. I think the Devil's have enough in the tank, especially at TB to beat the Bruin's. ....Arizona State 27-25
Oregon State at Stanford
Miracles do happen, and Stanford's 20-3 win over Washington was a miracle. It isn't going to happen two times in a row with the Angry Beaver's invading the farm. ....Oregon State 45-3
Nationally
Michigan at Ohio State
This is the game of the year between the top two teams in the nation. After these two the rest of the country drops off quite a bit. The loser in fact will be deserving of a rematch if the game is close enough. That won't happen of course if USC, Florida, Arkansas, Notre Dame, and even Rutgers does not fall before the end of the season. Truth be told, it could happen. The smart money of course is on Ohio State. The Buckeyes are playing at home and haven't shown a lot of weaknesses this year even though they are a grade below the last couple of national champions. Michigan on the other hand has had more close games, but they did take apart Notre Dame earlier this year with little problem. .....Ohio State 21-20
South Florida at Louisville
South Florida isn't ranked, but don't overlook them. They are a solid team that is only going to get better with all that Florida talent at their disposal. The fall of Miami, and Florida State would help that growth as SFU has joined the Big East. Louisville will prevail at home. ....Louisville 38-24
Virginia Tech at Wake Forest
Usually this would be an end of the season cakewalk for the Hokies, but the Deamon Deacon play great football and have a shifty innovative offense. They are on a roll. .... Wake Forest 31-24
Maryland at Boston College
BC is out of the title chase, but they can still hit a decent bowl if they knock out the Terrapins. Once again it is heresy in my home to pick anyone who is playing BC, and this week my heart agrees. .... Boston College 26-24
Puppy Chow
No word on the status of Michael Braunstein and if Ty will let him and Hemphill play this Saturday after the stunt the pulled with the website. The Go To Guy thinks that Braunstein may be auditioning for a job with the Cougars.
Michael Houston is still suspended from practice, but he is still in school and involved in all team functions other than actually practicing. Chances are he will be back for Spring practice.
UW picked up another verbal last night. Three star 6'2 190 4.50 WR Alvin Logan from Aurora Colorado. That is the second WR we have received a verbal from in Colorado this year. Drew Davis a four star from Denver also has Washington at the top of his list along with Georgia Tech.
This one came in way under the radar. On a side note we won't be announcing verbals until the information hits the regular newspapers after being confirmed a day in advance by Dawgman.com.
Local writers searching for an angle
Thursday morning is always the toughest time of the week to write something about the Huskies. Usually I prepare something in advance such as the Cougar jokes, but they were just too good to wait to publish. Last week we had plenty of Mike Braunstein stuff so that made it pretty easy. This week Ty has things buttoned up pretty good to keep his foot out of his mouth.
The local writers however have not left us wanting this week as they try to find an angle on what looks to be a pretty boring game come Saturday.
Jerry Brewer is a new columnist for the Seattle Times, and while he is not from the area he has done a pretty good job assimilating in his first month or so working in a new city. I think he already has surpassed Steve Kelley who still thinks he is in Philadelphia after 25 years in Seattle. Of course I live in Chicago and still think I live in Seattle. Jerry took the angle of talking to Sonny Sixkiller, and Jack Thompson to get a feel for the game, and what the two schools think about each other. Jerry delivers a very good read, and you can tell he is talented and works hard at it.
Jim Moore from the PI of course shines brightest at this time of the year. The crusty Cougar has already bet his double wide in Port Orchard on the game. He is still infatuated with Braunstein and asks the question what if Braunstein transfers to WSU for his final year of eligibility?
Molly Yanity also from the PI asked Ty about several Huskies joining a Facebook.com group titled "I support Braunstein and Hemphill," Washington football coach Tyrone Willingham responded by saying, "Don't go there." Way to dig deep Molly! She also goes further to give us a clue of why WSU has declined so much over the past few weeks, and the answer is a lot of injuries on the offensive line, and at WR. The Coug's top two receiveres will probably miss the game.
Bob Condotta of the Times asked some questions regarding Michael Houston's status with the team to Ty Willingham this week. Tyrone Willingham said today that there is nothing new on his status with the team. However, he said that Houston is "still very in school and doing everything except really practicing actively with the football team.'' Bob's blog has been excellent this year and he is probably the best of a strong bunch who cover the Huskies on a regular basis.
Don Ruiz of the the Tribune focuses on what memebers of this senior class will remember. "Members of this Washington Huskies senior class have come to accept that they won’t be remembered well, so they are taking consolation in their own memories. Now their hopes are more modest: one more win, one last chance to spare next year’s team the burden of an ongoing seven-game losing streak, the small consolation of not being the first class to lose three straight games to the Cougars."
Mike Allende at the Herald asks what if Stanback hadn't been hurt? "Me not being able to play anymore shouldn't be the reason we're losing," Stanback said. "There are other things, just like if I was playing and we lost. We have to take care of business on the field, and we haven't done that lately."
Howie Stalwick from the King County Journal focuses on what it is like to be a Cougar from Western Washington? "Growing up in the Seattle area can be rough on a Cougar, but Redmond's Sean O'Connor says he was born and bred to hold his nose in the presence of Huskies. "When I grew up, my family were Ducks (Oregon fans)," said O'Connor, Washington State's senior offensive guard out of Redmond High. "The one thing that's easy about changing from a Duck to a Cougar is you both hate the Huskies."It wasn't a tough transition for me at all."
The local writers however have not left us wanting this week as they try to find an angle on what looks to be a pretty boring game come Saturday.
Jerry Brewer is a new columnist for the Seattle Times, and while he is not from the area he has done a pretty good job assimilating in his first month or so working in a new city. I think he already has surpassed Steve Kelley who still thinks he is in Philadelphia after 25 years in Seattle. Of course I live in Chicago and still think I live in Seattle. Jerry took the angle of talking to Sonny Sixkiller, and Jack Thompson to get a feel for the game, and what the two schools think about each other. Jerry delivers a very good read, and you can tell he is talented and works hard at it.
Jim Moore from the PI of course shines brightest at this time of the year. The crusty Cougar has already bet his double wide in Port Orchard on the game. He is still infatuated with Braunstein and asks the question what if Braunstein transfers to WSU for his final year of eligibility?
Molly Yanity also from the PI asked Ty about several Huskies joining a Facebook.com group titled "I support Braunstein and Hemphill," Washington football coach Tyrone Willingham responded by saying, "Don't go there." Way to dig deep Molly! She also goes further to give us a clue of why WSU has declined so much over the past few weeks, and the answer is a lot of injuries on the offensive line, and at WR. The Coug's top two receiveres will probably miss the game.
Bob Condotta of the Times asked some questions regarding Michael Houston's status with the team to Ty Willingham this week. Tyrone Willingham said today that there is nothing new on his status with the team. However, he said that Houston is "still very in school and doing everything except really practicing actively with the football team.'' Bob's blog has been excellent this year and he is probably the best of a strong bunch who cover the Huskies on a regular basis.
Don Ruiz of the the Tribune focuses on what memebers of this senior class will remember. "Members of this Washington Huskies senior class have come to accept that they won’t be remembered well, so they are taking consolation in their own memories. Now their hopes are more modest: one more win, one last chance to spare next year’s team the burden of an ongoing seven-game losing streak, the small consolation of not being the first class to lose three straight games to the Cougars."
Mike Allende at the Herald asks what if Stanback hadn't been hurt? "Me not being able to play anymore shouldn't be the reason we're losing," Stanback said. "There are other things, just like if I was playing and we lost. We have to take care of business on the field, and we haven't done that lately."
Howie Stalwick from the King County Journal focuses on what it is like to be a Cougar from Western Washington? "Growing up in the Seattle area can be rough on a Cougar, but Redmond's Sean O'Connor says he was born and bred to hold his nose in the presence of Huskies. "When I grew up, my family were Ducks (Oregon fans)," said O'Connor, Washington State's senior offensive guard out of Redmond High. "The one thing that's easy about changing from a Duck to a Cougar is you both hate the Huskies."It wasn't a tough transition for me at all."
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