The Huskies finally get a Pac Ten opponent they have the ability to pick on. Is Washington really the best 2-5 team in the country? Well since most 2-5 teams are terrible I would think that we are the cream of the 2-5 crop.
Lets face it, we aren't a top ten team, and we have played five consecutive games against top ten type teams and have lose each one even though we had a chance to win each game theoretically. Five moral victories, five losses, and a Husky fan base that is ready to panic.
"Not So Fast", as Lee Corso often says, Washington is indeed the best 2-5 team in the country and is capable of winning five of the next six games. I wouldn't even rule out the Huskies winning out since the Bears are going to be very beatable in Husky Stadium. To me the game that scares me the most is Oregon State on the road if Canfield continues to improve.
Pac Ten Alley
Arizona is terrible, and Washington needs to beat these guys like a drum to celebrate homecoming.
Arizona’s offense seems to be front and center for those criticizing how the season is going.
The Wildcats have had some problems over the past three games, reaching the end zone just three times. At least Arizona is getting within scoring range. Remember last year? The Wildcats averaged 16.5 points and barely moved the ball any where but backward.
Jim Harbaugh has done a fantastic job in Palo Alto this year. Nothing like a young coach with a positive attitude to turn everything around.
And as many Cardinal fan might guess, when I say “Right where it wants to be,” what I really mean is: Anywhere. But. Home. Sometimes, I think the Cardinal would be better off playing 12 road games. Think about it. Stanford could collect guarantees each week, play in front of packed stadiums … and win some games.
Oregon State keeps improving each week and losing key players. Let's hope they don't forget how to throw interceptions until after Washington comes to town.
"Tavita Thompson has been ruled ineligible through NCAA rules, and will miss the remainder of the season. That was a definite blow to us, Tavita has been playing well, and with Jeremy Perry still missing that's two starters right there. Jeremy should be coming back soon; I do not think he will be ready for this week but he might be, at least in a backup role. Ryan Pohl will step in at left tackle, and then we will try and keep the rest intact. Andy Levitre went out of practice but he appears to be fine at this time so thank goodness for that. But we have had some misfortune in the offensive line and we have to overcome it."
How the mighty have fallen, and I am still staying with that prediction of a Washington victory against Cal in Husky Stadium. We need to beat one team this year we are not supposed to beat.
Cal’s eight-day plunge from No. 2 in the country to the middle of the Pac has left Old and Young Blues alike — not to mention your friendly neighborhood Hotline scribe — wondering what the heck happened. Where was the team that thumped Tennessee and made the big plays at Oregon? How could the Bears lose at home to Oregon State? How could they lose to a team that lost to Notre Dame? What’s up with all the turnovers? Why couldn’t Justin Forsett run effectively? Where was downfield passing game? Where was the pass rush? Did the Bears manage the clock properly? And then there this: Did the playcalling get conservative in crunch time Saturday? The answer to that last question, based on my research, is an absolute, indisputable YES! From the final play of the third quarter through the interception that gave UCLA a 30-21 lead — that’s my definition of crunch time, as opposed to the post-INT desperation time — the Bears had four first downs.
All signs point to Mike Price coming back to WSU to finish his career as a Cougar head coach if the fences can be mended.
Despite rumours to the contrary, Sir Brinkhater is back in action--at least for today anyway..So, before we get to the upcoming gloom fest known as game week, I wanted to take a second to speak toward Sterk's comments from this last week.First and foremost, for many, his comments are deeply troubling because they signal possible support for the return of Bill Doba as Head Coach next season. But as Lee Corso says, "not so fast my friends."What Sterk has intimated in these comments when you read between the lines is support for the existing STAFF. So, here's the broken code for you all to chew on: THE NEXT HEAD COACH WILL EITHER COME FROM THIS STAFF OR WILL BE FORCED TO USE THIS STAFF AS A CONDITION OF HIRE. With that in mind, there are two real candidates for the position given those restrictions. The first is the obvious and best choice irrespective of the bridges burned upon exit #1:
Hawaii keeps winning, but they really haven't played anyone. They need a victory over UW to finish the year with enough bounce to get in the BCS.
Brennan, playing in Jones' run-and-shoot offense, has gotten strong contributions from four receivers. Ryan Grice-Mullen, Davone Bess, Jason Rivers and C.J. Hawthorne all have at least 40 receptions, 500 yards and five touchdowns. Grice-Mullen tied a school record with 14 catches for 175 yards against San Jose State. Bess added 12 catches for 140 yards and Rivers also had 12 for 138.
UCLA is undefeated in conference play despite the best efforts of Coach Dorrell to screw everything up. The injury bug has hit them hard this year.
UCLA's defensive tackle situation is dire, because injuries ravaged the position. Jess Ward has a partially torn posterior cruciate ligament in his left knee. Surgery is not needed, but he is expected to miss three to four weeks.Brigham Harwell did some individual drills Tuesday, but he had to stop because of his ailing knee. Chase Moline's neck and back injuries could keep him out the rest of the season. Siewierski was limited in practice because of a bruised shoulder.
USC got back to business beating the snot out of Notre Dame for the umpteenth time in a row. The Trojans aren't dead yet, and usually play their best ball in the second half of the season. Now they face Oregon in a game that is for all the marbles.
USC does not alter its defense much for its opponents and a Pacific-10 Conference coach questioned this week whether the Trojans needed to respond to Oregon's successful spread-option offense. "They need to become more progressive in their thinking," said the coach, who asked not to be identified. But USC coach Pete Carroll defended his record against spread-option teams. "Most teams, with few exceptions, have some things they do in the spread offense," Carroll said. "We've faced all kinds of teams that use it. We played Oregon last year, Washington State uses it, we played Hawaii a couple times and they use it. "It doesn't matter how many yards you give up, it only matters how many points you allow. We've handled it."
ASU is the Cinderella story in the Pac Ten. Can the Devils win out against an extremely tough schedule to close out the season?
ASU is fourth in the BCS for doing nothing more this week than sippin' on purple drank and scroggin' bitches during their bye week. During undergrad I lived across the street from a few footballers just off of Hardy Drive. On bye week Saturday they went around to all of the houses in the immediate vicinity and let us know that they were having a party and politely asked that we speak to them and not the police regarding any noise complaints. It was one of those ridiculous parties like you see in the movies with extraordinarily hot ladies and gigantic muscle-filled gentlemen stumbling and vomiting on the front lawn. They didn't invite us, oh by the way.
Michael Wines over at the Oregon Blog has some great video of last weeks game over on his blog. I can't say we didn't have some highlights too, but I have to say, the Ducks are in a different league right now in almost every respect. It's funny to me that Dixon who starts for the Ducks, and Cowan who starts for UCLA were not deemed Husky material by Keith Gilbertson. That right there explains quite a few things.
The Huskies saw a lot of Jonathan Stewart yesterday, mostly his backside as he rushed for 251 yds. and 2 touchdowns along with 3 catches for 20 yds.The Ducks finished with a school-record 465 rushing yards and 661 total yards. The final numbers even staggered some of Oregon's offensive linemen, who bullied Washington's defense.
Wednesday, October 24, 2007
Tuesday, October 23, 2007
Husky Arizona Game on TV
The Huskies are going to be on TV this weekend as they produce a little local coverage to fill the void since nobody is picking this stinker up. Some good news for out of town fans is the game will be available on Direct TV, Dish, and maybe a little cable. Expect the same treatment for next weeks Stanford game.
Seattle – KSTW-TV (Channel 11)
Tri-Cities – KNDO-TV (Channel 23) and/or KNDU-TV (channel 25)
Spokane – KHQ-TV (Channel 6)
Southern California – FSN West (652 on DIRECTV, 417 on Dish Network)
Other – FCS Pacific (on some digital cable packages & DIRECTV & Dish Network)
A quick reminder the game kicks off at 12 noon this weekend.
Seattle – KSTW-TV (Channel 11)
Tri-Cities – KNDO-TV (Channel 23) and/or KNDU-TV (channel 25)
Spokane – KHQ-TV (Channel 6)
Southern California – FSN West (652 on DIRECTV, 417 on Dish Network)
Other – FCS Pacific (on some digital cable packages & DIRECTV & Dish Network)
A quick reminder the game kicks off at 12 noon this weekend.
Puppy Chow
Well I am finally back home after following the Huskies the past two weeks. We didn't win either game, but I learned, or updated myself on a lot of things you can only acquire by attending in person which is quite valuable.
I think the number one thing I learned is Husky Stadium is no longer a tough place to play, in fact it has become pretty vanilla compared to the rest of the conference. There isn't a lot of excitement in the old place, and the admin hasn't done anything at all to ramp things up to get people in their seats before the game starts. You would think it would be so easy to do, but this crew really lacks imagination, and motivation.
I remember in the early 70's we had a similar apathy going on, nothing as bad as this because the Huskies were still the only show in town. The admin introduced a program called Husky Fever that did quite well during that period and put butt's back in the seats. The old husky Fever program of course is archaic, but UW needs a massive retooling when it comes to game day promotion.
If you are bringing in Dan Evans to help get the stadium rebuilt you might consider bringing in Rob Weller to help retool the excitement. Rob's innovations kept the stadium rocking for a couple of decades, and they started during a very low point in program history. This admin needs to start thinking outside the box again so they can reconnect with a new generation of Husky fan. Like I said in an earlier post, this isn't ASU, or Oregon, and I don't want to go there, but this isn't Yale either. The program as a whole won't get any better until the admin starts getting motivated to make positive changes.
Some Last Oregon Thoughts
One thing I noticed when watching film last night is that UW really didn't assign anyone to shadow Dixon throughout the game. You have to wonder what Baer is thinking since teams have been assigning a spy on Jake Locker every single game this season and it has been working for the most part.
The defensive game plan was simply terrible against Oregon even though there is a wide gap in talent. The way I look at it is the Ducks main thrust of the evening was going to be the hand off to Stewart followed by the keeper with Dixon. Why didn't UW just assign someone on every play to hit those guys no matter what and try to take it away rather than just guessing where the ball was on each play?
I have never personally played football against the spread, but I have played plenty against the option, and it takes discipline to be successful which means each guy has an assignment and never deviates from it which means all lanes are covered. Too many times UW would tackle the ball carrier at the line of scrimmage only to look up and see Dixon carrying it around the end with nobody but the safety coming up for support. To me that is just bad scheming on defense.
You beat Dixon by making him throw the ball, and make mistakes. Washington never got close to doing that.
I have no idea what Washington was trying to do on Saturday night from a defensive standpoint. I don't think I have ever seen a more poorly coached, and ill prepared defense during the fourty years I have been watching Washington football. UW needs to make some changes in the off season because what they are doing simply is not working.
Another thing I watched was how well the Ducks blocked down field. I would love to see the Huskies do that some day. Oregon was very good at boxing people out on sideline patterns. Let me put it this way, the Ducks have way more talent, but more importantly they are a much better coached team.
Arizona Up Next In Survivor Bowl
Arizona arrives at exactly the right time for the Huskies. If you want to get better in a hurry these are the guys that can help you out. Mike Stoops hasn't had a break this season, and it looks like he is going to lose his job when it ends. That being said he has a lot of motivation to turn that around this weekend against Washington.
For the Huskies this game will be a drastic change because they are going up against a team that is primarily moving the ball by passing it. The five game losing streak has been against five teams that can really run the ball, the Wildcats on the other hand are one of the worst rushing teams in the league.
The Wildcats have obviously had some problems over the past three games, reaching the end zone just three times. The Wildcats have averaged only 16.5 points and are barely moving the ball any where but backwards. The red zone offense stinks with the Arizona only scoring 42% of the time they are inside the twenty.
Despite the poor numbers the Wildcats are actually improved over last season offensively if you look at the raw numbers, but since they started conference play they have only gotten it done in one game, and that was against WSU who has a very poor defense.
Washington's defense is now among the worst in the country. Last weeks game was historically embarrassing. Stoops has to like what he sees when game planning against the Huskies. Mike sees a team that always bites on fakes, and play action. He sees a team that doesn't tackle well, and can't stop the run. He sees a very weak middle, and a defensive alignment that is designed to give up 5-6 yard pass plays each down by completing it on the sidelines. They have to notice undersized linebackers that are beat up, don't line up right, and get blown out of gaps because the defensive line in front of them is incapable of putting pressure on the QB. If I am Mike Stoops I am thinking I can beat these guys and turn the rest of the season around.
The Wildcats are just average on defense this season, and the Huskies will be facing the easiest defense they have seen since playing Syracuse in the opener. UW needs to run the ball more in this one. They need to wear the Wildcats down. I am not against the big play, but long drives win football games and demoralize opponents. I like the way Louis Rankin has been carrying the ball the last couple of weeks, and I would like to see him get at least twenty carries in this one. When Louis is getting his carries and running strong it opens up a lot more opportunities for Jake Locker.
Arizona lives, and dies by the pass this season. Another chilly, and rainy day will hamper that attack since the Wildcats don't rush the ball well. Willie Tuitama isn't a great QB, he makes mistakes, and the Huskies are going to need to take advantage of that. UW should get more than a few turnovers if they show up ready to play.
I think if the Huskies come in with the right attitude they are going to run all over the Wildcats and get some confidence back for the remaining games on the schedule. Despite the 2-5 record this is a team that can win enough games to limp into a bowl game, and they need to keep that goal squarely in their sight. If UW loses Saturday this season is over, and Willingham will be in danger of losing his team, same goes for Mike Stoops and Arizona.
I think the number one thing I learned is Husky Stadium is no longer a tough place to play, in fact it has become pretty vanilla compared to the rest of the conference. There isn't a lot of excitement in the old place, and the admin hasn't done anything at all to ramp things up to get people in their seats before the game starts. You would think it would be so easy to do, but this crew really lacks imagination, and motivation.
I remember in the early 70's we had a similar apathy going on, nothing as bad as this because the Huskies were still the only show in town. The admin introduced a program called Husky Fever that did quite well during that period and put butt's back in the seats. The old husky Fever program of course is archaic, but UW needs a massive retooling when it comes to game day promotion.
If you are bringing in Dan Evans to help get the stadium rebuilt you might consider bringing in Rob Weller to help retool the excitement. Rob's innovations kept the stadium rocking for a couple of decades, and they started during a very low point in program history. This admin needs to start thinking outside the box again so they can reconnect with a new generation of Husky fan. Like I said in an earlier post, this isn't ASU, or Oregon, and I don't want to go there, but this isn't Yale either. The program as a whole won't get any better until the admin starts getting motivated to make positive changes.
Some Last Oregon Thoughts
One thing I noticed when watching film last night is that UW really didn't assign anyone to shadow Dixon throughout the game. You have to wonder what Baer is thinking since teams have been assigning a spy on Jake Locker every single game this season and it has been working for the most part.
The defensive game plan was simply terrible against Oregon even though there is a wide gap in talent. The way I look at it is the Ducks main thrust of the evening was going to be the hand off to Stewart followed by the keeper with Dixon. Why didn't UW just assign someone on every play to hit those guys no matter what and try to take it away rather than just guessing where the ball was on each play?
I have never personally played football against the spread, but I have played plenty against the option, and it takes discipline to be successful which means each guy has an assignment and never deviates from it which means all lanes are covered. Too many times UW would tackle the ball carrier at the line of scrimmage only to look up and see Dixon carrying it around the end with nobody but the safety coming up for support. To me that is just bad scheming on defense.
You beat Dixon by making him throw the ball, and make mistakes. Washington never got close to doing that.
I have no idea what Washington was trying to do on Saturday night from a defensive standpoint. I don't think I have ever seen a more poorly coached, and ill prepared defense during the fourty years I have been watching Washington football. UW needs to make some changes in the off season because what they are doing simply is not working.
Another thing I watched was how well the Ducks blocked down field. I would love to see the Huskies do that some day. Oregon was very good at boxing people out on sideline patterns. Let me put it this way, the Ducks have way more talent, but more importantly they are a much better coached team.
Arizona Up Next In Survivor Bowl
Arizona arrives at exactly the right time for the Huskies. If you want to get better in a hurry these are the guys that can help you out. Mike Stoops hasn't had a break this season, and it looks like he is going to lose his job when it ends. That being said he has a lot of motivation to turn that around this weekend against Washington.
For the Huskies this game will be a drastic change because they are going up against a team that is primarily moving the ball by passing it. The five game losing streak has been against five teams that can really run the ball, the Wildcats on the other hand are one of the worst rushing teams in the league.
The Wildcats have obviously had some problems over the past three games, reaching the end zone just three times. The Wildcats have averaged only 16.5 points and are barely moving the ball any where but backwards. The red zone offense stinks with the Arizona only scoring 42% of the time they are inside the twenty.
Despite the poor numbers the Wildcats are actually improved over last season offensively if you look at the raw numbers, but since they started conference play they have only gotten it done in one game, and that was against WSU who has a very poor defense.
Washington's defense is now among the worst in the country. Last weeks game was historically embarrassing. Stoops has to like what he sees when game planning against the Huskies. Mike sees a team that always bites on fakes, and play action. He sees a team that doesn't tackle well, and can't stop the run. He sees a very weak middle, and a defensive alignment that is designed to give up 5-6 yard pass plays each down by completing it on the sidelines. They have to notice undersized linebackers that are beat up, don't line up right, and get blown out of gaps because the defensive line in front of them is incapable of putting pressure on the QB. If I am Mike Stoops I am thinking I can beat these guys and turn the rest of the season around.
The Wildcats are just average on defense this season, and the Huskies will be facing the easiest defense they have seen since playing Syracuse in the opener. UW needs to run the ball more in this one. They need to wear the Wildcats down. I am not against the big play, but long drives win football games and demoralize opponents. I like the way Louis Rankin has been carrying the ball the last couple of weeks, and I would like to see him get at least twenty carries in this one. When Louis is getting his carries and running strong it opens up a lot more opportunities for Jake Locker.
Arizona lives, and dies by the pass this season. Another chilly, and rainy day will hamper that attack since the Wildcats don't rush the ball well. Willie Tuitama isn't a great QB, he makes mistakes, and the Huskies are going to need to take advantage of that. UW should get more than a few turnovers if they show up ready to play.
I think if the Huskies come in with the right attitude they are going to run all over the Wildcats and get some confidence back for the remaining games on the schedule. Despite the 2-5 record this is a team that can win enough games to limp into a bowl game, and they need to keep that goal squarely in their sight. If UW loses Saturday this season is over, and Willingham will be in danger of losing his team, same goes for Mike Stoops and Arizona.
Sunday, October 21, 2007
The Monday Morning Wash
I have little time, and connectivity tonight so I thought I would briefly review the game and give you my impressions.
It is a tough loss, and like the five before was at the hand of a top ten talent level team. I think the fact that Washington was still in this game late in the fourth quarter despite giving up a near record amount of yardage is pretty amazing. Imagine just how we will do some day if we can build a defense.
Talking about defense it was one of the worst overall performances I have seen in quite some time despite the fact that we had a few good stands here and there. When ever you give up over 600 yards in total offense you deserve to lose, and lose big. Washington was simply outclassed by the best offense in the country. I can't say enough complimentary things about the Duck offense right now. Dixon is a wizard. Stewart reminds me of Corey Dillon, and the offensive line was just awesome. Did you see how big those guys were? Did you notice their lower bodies? these guys were Clydesdale's. The Huskies in comparison look small, and much less athletic.
Washington was simply not prepared for the Duck no huddle offense, from the onset players were wandering around the field trying to figure out how to lineup and having no idea of where the ball was going. Our DB's did a credible job, but the front seven was simply beaten most of the night. The Ducks seemed to get a three, or four yard push on every running play before the running back would patiently turn it up field for a large gain. That is what you call dominating the line of scrimmage.
Stewart saved one of his all time best for Husky Stadium, and you just have to shake your head when you realize a local talent like that never really gave the Huskies and consideration during recruiting. Northwest running backs like that come around once in a decade, and it is shame that he didn't stay home.
Despite the another loss I saw plenty of bright spots. Locker played much better this week, and he is indeed making progress and getting closer. Louis Rankin had another strong game, and he has breather life back into the kickoff return team. Special teams in general are improving each week. Receivers are still dropping too many balls, and the defense was just atrocious. We finally had a decent third quarter outscoring Oregon 14-7 to tie the game at 31.
I don't know what to say about the defense. They simply were out played, and had no idea where the ball was going last night. They didn't look like they came out fired up, and buy the last half of the fourth quarter they were barely standing. I really thought we were going to be better up front this year, but it just hasn't happened.
I think it comes down to this, we need better athletes, better conditioned athletes, and finally we need to do a much better job developing the athletes we do have.
What's Next
Next up for the Huskies are six winnable games. I think the Huskies will beat Arizona, Stanford, Washington State, and Hawaii. I think they will play close games with Oregon State, and California that could result in wins. Oregon State is starting to improve every week just like they did last year, and California is a team we can hang some points on.
The key right now for the 2-5 Huskies is to keep focus, get healthy, and not give up. There was always a chance this team would indeed be 2-5 at this point, and we have always known that how they finish, and not how they start would define this season. UW can still go to a bowl game if they beat the teams they are supposed to beat, and steal one from Oregon State, or California.
The key right now to turning this around is beating Arizona next weekend. IF the Huskies can pull it together to do that I think it will set a tone for the rest of the year. IF they lose next week, stick a fork in them because we aren't going anywhere.
Gameday Experience
It has been a couple years since I have been to a game in Husky Stadium. Last year I was married in the Fall, and the previous year I only saw them on the road. It had been three years since my last game in the stadium, and I was pretty surprised about what I saw even though I had heard the reports.
First of all it's boring, that's right boring. The game starts, and a good percentage of the fans are still in the parking lot. I went with a friend to the game in a large yacht, and was amazed at how small the Husky turnout on the water was. It looks like they have about half the boats that they used to outside the stadium.
It's the Oregon game for crying out loud, and the stadium isn't packed. Any Duck fan can get a ticket anywhere in the stadium they want to. We have lost our edge as a tough place to play in my opinion. I was at ASU last week and it was very intimidating, our crowd was absolutely docile in comparison. I never want us to be like ASU, or Oregon, but I don't want us to be like
Yale either.
It is a tough loss, and like the five before was at the hand of a top ten talent level team. I think the fact that Washington was still in this game late in the fourth quarter despite giving up a near record amount of yardage is pretty amazing. Imagine just how we will do some day if we can build a defense.
Talking about defense it was one of the worst overall performances I have seen in quite some time despite the fact that we had a few good stands here and there. When ever you give up over 600 yards in total offense you deserve to lose, and lose big. Washington was simply outclassed by the best offense in the country. I can't say enough complimentary things about the Duck offense right now. Dixon is a wizard. Stewart reminds me of Corey Dillon, and the offensive line was just awesome. Did you see how big those guys were? Did you notice their lower bodies? these guys were Clydesdale's. The Huskies in comparison look small, and much less athletic.
Washington was simply not prepared for the Duck no huddle offense, from the onset players were wandering around the field trying to figure out how to lineup and having no idea of where the ball was going. Our DB's did a credible job, but the front seven was simply beaten most of the night. The Ducks seemed to get a three, or four yard push on every running play before the running back would patiently turn it up field for a large gain. That is what you call dominating the line of scrimmage.
Stewart saved one of his all time best for Husky Stadium, and you just have to shake your head when you realize a local talent like that never really gave the Huskies and consideration during recruiting. Northwest running backs like that come around once in a decade, and it is shame that he didn't stay home.
Despite the another loss I saw plenty of bright spots. Locker played much better this week, and he is indeed making progress and getting closer. Louis Rankin had another strong game, and he has breather life back into the kickoff return team. Special teams in general are improving each week. Receivers are still dropping too many balls, and the defense was just atrocious. We finally had a decent third quarter outscoring Oregon 14-7 to tie the game at 31.
I don't know what to say about the defense. They simply were out played, and had no idea where the ball was going last night. They didn't look like they came out fired up, and buy the last half of the fourth quarter they were barely standing. I really thought we were going to be better up front this year, but it just hasn't happened.
I think it comes down to this, we need better athletes, better conditioned athletes, and finally we need to do a much better job developing the athletes we do have.
What's Next
Next up for the Huskies are six winnable games. I think the Huskies will beat Arizona, Stanford, Washington State, and Hawaii. I think they will play close games with Oregon State, and California that could result in wins. Oregon State is starting to improve every week just like they did last year, and California is a team we can hang some points on.
The key right now for the 2-5 Huskies is to keep focus, get healthy, and not give up. There was always a chance this team would indeed be 2-5 at this point, and we have always known that how they finish, and not how they start would define this season. UW can still go to a bowl game if they beat the teams they are supposed to beat, and steal one from Oregon State, or California.
The key right now to turning this around is beating Arizona next weekend. IF the Huskies can pull it together to do that I think it will set a tone for the rest of the year. IF they lose next week, stick a fork in them because we aren't going anywhere.
Gameday Experience
It has been a couple years since I have been to a game in Husky Stadium. Last year I was married in the Fall, and the previous year I only saw them on the road. It had been three years since my last game in the stadium, and I was pretty surprised about what I saw even though I had heard the reports.
First of all it's boring, that's right boring. The game starts, and a good percentage of the fans are still in the parking lot. I went with a friend to the game in a large yacht, and was amazed at how small the Husky turnout on the water was. It looks like they have about half the boats that they used to outside the stadium.
It's the Oregon game for crying out loud, and the stadium isn't packed. Any Duck fan can get a ticket anywhere in the stadium they want to. We have lost our edge as a tough place to play in my opinion. I was at ASU last week and it was very intimidating, our crowd was absolutely docile in comparison. I never want us to be like ASU, or Oregon, but I don't want us to be like
Yale either.
Aftermath
It was a great day for the game, and the threatening weather cooperated for the most part. The Huskies made it competitive, but were no match for Oregon's sleight of hand QB.
Throughout the entire game, even when Washington tied it in their best third quarter of the year, you knew there was no way the Huskies were going to be able to stop these guys unless they turned the ball over.
Oregon held onto the ball in the fourth quarter, and kept handing it to Stewart, and Crenshaw who blasted through the Husky defense for the victory.
Oregon was deceptive, and from our seats we cheered many times when we thought we had them stopped only to see Dixon keeping for another huge game. I can understand why the Husky defense didn't know where the ball was all night, because the crowd did not either.
We had our bright spots, but none really came on defense, and the best offense won this track meet. UW was way too tired in the 4th quarter to keep competing, and Willingham's decision to go with the onside kick was a good one, even though it was not succesful.
In my opinion the Ducks are the best team in the country right now.
So what's next for the Huskies?
A series of very winnable games that will determine if Washington can rebound to go to a bowl game. Yes, the goal is still intact, and yes, we have the ability to finish with five wins in the next six games.
As I said before I left, internet connectivity is spotty for me, and I will be traveling on Monday, so unless I get the time, or connectivity, I will be checking back in on Tuesday.
Throughout the entire game, even when Washington tied it in their best third quarter of the year, you knew there was no way the Huskies were going to be able to stop these guys unless they turned the ball over.
Oregon held onto the ball in the fourth quarter, and kept handing it to Stewart, and Crenshaw who blasted through the Husky defense for the victory.
Oregon was deceptive, and from our seats we cheered many times when we thought we had them stopped only to see Dixon keeping for another huge game. I can understand why the Husky defense didn't know where the ball was all night, because the crowd did not either.
We had our bright spots, but none really came on defense, and the best offense won this track meet. UW was way too tired in the 4th quarter to keep competing, and Willingham's decision to go with the onside kick was a good one, even though it was not succesful.
In my opinion the Ducks are the best team in the country right now.
So what's next for the Huskies?
A series of very winnable games that will determine if Washington can rebound to go to a bowl game. Yes, the goal is still intact, and yes, we have the ability to finish with five wins in the next six games.
As I said before I left, internet connectivity is spotty for me, and I will be traveling on Monday, so unless I get the time, or connectivity, I will be checking back in on Tuesday.
Friday, October 19, 2007
Quick Notes
As you all know I am still down in Arizona, and flying up for the game in the morning. I am not sure what type of internet connectivity I am going to have during the weekend. I will not be getting into Chicago until Monday evening. That means this may be the last post I make till Tuesday morning.
The stadium funding comments are a little mystifying to me, and I will critique that next week. Didn't they know it was going to cost a boat load of money? Didn't they know they were going to need some big donations outside of the mainstream? Are they giving up before even starting fundraising? Something isn't clicking right, and it isn't making any sense to me.
As far as the game tomorrow it looks like it may be a bit closer than predicted since the Duck WR corp is going to be out for the game along with RB Jeremiah Johnson. Husky Stadium on what will prove to a be a foul day isn't an easy place to play, so anything can happen from that standpoint.
I am not optimistic about victory this weekend, but there is always hope, that is why they play the games. I know one thing, and that is it would be great to steal one from the Ducks on Saturday, let's hope Tyrone can get his kids fired up for this one.
Go Huskies, beat the Ducks!
The stadium funding comments are a little mystifying to me, and I will critique that next week. Didn't they know it was going to cost a boat load of money? Didn't they know they were going to need some big donations outside of the mainstream? Are they giving up before even starting fundraising? Something isn't clicking right, and it isn't making any sense to me.
As far as the game tomorrow it looks like it may be a bit closer than predicted since the Duck WR corp is going to be out for the game along with RB Jeremiah Johnson. Husky Stadium on what will prove to a be a foul day isn't an easy place to play, so anything can happen from that standpoint.
I am not optimistic about victory this weekend, but there is always hope, that is why they play the games. I know one thing, and that is it would be great to steal one from the Ducks on Saturday, let's hope Tyrone can get his kids fired up for this one.
Go Huskies, beat the Ducks!
Thursday, October 18, 2007
The Growing Discontent
If you go over to DM, or any of the message boards you will see that there is a lot of frustration going on, and of course the faithful are demanding a solution similar to what is currently going on at Nebraska.
Nebraska fired their Athletic Director which is a precursor to firing the football coach at the end of the season. I agree with the decision on firing their AD. He screwed up by firing Frank Solich in the first place. All Solich had done was continue the winning tradition of Devaney, and Osborne. Pederson should have known that if the move wasn't successful in three years his head would be on the chopping block, his ego got in the way, he didn't understand football well enough, and he made a choice that was going to take way too long to for the Nebraska faithful to stick with.
Barbara Hedges made a similar poor choice when she fired Jim Lambright and his staff to bring in Rick Neuheisel. All Lambo had done was keep the program together, kept the winning tradition going, and while he had his flaws which were apparent, he always fielded championship contending teams even though the administration from the first day he took over was trying to minimize the football program. The choice of Neuheisel while sexy at the time wasn't the correct choice because there was no way she was going to be able to control this guy with her limited knowledge of football. Mike Lude could have done it, Hedges, no way.
Nebraska needs to keep Callahan or they are going to have to tear everything apart and start building all over again. If they go back to an antiquated offense they are also going to have to recruit the players to do that all over again. In other words it is better for Nebraska to continue to move forward than to keep looking backwards. You can never go back to the past no matter how wonderful that past was, you just are fooling yourselves.
This brings us back to what is going on at Washington.
Washington doesn't need a new athletic director. Todd Turner is doing an excellent job in getting the ship running in the right direction. You may not have liked his initial selection of Willingham as head football coach, but that selection has removed the NCAA off Washington back, and it has produced the kind of culture that you like to see at Washington even though the wins haven't come yet.
Turner has more on his plate than any AD before, or after him ever will. If he completes his set of goals for the Athletic Department, the future of Husky Athletics will be very secure over the next century, and I honestly believe that. Turner isn't sitting around waiting for stuff to happen, he is being proactive and moving things ahead of any perceived schedule. He wants to make sure this is all on track for completing within the next five years which is a very ambitious schedule.
Ty Willingham hasn't had a break since he arrived at UW. The program was down far more than anyone realized, and his biggest chance to have a breakthrough was last season, and that was dashed by the injury to Stanback. I think everyone is in agreement that we would have been bowl bound if he hadn't been injured. This year for all intents and purposes is another rebuilding year because we have a talented RS QB who is learning the game on a day to day basis. It reminds me a lot of Warren Moon's first year at UW. We had to put up with a lot of growing pains for the payoff that was coming a couple of years later.
I think changing coaches at this time would be simply foolish, and would negate any chance we have this decade of climbing out of the mess that was left behind by Hedges, Neu, and Gilby. Willingham probably is never going to be the second coming of Don James, but he needs us all to give him the chance to put a complete, experienced team together. The team we have now is made up of building blocks for the future. Those building blocks for the most part are made up of true frosh, redshirts, and the incoming 2008 class which just happens to be shaping up well.
It is a sad reality for everyone who has grown justifiably impatient this decade, but that is the reality we are faced with.
Turner knew this coming into the season. He hedged his predictions when the season started, and most of us, including me wondered what was wrong with him. Now as we go into the Oregon game 2-4 we all have a very clear idea of what he was talking about. I think the team is improved, but because of the nations toughest schedule it is really hard to gauge that improvement as the losses continue to mount.
We have come close to stealing a few which only aggravates us more. We had our chances in every single game this season to come away with a win. We just didn't have the horses available yet to put us over the top in a season where we play a top ten team almost every single week.
UW isn't a top ten team, and I guess you shouldn't expect victory against a top ten team unless you are in that same category. UCLA was especially upsetting because we had them exactly where we wanted them until fatigue took over. We just ran out of gas in that one because our offense couldn't control the ball in the first half.
I have vacillated back, and forth on a lot of things this season as many Husky fans have, but I think changing coaches at this point would be a serious mistake. I have faith that this staff is going to bring in a very solid class this Winter, and that will set the tone for the next five years. Get rid of the staff and it just isn't going to happen, and I certainly don't want to wait till I am sixty years old for us to win again. Fire Willingham in year three, and that just may be the result.
The administration gave Willingham five years when he took over, and we should honor those five full years. I am also not against an extension as long as it isn't a guaranteed salary type of extension. An extension after this season, even if it meaningless from a guaranteed money perspective, would help recruiting. Recruiting by the way is the only thing that is going to turn it around, so do whatever is necessary to make that happen.
If Ty isn't getting it done after year five, than let him go, and the bottom line at that time will be that whoever takes over for him will be in much better shape than he was to take over, and get some immediate success. I truly believe the program was so down when Ty took over, that immediate success would have been unlikely for any head coach, especially in year three.
Let's talk a little about this current season. Is it coaching that is keeping us from winning?
Good question, and while our coaches haven't been perfect I would have to say absolutely not, overall talent, and experience is what is keeping us from winning. Coaching may be just the one thing that is keeping us close enough to really complain each week.
This isn't Keith Gilbertson's team, I don't see any quitters in sight.
This isn't Rick Neuheisel's team either, I don't see a bunch of screw offs not getting better each week listening to rap music and sucking on Popsicles.
This is Ty Willingham's team, and these guys care, they aren't quitting, and they honestly work hard at getting better every week while facing the toughest schedule any Husky team has faced in many years.
In summary I think it is best to stay the course for two more years, and see what happens because the program will be in a much better position at that point to make a change. I also think there is a very good chance that two years from now we won't want to make that type of change.
Nebraska fired their Athletic Director which is a precursor to firing the football coach at the end of the season. I agree with the decision on firing their AD. He screwed up by firing Frank Solich in the first place. All Solich had done was continue the winning tradition of Devaney, and Osborne. Pederson should have known that if the move wasn't successful in three years his head would be on the chopping block, his ego got in the way, he didn't understand football well enough, and he made a choice that was going to take way too long to for the Nebraska faithful to stick with.
Barbara Hedges made a similar poor choice when she fired Jim Lambright and his staff to bring in Rick Neuheisel. All Lambo had done was keep the program together, kept the winning tradition going, and while he had his flaws which were apparent, he always fielded championship contending teams even though the administration from the first day he took over was trying to minimize the football program. The choice of Neuheisel while sexy at the time wasn't the correct choice because there was no way she was going to be able to control this guy with her limited knowledge of football. Mike Lude could have done it, Hedges, no way.
Nebraska needs to keep Callahan or they are going to have to tear everything apart and start building all over again. If they go back to an antiquated offense they are also going to have to recruit the players to do that all over again. In other words it is better for Nebraska to continue to move forward than to keep looking backwards. You can never go back to the past no matter how wonderful that past was, you just are fooling yourselves.
This brings us back to what is going on at Washington.
Washington doesn't need a new athletic director. Todd Turner is doing an excellent job in getting the ship running in the right direction. You may not have liked his initial selection of Willingham as head football coach, but that selection has removed the NCAA off Washington back, and it has produced the kind of culture that you like to see at Washington even though the wins haven't come yet.
Turner has more on his plate than any AD before, or after him ever will. If he completes his set of goals for the Athletic Department, the future of Husky Athletics will be very secure over the next century, and I honestly believe that. Turner isn't sitting around waiting for stuff to happen, he is being proactive and moving things ahead of any perceived schedule. He wants to make sure this is all on track for completing within the next five years which is a very ambitious schedule.
Ty Willingham hasn't had a break since he arrived at UW. The program was down far more than anyone realized, and his biggest chance to have a breakthrough was last season, and that was dashed by the injury to Stanback. I think everyone is in agreement that we would have been bowl bound if he hadn't been injured. This year for all intents and purposes is another rebuilding year because we have a talented RS QB who is learning the game on a day to day basis. It reminds me a lot of Warren Moon's first year at UW. We had to put up with a lot of growing pains for the payoff that was coming a couple of years later.
I think changing coaches at this time would be simply foolish, and would negate any chance we have this decade of climbing out of the mess that was left behind by Hedges, Neu, and Gilby. Willingham probably is never going to be the second coming of Don James, but he needs us all to give him the chance to put a complete, experienced team together. The team we have now is made up of building blocks for the future. Those building blocks for the most part are made up of true frosh, redshirts, and the incoming 2008 class which just happens to be shaping up well.
It is a sad reality for everyone who has grown justifiably impatient this decade, but that is the reality we are faced with.
Turner knew this coming into the season. He hedged his predictions when the season started, and most of us, including me wondered what was wrong with him. Now as we go into the Oregon game 2-4 we all have a very clear idea of what he was talking about. I think the team is improved, but because of the nations toughest schedule it is really hard to gauge that improvement as the losses continue to mount.
We have come close to stealing a few which only aggravates us more. We had our chances in every single game this season to come away with a win. We just didn't have the horses available yet to put us over the top in a season where we play a top ten team almost every single week.
UW isn't a top ten team, and I guess you shouldn't expect victory against a top ten team unless you are in that same category. UCLA was especially upsetting because we had them exactly where we wanted them until fatigue took over. We just ran out of gas in that one because our offense couldn't control the ball in the first half.
I have vacillated back, and forth on a lot of things this season as many Husky fans have, but I think changing coaches at this point would be a serious mistake. I have faith that this staff is going to bring in a very solid class this Winter, and that will set the tone for the next five years. Get rid of the staff and it just isn't going to happen, and I certainly don't want to wait till I am sixty years old for us to win again. Fire Willingham in year three, and that just may be the result.
The administration gave Willingham five years when he took over, and we should honor those five full years. I am also not against an extension as long as it isn't a guaranteed salary type of extension. An extension after this season, even if it meaningless from a guaranteed money perspective, would help recruiting. Recruiting by the way is the only thing that is going to turn it around, so do whatever is necessary to make that happen.
If Ty isn't getting it done after year five, than let him go, and the bottom line at that time will be that whoever takes over for him will be in much better shape than he was to take over, and get some immediate success. I truly believe the program was so down when Ty took over, that immediate success would have been unlikely for any head coach, especially in year three.
Let's talk a little about this current season. Is it coaching that is keeping us from winning?
Good question, and while our coaches haven't been perfect I would have to say absolutely not, overall talent, and experience is what is keeping us from winning. Coaching may be just the one thing that is keeping us close enough to really complain each week.
This isn't Keith Gilbertson's team, I don't see any quitters in sight.
This isn't Rick Neuheisel's team either, I don't see a bunch of screw offs not getting better each week listening to rap music and sucking on Popsicles.
This is Ty Willingham's team, and these guys care, they aren't quitting, and they honestly work hard at getting better every week while facing the toughest schedule any Husky team has faced in many years.
In summary I think it is best to stay the course for two more years, and see what happens because the program will be in a much better position at that point to make a change. I also think there is a very good chance that two years from now we won't want to make that type of change.
Oregon Preview
Last week I went way out there, and predicted a Husky victory over Arizona State on the road. My reasoning was based on the sentiment that ASU hadn't really played anyone yet, and if Jake Locker was going to break out this season it would be after the bye week.
I was only half right.
The Huskies played the type of football that produces victories in the first half, and inexplicably fell off the map in the third quarter for the fourth consecutive week. What makes it worse is nobody has any answers for it, not even the coaches.
Now we play Oregon who I feel may be the best team in the nation right now and the confidence in the Huskies is really at an all time low as Emmert, and Turner have been bombarded all week by demands for the dismissal of the coaching staff at the end of the season by the rank, and file.
As we all know the rank and file really don't matter, the guys who make that call have the big bucks, and it really isn't clear yet what the leaders of the big buck boosters are currently thinking since they are the ones that would have to come up with the 3 million to make that happen, and close to another 2 million to bring another regime in.
I personally think nothing will happen this season no matter what the outcome is. It is just too soon no matter what type of writing is beginning to appear upon the wall.
The seat is now becoming very hot for Ty, and company, and you have to ask yourself is it really fair in the middle of year three of a regime that was handed a very handicapped program to begin with? Stanford defeating USC didn't do our staff any favors because that was a signature win in year one for a program that was as low, as low gets. Todd Turner on the other hand wants everyone to think of Kentucky.
UW goes into this game against Oregon with their backs against the wall, and as you can see by the fan poll there aren't a lot of believers left on the train this week.
Why Oregon Will Win
Oregon has way too much speed, and power for the Huskies to handle. The Ducks have the most high powered, and balanced offense in the country. The Ducks can beat you by air, and land. Their defense is tough, very similar to what UW faced last week in Tempe, but a little more talented. You put that defense together with their offense and compare it with what UW is bringing to the table on Saturday, and you have to favor the Ducks by up to four touchdowns. If the Ducks can humble Michigan at the big house they should have little trouble in Seattle with the Huskies. Emotion is another problem the Huskies have had with the Ducks. UW under Willingham hasn't shown any fire for this game which is strange because they are classified as our most hated rival.
Why Washington Will Win
The only way Washington beats Oregon is if they self destruct. It is as simple as that. Turn over the ball five times to Washington deep in their own territory and a miracle can happen. The Ducks are also susceptible to giving up big runs. Louis Rankin may be able to find some creases against the Oregon defense. Jeremiah Johnson is out for the season, and the Ducks have also lost their two top receivers, that could slow them down on Saturday. Dennis Dixon has had an excellent year but Husky Stadium could rattle him into some mistakes. Jonathan Stewart is a stud, but the loss of Johnson takes away the change up that he thrives on. finally Jake Locker needs to complete over 55% of his passes for our offense to have a chance at being successful. Jake completed 33% last week at ASU after starting out hot...ouch.
What do I think?
I think the Huskies will come out and do their best early like last week, but they won't be able to keep up with the Ducks once they find their rhythm. Seeing the Huskies up close last week allowed me to see the whole field and I wasn't very impressed with our skill players. We just don't have the athletes the other teams have. I have to hand it to our guys though, they play hard, they don't give up, and they are doing the best that they can. I wouldn't say they are over achievers, over achievers find a way to win. Sadly I have to say that I am taking the Ducks this week by 22 points. I am thinking 42-20 after a close first half. I'm not giving up on this team, and I still think they can finish the season 5-3 with some breaks, but those breaks aren't coming this week.
I was only half right.
The Huskies played the type of football that produces victories in the first half, and inexplicably fell off the map in the third quarter for the fourth consecutive week. What makes it worse is nobody has any answers for it, not even the coaches.
Now we play Oregon who I feel may be the best team in the nation right now and the confidence in the Huskies is really at an all time low as Emmert, and Turner have been bombarded all week by demands for the dismissal of the coaching staff at the end of the season by the rank, and file.
As we all know the rank and file really don't matter, the guys who make that call have the big bucks, and it really isn't clear yet what the leaders of the big buck boosters are currently thinking since they are the ones that would have to come up with the 3 million to make that happen, and close to another 2 million to bring another regime in.
I personally think nothing will happen this season no matter what the outcome is. It is just too soon no matter what type of writing is beginning to appear upon the wall.
The seat is now becoming very hot for Ty, and company, and you have to ask yourself is it really fair in the middle of year three of a regime that was handed a very handicapped program to begin with? Stanford defeating USC didn't do our staff any favors because that was a signature win in year one for a program that was as low, as low gets. Todd Turner on the other hand wants everyone to think of Kentucky.
UW goes into this game against Oregon with their backs against the wall, and as you can see by the fan poll there aren't a lot of believers left on the train this week.
Why Oregon Will Win
Oregon has way too much speed, and power for the Huskies to handle. The Ducks have the most high powered, and balanced offense in the country. The Ducks can beat you by air, and land. Their defense is tough, very similar to what UW faced last week in Tempe, but a little more talented. You put that defense together with their offense and compare it with what UW is bringing to the table on Saturday, and you have to favor the Ducks by up to four touchdowns. If the Ducks can humble Michigan at the big house they should have little trouble in Seattle with the Huskies. Emotion is another problem the Huskies have had with the Ducks. UW under Willingham hasn't shown any fire for this game which is strange because they are classified as our most hated rival.
Why Washington Will Win
The only way Washington beats Oregon is if they self destruct. It is as simple as that. Turn over the ball five times to Washington deep in their own territory and a miracle can happen. The Ducks are also susceptible to giving up big runs. Louis Rankin may be able to find some creases against the Oregon defense. Jeremiah Johnson is out for the season, and the Ducks have also lost their two top receivers, that could slow them down on Saturday. Dennis Dixon has had an excellent year but Husky Stadium could rattle him into some mistakes. Jonathan Stewart is a stud, but the loss of Johnson takes away the change up that he thrives on. finally Jake Locker needs to complete over 55% of his passes for our offense to have a chance at being successful. Jake completed 33% last week at ASU after starting out hot...ouch.
What do I think?
I think the Huskies will come out and do their best early like last week, but they won't be able to keep up with the Ducks once they find their rhythm. Seeing the Huskies up close last week allowed me to see the whole field and I wasn't very impressed with our skill players. We just don't have the athletes the other teams have. I have to hand it to our guys though, they play hard, they don't give up, and they are doing the best that they can. I wouldn't say they are over achievers, over achievers find a way to win. Sadly I have to say that I am taking the Ducks this week by 22 points. I am thinking 42-20 after a close first half. I'm not giving up on this team, and I still think they can finish the season 5-3 with some breaks, but those breaks aren't coming this week.
Wednesday, October 17, 2007
A Couple More Thoughts
I have been studying the Ducks this week and have found a few things the Huskies may be capable of exploiting on Saturday. I will pop those out in the morning when I do my game day preview.
I also want to let everyone know that sarcasm reigns this week as it always does when we face our most hated rival. If you shave the sarcasm off of Blazer Prophet's post which I published yesterday you will find that he is spot on in most area's except that the demise of the Huskies is permanent.
I like Blazer Prophet, and appreciate his annual drive by's, thank you very much for contributing!
I want you all to know that are problems are not permanent, and we are indeed close to turning the corner on this thing. It is tough to watch the losses mount this season, but our conference is indeed the best in the country this year which makes it hard to measure the progress our program is making each week.
We all need to keep believing because we are getting close to popping through to the other side despite what some people are saying over on the message boards. Last weeks loss could be measured by milliseconds on about four plays...we were so close, and for some inexplicable reason we didn't get it done.
I can't pinpoint exactly what it is, nobody can, but we are getting close to putting it all together. The best days of this program are in the immediate future, and some time this year we are going to bust out, and put together four quarters.
The more I analyze Oregon this week the better I actually feel. The Ducks are a little bit wounded, and Husky Stadium is a terrible place for them to visit when they are wounded. I am not going to predict a victory, but if the right pieces fall into place, and we come out fired up in the third quarter anything can happen.
I also want to reiterate that I am not a Margarita sucking, country club type of pompus jerk....it has just been a little sarcasm directed back at our fine feathered friends to the South. If you want to dish it out guys, I will dish it right back to you and hit you right in the middle of academia where you aren't even close to UW in any way, shape or form. Oregon isn't exactly a JC on the banks of the Willamette, but nobody is ever going to confuse them with Stanford, Cal, UCLA, or UW.
One poster noted what my Oregon grad friends thought about my rant, well they thought it was funny, and they are going to let me on their yacht Saturday anyway to cruise to the game.
Keep this in mind Husky fans, the last Husky QB to beat Oregon was Casey Paus.
Casey F$%king Paus!
I like our chances with Jake Locker.
I also want to let everyone know that sarcasm reigns this week as it always does when we face our most hated rival. If you shave the sarcasm off of Blazer Prophet's post which I published yesterday you will find that he is spot on in most area's except that the demise of the Huskies is permanent.
I like Blazer Prophet, and appreciate his annual drive by's, thank you very much for contributing!
I want you all to know that are problems are not permanent, and we are indeed close to turning the corner on this thing. It is tough to watch the losses mount this season, but our conference is indeed the best in the country this year which makes it hard to measure the progress our program is making each week.
We all need to keep believing because we are getting close to popping through to the other side despite what some people are saying over on the message boards. Last weeks loss could be measured by milliseconds on about four plays...we were so close, and for some inexplicable reason we didn't get it done.
I can't pinpoint exactly what it is, nobody can, but we are getting close to putting it all together. The best days of this program are in the immediate future, and some time this year we are going to bust out, and put together four quarters.
The more I analyze Oregon this week the better I actually feel. The Ducks are a little bit wounded, and Husky Stadium is a terrible place for them to visit when they are wounded. I am not going to predict a victory, but if the right pieces fall into place, and we come out fired up in the third quarter anything can happen.
I also want to reiterate that I am not a Margarita sucking, country club type of pompus jerk....it has just been a little sarcasm directed back at our fine feathered friends to the South. If you want to dish it out guys, I will dish it right back to you and hit you right in the middle of academia where you aren't even close to UW in any way, shape or form. Oregon isn't exactly a JC on the banks of the Willamette, but nobody is ever going to confuse them with Stanford, Cal, UCLA, or UW.
One poster noted what my Oregon grad friends thought about my rant, well they thought it was funny, and they are going to let me on their yacht Saturday anyway to cruise to the game.
Keep this in mind Husky fans, the last Husky QB to beat Oregon was Casey Paus.
Casey F$%king Paus!
I like our chances with Jake Locker.
Pac Ten Alley
I will be taking a week off from Pac Ten Alley since I am still down in Arizona on vacation. I will however be checking in as Duck fans dive on in with pithy little comments to add to our misery.
My one thought this morning is what if Washington just happens to show up on Saturday, and beat the Ducks?
Wouldn't it be great, and wouldn't it be improbable?
As I said in yesterdays blog in the PI with Nathan, the Ducks need to self destruct for UW to beat them, but they did exactly that against Cal in the fourth quarter which by the way probably cost them the #1 rating in the country.
Anything is possible this year in college football, and funny things do still happen in Husky Stadium.
I have to get going, I have to meet up with an Oregon grad who will be carrying my bag this morning on the course.
Cheers!
My one thought this morning is what if Washington just happens to show up on Saturday, and beat the Ducks?
Wouldn't it be great, and wouldn't it be improbable?
As I said in yesterdays blog in the PI with Nathan, the Ducks need to self destruct for UW to beat them, but they did exactly that against Cal in the fourth quarter which by the way probably cost them the #1 rating in the country.
Anything is possible this year in college football, and funny things do still happen in Husky Stadium.
I have to get going, I have to meet up with an Oregon grad who will be carrying my bag this morning on the course.
Cheers!
Tuesday, October 16, 2007
Oregon Thought of the Day
Why don't Oregon gas stations allow you to pump your own gas?
So Oregon graduates have the opportunity for a job.
So Oregon graduates have the opportunity for a job.
A Message From Our Foes to the Immediate South
What does it feel like? Seriously, what must it be like?
Not that long ago UW was THE model of how to build a national powerhouse from nothing and to do so with integrity. Then, thru a sheer lack of integrity and astounding blundering, a 100% total and incurable implosion such as NCAA football has never before seen and probably never will again. Making matter worse, you have a horrible coach that had his contract non renewed after screwing up ND. At least they knew how to cut their losses, but UW is way too liberal to fire a black coach. He gets to enjoy his bling and keep that program in the mud as long as he wants. That must be galling to all those proud alums. Twenty years of recruiting players no other PAC 10 team wants. Stealing players from teams like San Diego State or some JC school. I don’t know whether to laugh or cry.
So here it is! THE big week. UW’s annual bowl game against Oregon. Or at least as close as UW will get to a bowl game over a 20-30 year period. Oh sure, there may be a team along the way that lucks into a few wins and maybe some minor toilet bowl game somewhere. But let’s face it- this is the week every UW fan turns to each year. The annual fanny kicking administered by Oregon to a program in utter and permanent disgrace. Oh well, keep it close for a half and claim your moral victory.
HUCK THE FUSKIES!!
How does it feel?
It bothers you for around an hour, or two after the game, then you get back to your real life which is pretty darn good if you are a University of Washington graduate.
I am sitting in by the pool of my condo today in Scottsdale catching some rays, and drinking some Margarita's while the rest of the non Husky world serves me during the week. I then fly up to Seattle on Saturday morning to catch the next game before I head home to the North Suburbs of Chicago where I live on the second hole of an Arnold Palmer golf course.
I am only 48, and have been on vacation around eight weeks this year with my wife. We have been to Hawaii, Mexico, Jamaica, Martha's Vineyard, Puget Sound, Arizona, Florida, and a little summer place we have over in Michigan.
Life is good, life is way better than I ever imagined it would be, and the score of a college football game while important pales in comparison. The decision I made over thirty years ago to attend the University of Washington set me up for life like it has for so many other Washington graduates who read this blog.
How does it feel?
How does it really feel?
It feels great because when I wake up in the morning I am a Husky, and am set for life for the most part because I chose to be a Husky.
I can't imagine what it would feel like being a Duck, but I can tell you, win, or lose over this short period of time, it is much better to be a Husky.
Our football history goes back to the turn of the century while your program goes back to only the early 90's. Win, or lose, we have tradition, and class, which is something an Oregon Duck will never have.
Go Huskies
Not that long ago UW was THE model of how to build a national powerhouse from nothing and to do so with integrity. Then, thru a sheer lack of integrity and astounding blundering, a 100% total and incurable implosion such as NCAA football has never before seen and probably never will again. Making matter worse, you have a horrible coach that had his contract non renewed after screwing up ND. At least they knew how to cut their losses, but UW is way too liberal to fire a black coach. He gets to enjoy his bling and keep that program in the mud as long as he wants. That must be galling to all those proud alums. Twenty years of recruiting players no other PAC 10 team wants. Stealing players from teams like San Diego State or some JC school. I don’t know whether to laugh or cry.
So here it is! THE big week. UW’s annual bowl game against Oregon. Or at least as close as UW will get to a bowl game over a 20-30 year period. Oh sure, there may be a team along the way that lucks into a few wins and maybe some minor toilet bowl game somewhere. But let’s face it- this is the week every UW fan turns to each year. The annual fanny kicking administered by Oregon to a program in utter and permanent disgrace. Oh well, keep it close for a half and claim your moral victory.
HUCK THE FUSKIES!!
How does it feel?
It bothers you for around an hour, or two after the game, then you get back to your real life which is pretty darn good if you are a University of Washington graduate.
I am sitting in by the pool of my condo today in Scottsdale catching some rays, and drinking some Margarita's while the rest of the non Husky world serves me during the week. I then fly up to Seattle on Saturday morning to catch the next game before I head home to the North Suburbs of Chicago where I live on the second hole of an Arnold Palmer golf course.
I am only 48, and have been on vacation around eight weeks this year with my wife. We have been to Hawaii, Mexico, Jamaica, Martha's Vineyard, Puget Sound, Arizona, Florida, and a little summer place we have over in Michigan.
Life is good, life is way better than I ever imagined it would be, and the score of a college football game while important pales in comparison. The decision I made over thirty years ago to attend the University of Washington set me up for life like it has for so many other Washington graduates who read this blog.
How does it feel?
How does it really feel?
It feels great because when I wake up in the morning I am a Husky, and am set for life for the most part because I chose to be a Husky.
I can't imagine what it would feel like being a Duck, but I can tell you, win, or lose over this short period of time, it is much better to be a Husky.
Our football history goes back to the turn of the century while your program goes back to only the early 90's. Win, or lose, we have tradition, and class, which is something an Oregon Duck will never have.
Go Huskies
Monday, October 15, 2007
The Monday Morning Wash
The Husky Nation isn't very happy this morning after being thumped in Tempe by another top ten team. UW obviously has the toughest schedule in the country, but that isn't giving anyone any form of solace with the Oregon Ducks coming to town this weekend. The Ducks just might be the very best team the Huskies have played in this bloody gauntlet of a season, and hope is now at an official all time low.
If you go over to the boards at DM you see the reaction, and it isn't pretty as many of the faithful have begun emailing letters to Todd Turner requesting that he fire the current coaching staff at the end of the season if things do not drastically improve. They have a point, it is the middle of the third year of the reign of Ty and the team simply isn't winning, or getting noticeably better. They still make the same type of mistakes they made when he took over, and the talent level hasn't increased enough to overcome those type of mistakes.
The debate here at the hotel has been what is exactly wrong?
"It's obviously a difficult thing to talk about, because I don't have the solution for it," coach Tyrone Willingham said. An honest answer, but for 1.5 million dollars a year it is your job to have that answer.
The main theory is multi fold, and nobody really knows how to explain which is interesting since the head coach had the same type of answer for the media on Saturday night. Just when it looks like things have turned around this team chokes, and crumbles in the second half. How exactly do you pinpoint something like that?
Many fans point to second half adjustments by opposing coaches. ASU started out the second half by spreading the field out which gave them more room inside. UW looked the same on offense, and defense which makes you think that the team just doesn't have enough talent to make adjustments. We have one look, and once teams adjust to it we really don't seem to have much to counter it with.
Another thing to consider was intensity. ASU was a lot more fired up than UW to start the second half. If you were in the stands it was visibly apparent. The Sun Devils came out at a different emotional level on defense to start the third quarter, and UW had no answer for it other than self destruction.
One more thing to look at is performance at quarterback. Jake Locker simply isn't getting better passing the ball even though he had a decent first half against the Devils. In the second half he was just a deer in the headlights out there. The game simply hasn't slowed down for him yet, and the likely hood of that happening this season is now just becoming a pipe dream. Jake despite all his talents is simply not ready, and there just happens to be a senior on the bench who might be capable of doing a better job of passing the ball if the receivers can get open. That is a big IF from what I saw on Saturday.
Jake's running numbers are going down each game. Take away the big TD run, and you will see that ASU basically has negated the one advantage he has right now over most QB's. Expect every single opponent left on the schedule to have similar results until he can show he can complete 55% or more of his passes.
On Saturday night our defense played well in the first half and was actually knocking the crap out of Rudy Carpenter, but the immobile Rudy who isn't all that talented, was still alluding by just a hair the grasp of Husky tacklers and making the type of plays it takes to keep drives alive. You have to give this kid some credit because the harder we hit him the harder this kid responded to it. You might not like him, but he has developed into a winner.
The long runs we gave up were very disappointing, and conditioning has to be called into question since this always seems to happen in the third quarter. Tired offensive linemen simply aren't making the plays they did earlier in the game. Wear down the Huskies in the first half ,and reap the benefits in the second half when they are tired.
What Should Happen?
Most fans are calling for the head of Willingham which is a reasonable reaction when you are 2-4 and very close to bowl elimination. A smaller group of fans are asking for patience pointing to Rich Brooks at Kentucky who has assembled a top ten team this year after struggling the first few years on the job.
What do I think? I think Rich Brooks proved a long time ago that he could coach, recruit, and build a program out of nothing if given the time. His success at Oregon, and now Kentucky are proof of that. Willingham on the other hand has had minor success at Stanford, and little or no success at two of the most resource heavy programs in the country, Notre Dame, and UW. Ty hasn't proven enough in other words, even though I am not quite ready to toss him, and his staff into the trash heap.
I like Ty the person, but we all should expect much better out of Ty the football coach. He simply hasn't done the job yet, and that job has been to win, and bring in better talent. The recruiting classes have been average, he tends to avoid recruiting anyone that the top tier Pac Ten schools want out of the state of Washington, and performance on the field indicates that there are simply much better game day coaches out there.
UW has a choice to make if the slide continues to 2-11, and I am telling you right now that it is a very distinct possibility that we don't win another football game this season. The team is down, they are starting to lose faith in their coaches, and when that happens it is very tough to turn it all around, especially when you have the best football team in the country visiting Husky Stadium next weekend.
The choice UW has to make is whether to buy out Ty for 3 million and bring in someone better suited for the job. Nobody wants to make that choice, and we are weeks away from that becoming a reality, but with up to 350 million in capital improvements to be made by 2012 this program needs to start winning, or we just might lose Husky Stadium to the wrecking ball.
As Todd Turner said when he fired June Daugherty, the program lacked sizzle. Todd needs to realize that the chances of Ty ever sizzling, as opposed to just fizzling are even greater. Personally I like Willingham, and I would hate to be the man who has to can him, but hey when you hire someone that isn't working out that is what they pay the big dollars for you to do or you end up getting canned yourself.
I honestly don't think Ty is going anywhere this year, with a 25 man recruiting class coming up this Winter it isn't the right time to make a move. Fire Ty in December and you risk blowing a big class, and also get a little national criticism. The 2009 class on the other hand is going to be very small in comparison, and after year four if we are in the same boat we are in today I have little doubt that Turner will pull the trigger at that time.
Pac Ten Review
Oregon State had the upset of the week beating California on the road. Our worst nightmare's have come true, OSU is putting it back together for the second half when we play them, and UCLA on the other hand is falling apart. I would have loved to have switched those two dates.
Stanford lost in the 4th quarter to TCU after leading for most of the game. Stanford just ran out of horses in this one, but expect a top twenty recruiting class from Harbaugh this year.
USC almost lost at home again, this time to lowly Arizona. The Trojans are going to lose a few more times before the year is over, and Sneaky Pete exits to the NFL just ahead of an NCAA investigation.
Oregon just obliterated WSU which should be very scary for Washington fans. I will be in Husky Stadium this weekend and personally wish that I hadn't bought the plane tickets since I could be much more productive back home in Chicago.
If you go over to the boards at DM you see the reaction, and it isn't pretty as many of the faithful have begun emailing letters to Todd Turner requesting that he fire the current coaching staff at the end of the season if things do not drastically improve. They have a point, it is the middle of the third year of the reign of Ty and the team simply isn't winning, or getting noticeably better. They still make the same type of mistakes they made when he took over, and the talent level hasn't increased enough to overcome those type of mistakes.
The debate here at the hotel has been what is exactly wrong?
"It's obviously a difficult thing to talk about, because I don't have the solution for it," coach Tyrone Willingham said. An honest answer, but for 1.5 million dollars a year it is your job to have that answer.
The main theory is multi fold, and nobody really knows how to explain which is interesting since the head coach had the same type of answer for the media on Saturday night. Just when it looks like things have turned around this team chokes, and crumbles in the second half. How exactly do you pinpoint something like that?
Many fans point to second half adjustments by opposing coaches. ASU started out the second half by spreading the field out which gave them more room inside. UW looked the same on offense, and defense which makes you think that the team just doesn't have enough talent to make adjustments. We have one look, and once teams adjust to it we really don't seem to have much to counter it with.
Another thing to consider was intensity. ASU was a lot more fired up than UW to start the second half. If you were in the stands it was visibly apparent. The Sun Devils came out at a different emotional level on defense to start the third quarter, and UW had no answer for it other than self destruction.
One more thing to look at is performance at quarterback. Jake Locker simply isn't getting better passing the ball even though he had a decent first half against the Devils. In the second half he was just a deer in the headlights out there. The game simply hasn't slowed down for him yet, and the likely hood of that happening this season is now just becoming a pipe dream. Jake despite all his talents is simply not ready, and there just happens to be a senior on the bench who might be capable of doing a better job of passing the ball if the receivers can get open. That is a big IF from what I saw on Saturday.
Jake's running numbers are going down each game. Take away the big TD run, and you will see that ASU basically has negated the one advantage he has right now over most QB's. Expect every single opponent left on the schedule to have similar results until he can show he can complete 55% or more of his passes.
On Saturday night our defense played well in the first half and was actually knocking the crap out of Rudy Carpenter, but the immobile Rudy who isn't all that talented, was still alluding by just a hair the grasp of Husky tacklers and making the type of plays it takes to keep drives alive. You have to give this kid some credit because the harder we hit him the harder this kid responded to it. You might not like him, but he has developed into a winner.
The long runs we gave up were very disappointing, and conditioning has to be called into question since this always seems to happen in the third quarter. Tired offensive linemen simply aren't making the plays they did earlier in the game. Wear down the Huskies in the first half ,and reap the benefits in the second half when they are tired.
What Should Happen?
Most fans are calling for the head of Willingham which is a reasonable reaction when you are 2-4 and very close to bowl elimination. A smaller group of fans are asking for patience pointing to Rich Brooks at Kentucky who has assembled a top ten team this year after struggling the first few years on the job.
What do I think? I think Rich Brooks proved a long time ago that he could coach, recruit, and build a program out of nothing if given the time. His success at Oregon, and now Kentucky are proof of that. Willingham on the other hand has had minor success at Stanford, and little or no success at two of the most resource heavy programs in the country, Notre Dame, and UW. Ty hasn't proven enough in other words, even though I am not quite ready to toss him, and his staff into the trash heap.
I like Ty the person, but we all should expect much better out of Ty the football coach. He simply hasn't done the job yet, and that job has been to win, and bring in better talent. The recruiting classes have been average, he tends to avoid recruiting anyone that the top tier Pac Ten schools want out of the state of Washington, and performance on the field indicates that there are simply much better game day coaches out there.
UW has a choice to make if the slide continues to 2-11, and I am telling you right now that it is a very distinct possibility that we don't win another football game this season. The team is down, they are starting to lose faith in their coaches, and when that happens it is very tough to turn it all around, especially when you have the best football team in the country visiting Husky Stadium next weekend.
The choice UW has to make is whether to buy out Ty for 3 million and bring in someone better suited for the job. Nobody wants to make that choice, and we are weeks away from that becoming a reality, but with up to 350 million in capital improvements to be made by 2012 this program needs to start winning, or we just might lose Husky Stadium to the wrecking ball.
As Todd Turner said when he fired June Daugherty, the program lacked sizzle. Todd needs to realize that the chances of Ty ever sizzling, as opposed to just fizzling are even greater. Personally I like Willingham, and I would hate to be the man who has to can him, but hey when you hire someone that isn't working out that is what they pay the big dollars for you to do or you end up getting canned yourself.
I honestly don't think Ty is going anywhere this year, with a 25 man recruiting class coming up this Winter it isn't the right time to make a move. Fire Ty in December and you risk blowing a big class, and also get a little national criticism. The 2009 class on the other hand is going to be very small in comparison, and after year four if we are in the same boat we are in today I have little doubt that Turner will pull the trigger at that time.
Pac Ten Review
Oregon State had the upset of the week beating California on the road. Our worst nightmare's have come true, OSU is putting it back together for the second half when we play them, and UCLA on the other hand is falling apart. I would have loved to have switched those two dates.
Stanford lost in the 4th quarter to TCU after leading for most of the game. Stanford just ran out of horses in this one, but expect a top twenty recruiting class from Harbaugh this year.
USC almost lost at home again, this time to lowly Arizona. The Trojans are going to lose a few more times before the year is over, and Sneaky Pete exits to the NFL just ahead of an NCAA investigation.
Oregon just obliterated WSU which should be very scary for Washington fans. I will be in Husky Stadium this weekend and personally wish that I hadn't bought the plane tickets since I could be much more productive back home in Chicago.
Sunday, October 14, 2007
Impressions from Saturday Night
A few impressions from last nights game in Tempe.
The crowd was dressed almost entirely in ASU yellow/gold t-shirts and the sight of it was both intimidating, and nauseous. The crowd was pretty civil, and well behaved, in fact my wife remarked that everyone was nice. I think the place is way too crowded, and while it is a good natured crowd, they don't manage traffic well. The traffic is terrible getting into the stadium area, and parking is really not marked at all which makes it tough if you aren't an insider.
Great place to watch the game, not a bad seat in the house.
I was disappointed that some Husky fans started a Go Huskies chant during the national anthem, nice way to show absolutely no class.
Mill Street is fun, and crowded.
The Husky rooting section was as sparse as I have seen in years. Hard to believe how many people have stopped following the team on the road. I have seen close to ten thousand Husky fans on the road at times.
Locker's TD run right up the middle on a draw was a thing of beauty.
The goal line stop of Carpenter which supposedly ended the first half was just crushing. Our defense looked like they would take it to him the rest of the game. Carpenter was talking trash all night and almost got into fights with our players every time he was hit. I like Rudy, I think the kid is a competitor.
The first half was tremendous, and I really thought the Huskies were going to win the game at that point. We were just knocking the crap out of Rudy Carpenter, and Torrain had left the game.
The third quarter was just a nightmare from beginning to end. I don't really have any answer for it. ASU just came out and shut down our offense, and our defense gave up big plays. You have to wonder if conditioning is a problem with the defense. On offense ASU simply has UW figured out, and Lappano had absolutely nothing to counter with.
I thought our defense played well in the first half. The long TD runs in the second half were the result of excellent cutback moves which took advantage of the Huskies over pursuing, being out of position, and lacking Safety support. All those plays were initially stopped if arm tackles hadn't been missed at the line of scrimmage. We aren't talking huge holes, we are talking tired lineman, and linebackers missing tackles. Once again conditioning comes to mind since all this happens in the third quarter.
Erickson and his coaches knew exactly what type of adjustments were needed to open the second half and they made them. Our coaches made no adjustments that worked, and that put the team on it's heals the entire second half.
One third quarter series was just marred by repeated penalties, that and the Locker fumble set the tone for the second half.
Rankin had a nice night running the ball, and returning kickoffs.
The Huskies have been outscored 56-0 in the third quarter over the last five games....ouch.
Johnnie Kirton is not a good looking TE at all, and he doesn't look like he is in shape. Gottleib had some nice grabs tonight, and looked the part. Kirton needs a position change, or early graduation, he isn't helping.
Our receivers don't run great routes, and they don't get much separation which really doesn't matter since Locker was off target the entire second half.
Locker only completed 33% of his passes last night after starting the game very well, you can't win with a percentage like that.
I thought our running game was fine, but I strongly question the substitution pattern of the running backs in the third quarter, it had little rhyme, or reason. It was totally disruptive, and I have no idea what the coaches were trying to accomplish.
Well, off to the pool for a little sunshine.
The crowd was dressed almost entirely in ASU yellow/gold t-shirts and the sight of it was both intimidating, and nauseous. The crowd was pretty civil, and well behaved, in fact my wife remarked that everyone was nice. I think the place is way too crowded, and while it is a good natured crowd, they don't manage traffic well. The traffic is terrible getting into the stadium area, and parking is really not marked at all which makes it tough if you aren't an insider.
Great place to watch the game, not a bad seat in the house.
I was disappointed that some Husky fans started a Go Huskies chant during the national anthem, nice way to show absolutely no class.
Mill Street is fun, and crowded.
The Husky rooting section was as sparse as I have seen in years. Hard to believe how many people have stopped following the team on the road. I have seen close to ten thousand Husky fans on the road at times.
Locker's TD run right up the middle on a draw was a thing of beauty.
The goal line stop of Carpenter which supposedly ended the first half was just crushing. Our defense looked like they would take it to him the rest of the game. Carpenter was talking trash all night and almost got into fights with our players every time he was hit. I like Rudy, I think the kid is a competitor.
The first half was tremendous, and I really thought the Huskies were going to win the game at that point. We were just knocking the crap out of Rudy Carpenter, and Torrain had left the game.
The third quarter was just a nightmare from beginning to end. I don't really have any answer for it. ASU just came out and shut down our offense, and our defense gave up big plays. You have to wonder if conditioning is a problem with the defense. On offense ASU simply has UW figured out, and Lappano had absolutely nothing to counter with.
I thought our defense played well in the first half. The long TD runs in the second half were the result of excellent cutback moves which took advantage of the Huskies over pursuing, being out of position, and lacking Safety support. All those plays were initially stopped if arm tackles hadn't been missed at the line of scrimmage. We aren't talking huge holes, we are talking tired lineman, and linebackers missing tackles. Once again conditioning comes to mind since all this happens in the third quarter.
Erickson and his coaches knew exactly what type of adjustments were needed to open the second half and they made them. Our coaches made no adjustments that worked, and that put the team on it's heals the entire second half.
One third quarter series was just marred by repeated penalties, that and the Locker fumble set the tone for the second half.
Rankin had a nice night running the ball, and returning kickoffs.
The Huskies have been outscored 56-0 in the third quarter over the last five games....ouch.
Johnnie Kirton is not a good looking TE at all, and he doesn't look like he is in shape. Gottleib had some nice grabs tonight, and looked the part. Kirton needs a position change, or early graduation, he isn't helping.
Our receivers don't run great routes, and they don't get much separation which really doesn't matter since Locker was off target the entire second half.
Locker only completed 33% of his passes last night after starting the game very well, you can't win with a percentage like that.
I thought our running game was fine, but I strongly question the substitution pattern of the running backs in the third quarter, it had little rhyme, or reason. It was totally disruptive, and I have no idea what the coaches were trying to accomplish.
Well, off to the pool for a little sunshine.
Friday, October 12, 2007
Puppy Chow
I am at home today preparing to take off to Tempe in the morning. Plenty of little preparations to do to make sure that everything goes smooth while I am away to watch two consecutive Husky games in person. That's right, next Saturday morning I jump on a plane to head to Seattle to watch the Huskies play the Ducks. Thank goodness for the afternoon start in that one, and the evening start in Tempe.
I am pretty excited to see the team in person from the stands because you can really see a lot more at the game then on TV. You can pick up the mood of the team, and coaches on the sideline. You can feel the momentum as it changes, and you can pay extra attention to the play of the line rather than just focusing on who has the ball.
This is a crossroads game for Willingham, and his program. The fan base is tired of moral victories, and disappointed in a 2-3 start even though that is the best most pundits figured the Huskies would do before the season started. Looking back the Huskies could easily be 3-2, 4-1, or even 5-0, and that really is rubbing the fan base wrong after Stanford knocked off USC last week.
This is almost the exact midpoint of the reign of Ty Willingham, and he needs a signature victory, and a winning season to keep the rebuilding process on track. This is also the mid point in Jake Lockers first season as starting QB. While Locker has gained over 80 yards per game with his feet, he is at the bottom of the Pac Ten in most passing categories. It is hoped the bye week can straighten out his problems, give him a chance to heal, and allow him a fresh start for the second half of the season. It all sounds plausible since Locker is destined to be the best QB in the Pac Ten one of these days. Most thought he would struggle early, and he has, but most also thought that by the end of the year he would be among the best in the conference.
Saturday night in Tempe is where it all needs to start. Don't pay attention to the statistics, because if you do you will concede the Sun Devils a two TD victory. Pay attention to Jake Locker. If he can come out, and complete around 60% of his passes on Saturday Washington is going to win this game. Those additional completions are all it is going to take to open up the run game, and keep the defense off the field in the heat.
Washington needs a win right now, a signature win. ASU is a team we need to beat to start moving up in the conference. Win this game and a 5-3 finish of higher looks very doable. Lose this game and the margin for error is ever so tiny.
Pac Ten Predictions
Washington at Arizona State
I am taking the Huskies in this one despite the fact that they are 11 point underdogs on the road. throw out the statistics, I think Washington shows up, and Jake Locker the passer arrives on Saturday night.
Arizona at USC
The WildCats certainly are a bit off on their timing rolling into the Coliseum this week. Cinderella won't strike twice and the Trojans will win by three TD's.
WSU at Oregon
I would love to see the Coug's knock off the Ducks, but it isn't going to happen because WSU's defense is way too weak to stop the Ducks. UO by 14
TCU at Stanford
I am actually going to take Stanford even though TCU is a much better team. I am turning into a Harbaugh believer. Cards by 3
Oregon State at California
The Beavers put together a nice win over Arizona last week, but they will have to throw the ball to beat the Bears. Bad things happen to the Stroughter-less Beavers when they put the ball in the air. Canfield throws the usual four interceptions. He must be getting close to Derrick Anderson's record. Cal by 14
I am pretty excited to see the team in person from the stands because you can really see a lot more at the game then on TV. You can pick up the mood of the team, and coaches on the sideline. You can feel the momentum as it changes, and you can pay extra attention to the play of the line rather than just focusing on who has the ball.
This is a crossroads game for Willingham, and his program. The fan base is tired of moral victories, and disappointed in a 2-3 start even though that is the best most pundits figured the Huskies would do before the season started. Looking back the Huskies could easily be 3-2, 4-1, or even 5-0, and that really is rubbing the fan base wrong after Stanford knocked off USC last week.
This is almost the exact midpoint of the reign of Ty Willingham, and he needs a signature victory, and a winning season to keep the rebuilding process on track. This is also the mid point in Jake Lockers first season as starting QB. While Locker has gained over 80 yards per game with his feet, he is at the bottom of the Pac Ten in most passing categories. It is hoped the bye week can straighten out his problems, give him a chance to heal, and allow him a fresh start for the second half of the season. It all sounds plausible since Locker is destined to be the best QB in the Pac Ten one of these days. Most thought he would struggle early, and he has, but most also thought that by the end of the year he would be among the best in the conference.
Saturday night in Tempe is where it all needs to start. Don't pay attention to the statistics, because if you do you will concede the Sun Devils a two TD victory. Pay attention to Jake Locker. If he can come out, and complete around 60% of his passes on Saturday Washington is going to win this game. Those additional completions are all it is going to take to open up the run game, and keep the defense off the field in the heat.
Washington needs a win right now, a signature win. ASU is a team we need to beat to start moving up in the conference. Win this game and a 5-3 finish of higher looks very doable. Lose this game and the margin for error is ever so tiny.
Pac Ten Predictions
Washington at Arizona State
I am taking the Huskies in this one despite the fact that they are 11 point underdogs on the road. throw out the statistics, I think Washington shows up, and Jake Locker the passer arrives on Saturday night.
Arizona at USC
The WildCats certainly are a bit off on their timing rolling into the Coliseum this week. Cinderella won't strike twice and the Trojans will win by three TD's.
WSU at Oregon
I would love to see the Coug's knock off the Ducks, but it isn't going to happen because WSU's defense is way too weak to stop the Ducks. UO by 14
TCU at Stanford
I am actually going to take Stanford even though TCU is a much better team. I am turning into a Harbaugh believer. Cards by 3
Oregon State at California
The Beavers put together a nice win over Arizona last week, but they will have to throw the ball to beat the Bears. Bad things happen to the Stroughter-less Beavers when they put the ball in the air. Canfield throws the usual four interceptions. He must be getting close to Derrick Anderson's record. Cal by 14
Thursday, October 11, 2007
Arizona State Preview
The Sun Devils haven't had much trouble in 2007 going undefeated, and starting to take the look of a Dennis Erickson coached football team. Washington will be the toughest team the Sun Devils have faced so far this season, and for the Huskies a victory will move them up into the middle tier of the conference at mid season.
I decided to condense this feature because it is kind of redundant with the preview at the beginning of the week.
Why Arizona State is going to win
The Sun Devils are going to win this game because they are going to be able to stifle the Husky passing game like the three previous opponents did. This will allow them to concentrate on stopping the run, and keeping locker in check around the corners.
Let it be said that the cheap shot Locker took a couple of weeks ago made a big impression on Pac Ten DB's. Look for that type of stuff to continue as most teams know knocking the snot out of Jake is the best way to beat the Huskies.
On offense the Sun Devils will be able to run up the middle against Washington enough to keep them honest, and buy time for Rudy Carpenter to complete enough passes downfield to keep the offense moving. Ryan Torrain will wear down the Husky defensive line and score on a couple big plays in the second half.
Why Washington will beat Arizona State
I have read a lot of negativity on the boards lately, but everyone is forgetting something. that something is Jake Locker is ready to break out after a bye week. If there is any time in the season where things should start to click for him it should have been the last two weeks.
If Jake can come out and complete around 60% of his passes, and he is completely capable of that, Washington is going to win this football game. Complete those passes and there is room for Louis Rankin to run, and Jake himself with have better lanes to travel down.
The combo of Rankin, and Hasty get enough carries to establish some rhythm this week since Jake isn't killing drives with uncompleted passes, and the defense loosens up to respect the pass.
Defensively Washington has played for the most part this season. There have been some big play lapses, but most of it can be put on the offense for keeping them out there so long. If the UW offense does there job the defense will be there to make the type of plays that will put us in the position to win this game.
UW needs more pressure this week, but it still will play within itself rather than adopt a new drastic identity. Getting pressure on Carpenter results in sacks, and hurries, which lead to turnovers.
What Do I Think?
Well since I am taking the trip to Tempe this weekend I am predicting a win, and a national coming out party for Jake Locker.
Here are some guesses:
Odd's say that a young QB will experience the most growth after a mid season bye week. I like those type of odds.
I figure this is the week Jake breaks out, and the Huskies 34-27.
I decided to condense this feature because it is kind of redundant with the preview at the beginning of the week.
Why Arizona State is going to win
The Sun Devils are going to win this game because they are going to be able to stifle the Husky passing game like the three previous opponents did. This will allow them to concentrate on stopping the run, and keeping locker in check around the corners.
Let it be said that the cheap shot Locker took a couple of weeks ago made a big impression on Pac Ten DB's. Look for that type of stuff to continue as most teams know knocking the snot out of Jake is the best way to beat the Huskies.
On offense the Sun Devils will be able to run up the middle against Washington enough to keep them honest, and buy time for Rudy Carpenter to complete enough passes downfield to keep the offense moving. Ryan Torrain will wear down the Husky defensive line and score on a couple big plays in the second half.
Why Washington will beat Arizona State
I have read a lot of negativity on the boards lately, but everyone is forgetting something. that something is Jake Locker is ready to break out after a bye week. If there is any time in the season where things should start to click for him it should have been the last two weeks.
If Jake can come out and complete around 60% of his passes, and he is completely capable of that, Washington is going to win this football game. Complete those passes and there is room for Louis Rankin to run, and Jake himself with have better lanes to travel down.
The combo of Rankin, and Hasty get enough carries to establish some rhythm this week since Jake isn't killing drives with uncompleted passes, and the defense loosens up to respect the pass.
Defensively Washington has played for the most part this season. There have been some big play lapses, but most of it can be put on the offense for keeping them out there so long. If the UW offense does there job the defense will be there to make the type of plays that will put us in the position to win this game.
UW needs more pressure this week, but it still will play within itself rather than adopt a new drastic identity. Getting pressure on Carpenter results in sacks, and hurries, which lead to turnovers.
What Do I Think?
Well since I am taking the trip to Tempe this weekend I am predicting a win, and a national coming out party for Jake Locker.
Here are some guesses:
- 1.We all know Jake is going to be a great QB.
- 2. We all know that this is going to a pretty good team by the end of the year.
- 3. We have played a tougher schedule and are ready for battle after a bye week.
Here are some facts:
- Statistically the Devils are the best defense we have played so far.
- ASU statistically is a better team in almost every statistical category.
- ASU simply has more athletes and depth than Washington.
Odd's say that a young QB will experience the most growth after a mid season bye week. I like those type of odds.
I figure this is the week Jake breaks out, and the Huskies 34-27.
Wednesday, October 10, 2007
Pac Ten Alley
It is that time of the week again when we take a stroll down the coast to see what the neighbors are up to.
Arizona State has been on a roll and has its highest ranking in a decade.
The 7-0 start that fans imagined for Arizona State before the season now is achievable.ASU (6-0, 3-0 Pac-10), with its highest national ranking in a decade, returns home after winning consecutive road games to face Washington (2-3, 0-2) on Saturday. If the Sun Devils don't slip up they would go unbeaten into an off week before returning to Sun Devil Stadium against No. 2 California (5-0, 2-0) on Oct. 27. Dennis Erickson wants to make certain that no one takes for granted what his first ASU team has accomplished. "It's hard to win six games and be undefeated. I don't care who you're playing," he said Sunday. "Those guys have done that. Does that make us real good? Probably not. We've played hard in tough situations.
The Ducks had the week off.
For the second week in a row upsets in the top 25 will play in the Ducks favor.Number 2 USC lost to unranked Stanford at home (how far will the Trojans fall?) Fifth ranked Wisconsin fell to unranked Illinois. #8 Kentucky lost to #11 South Carolina. #12 Georgia lost to Tennessee and Kansas beat #24 Kansas St. How this plays out for #14 Oregon remains to be seen but you have to believe that for having a bye this week it couldn't have been much better.
Arizona faces an angry USC this week.
Arizona opens as a 21-point underdog to USC, which lost last week as a 40-point favorite to Stanford. Based solely on the point spread, that is the biggest upset ever in major college football. Will the Trojans be extra-motivated this week because of the loss? Or is USC more flawed than originally thought?
Bowl possibilities for Stanford? If Harbaugh gets to a bowl before Willingham.....
That’s right. I’m here to type about Stanford’s not-as-remote-as-they-were-Saturday-morning chances of becoming bowl eligible. Yep, the guy who last week wrote that Pete Carroll would name his score against the Cardinal is talking about the postseason. Yep, I’m all over the map — GUILTY!!!– and there are two explanations for that:
Oregon State decided to mothball Stroughter till next season.
Coach Mike Riley met this press this morning, and his responses to various questions are listed below. The most interesting is the issue of the medical redshirt for Sammie Stroughter. He will obviously be missed for the rest of this season, but having him 100% for a whole season is a better option than a mediocre 5 or 6 games. Plus, he had the issues before the season that kept him out of the Utah game.
California is enjoying the rare air up there, but are they really the best team in the Pac Ten?
Sam Parker knows what it's like to race out onto the pitch at Memorial Stadium under a rocking chorus of "Go Bears!" chants. He lived that life -- first as a player in the late 1960s and then as an assistant coach during the turbulent '80s. So imagine his excitement last Saturday when the Bowl Championship Series was nearly thrown off its axis with Stanford's upset of USC. "I was watching the Florida-LSU game, thinking 'My God, we might be No. 1,' " said Parker, now an assistant coach at Buhach Colony. "LSU pulled it out, obviously, but the big thing was holding off Ohio State." Cal did. The idle Bears -- still spinning after Stanford's miracle win -- jumped to No. 2 in the polls on Sunday morning without playing a single down. How big was the leap for those in Strawberry Canyon? Cal hasn't been ranked this high since 1951, when it held the top spot for one week.
The WSU Blog is beside themselves this week after another loss.
We at the WSU Football Blog staff are first and foremost die-hard Coug fans. You know this when you read this stuff. So the following comes at you with the idea that this isn't to rip on WSU, but to simply help further explain an angle as to why we are where WE are right now.
UCLA is in deep trouble at the QB position with Olson out for three to four weeks, and backup Pat Cowan unsure if he can go this week.
Let’s start with some good news on the football front (I am not joking). Per Foster in the LA Times Ben Olson’s arthorscropic surgery revealed “no cartilage damage in his injured knee.” It will take Ben three or four weeks to fully heal. If I were a member of his family, I’d urge him to hold out for rest of the season, and wait on a brand new head football coach, who would be able to figure out how to utilize his talent. Asked whether he'd have the opportunity to play, Cowan responded, "Good question. Will I be given the opportunity to play? I feel that if I'm able to play, I feel I will be given the opportunity to play." Such is the chaotic state of the Bruins' quarterback situation -- now reduced to waiting on a player with a partially torn medial collateral ligament while trying to bring other less experienced backups up to speed. McLeod Bethel-Thompson, the non-scholarship player who was sent in when Olson sustained an injury to his left knee Saturday against Notre Dame, is still in the mix. Osaar Rasshan has made a boomerang journey, from quarterback to wide receiver and back. And freshman Chris Forcier was promoted from a leading role on the scout team to auditioning for time in the spotlight.
The Reggie Bush Scandal has new life at USC.
First, they most likely lose their chance at a national championship a few days ago, and now it looks more likely they'll lose their one national championship from their recent "dynasty". If this sticks - and everyone knows it should, because everyone knows that many rules were unquestionably violated - the NCAA has to throw the book at Reggie Bush, and the program, because otherwise they will know they've made a mockery of their own system. I had started to think that they would get away with this because nobody would step forward with evidence, so I'm extremely encouraged by this new development.
USC is going with a new QB against Arizona.
Mark Sanchez threw an interception and fumbled a snap in practice but said overall he felt relaxed and ready to start his first college game.``I feel pretty comfortable,’’ he said. ``It’s just a different feeling. I don’t like it or not like it. But every kid dreams of being a starting quarterback.’’
Hawaii has six more games to show people who they really are. Despite the rash of upsets out there the Warriors aren't really climbing in the polls.
"We're definitely excited to get out there and really show people what we are," Brennan said. "We haven't proven anything yet. The next six games will define us as a team and how we'll leave our mark."
Arizona State has been on a roll and has its highest ranking in a decade.
The 7-0 start that fans imagined for Arizona State before the season now is achievable.ASU (6-0, 3-0 Pac-10), with its highest national ranking in a decade, returns home after winning consecutive road games to face Washington (2-3, 0-2) on Saturday. If the Sun Devils don't slip up they would go unbeaten into an off week before returning to Sun Devil Stadium against No. 2 California (5-0, 2-0) on Oct. 27. Dennis Erickson wants to make certain that no one takes for granted what his first ASU team has accomplished. "It's hard to win six games and be undefeated. I don't care who you're playing," he said Sunday. "Those guys have done that. Does that make us real good? Probably not. We've played hard in tough situations.
The Ducks had the week off.
For the second week in a row upsets in the top 25 will play in the Ducks favor.Number 2 USC lost to unranked Stanford at home (how far will the Trojans fall?) Fifth ranked Wisconsin fell to unranked Illinois. #8 Kentucky lost to #11 South Carolina. #12 Georgia lost to Tennessee and Kansas beat #24 Kansas St. How this plays out for #14 Oregon remains to be seen but you have to believe that for having a bye this week it couldn't have been much better.
Arizona faces an angry USC this week.
Arizona opens as a 21-point underdog to USC, which lost last week as a 40-point favorite to Stanford. Based solely on the point spread, that is the biggest upset ever in major college football. Will the Trojans be extra-motivated this week because of the loss? Or is USC more flawed than originally thought?
Bowl possibilities for Stanford? If Harbaugh gets to a bowl before Willingham.....
That’s right. I’m here to type about Stanford’s not-as-remote-as-they-were-Saturday-morning chances of becoming bowl eligible. Yep, the guy who last week wrote that Pete Carroll would name his score against the Cardinal is talking about the postseason. Yep, I’m all over the map — GUILTY!!!– and there are two explanations for that:
Oregon State decided to mothball Stroughter till next season.
Coach Mike Riley met this press this morning, and his responses to various questions are listed below. The most interesting is the issue of the medical redshirt for Sammie Stroughter. He will obviously be missed for the rest of this season, but having him 100% for a whole season is a better option than a mediocre 5 or 6 games. Plus, he had the issues before the season that kept him out of the Utah game.
California is enjoying the rare air up there, but are they really the best team in the Pac Ten?
Sam Parker knows what it's like to race out onto the pitch at Memorial Stadium under a rocking chorus of "Go Bears!" chants. He lived that life -- first as a player in the late 1960s and then as an assistant coach during the turbulent '80s. So imagine his excitement last Saturday when the Bowl Championship Series was nearly thrown off its axis with Stanford's upset of USC. "I was watching the Florida-LSU game, thinking 'My God, we might be No. 1,' " said Parker, now an assistant coach at Buhach Colony. "LSU pulled it out, obviously, but the big thing was holding off Ohio State." Cal did. The idle Bears -- still spinning after Stanford's miracle win -- jumped to No. 2 in the polls on Sunday morning without playing a single down. How big was the leap for those in Strawberry Canyon? Cal hasn't been ranked this high since 1951, when it held the top spot for one week.
The WSU Blog is beside themselves this week after another loss.
We at the WSU Football Blog staff are first and foremost die-hard Coug fans. You know this when you read this stuff. So the following comes at you with the idea that this isn't to rip on WSU, but to simply help further explain an angle as to why we are where WE are right now.
UCLA is in deep trouble at the QB position with Olson out for three to four weeks, and backup Pat Cowan unsure if he can go this week.
Let’s start with some good news on the football front (I am not joking). Per Foster in the LA Times Ben Olson’s arthorscropic surgery revealed “no cartilage damage in his injured knee.” It will take Ben three or four weeks to fully heal. If I were a member of his family, I’d urge him to hold out for rest of the season, and wait on a brand new head football coach, who would be able to figure out how to utilize his talent. Asked whether he'd have the opportunity to play, Cowan responded, "Good question. Will I be given the opportunity to play? I feel that if I'm able to play, I feel I will be given the opportunity to play." Such is the chaotic state of the Bruins' quarterback situation -- now reduced to waiting on a player with a partially torn medial collateral ligament while trying to bring other less experienced backups up to speed. McLeod Bethel-Thompson, the non-scholarship player who was sent in when Olson sustained an injury to his left knee Saturday against Notre Dame, is still in the mix. Osaar Rasshan has made a boomerang journey, from quarterback to wide receiver and back. And freshman Chris Forcier was promoted from a leading role on the scout team to auditioning for time in the spotlight.
The Reggie Bush Scandal has new life at USC.
First, they most likely lose their chance at a national championship a few days ago, and now it looks more likely they'll lose their one national championship from their recent "dynasty". If this sticks - and everyone knows it should, because everyone knows that many rules were unquestionably violated - the NCAA has to throw the book at Reggie Bush, and the program, because otherwise they will know they've made a mockery of their own system. I had started to think that they would get away with this because nobody would step forward with evidence, so I'm extremely encouraged by this new development.
USC is going with a new QB against Arizona.
Mark Sanchez threw an interception and fumbled a snap in practice but said overall he felt relaxed and ready to start his first college game.``I feel pretty comfortable,’’ he said. ``It’s just a different feeling. I don’t like it or not like it. But every kid dreams of being a starting quarterback.’’
Hawaii has six more games to show people who they really are. Despite the rash of upsets out there the Warriors aren't really climbing in the polls.
"We're definitely excited to get out there and really show people what we are," Brennan said. "We haven't proven anything yet. The next six games will define us as a team and how we'll leave our mark."
Tuesday, October 09, 2007
The Weekly Poll Question
How will Washington Finish the Season?
8-0 2% (1 votes)
7-1 9% (5 votes)
6-2 7% (4 votes)
5-3 44% (24 votes)
4-4 20% (11 votes)
3-5 15% (8 votes)
2-6 0% (0 votes)
1-7 0% (0 votes)
0-8 2% (1 votes)
Most of of us picked 5-3, and I think that is an optimistic, but achievable goal. I go along with 5-3 too, and I think we pick off one of the big three, but could fall to Oregon State on the road.
This weeks question:
Will Washington Beat Arizona State?
The second half of the season starts on Saturday and this is a winnable game in my opinion.
8-0 2% (1 votes)
7-1 9% (5 votes)
6-2 7% (4 votes)
5-3 44% (24 votes)
4-4 20% (11 votes)
3-5 15% (8 votes)
2-6 0% (0 votes)
1-7 0% (0 votes)
0-8 2% (1 votes)
Most of of us picked 5-3, and I think that is an optimistic, but achievable goal. I go along with 5-3 too, and I think we pick off one of the big three, but could fall to Oregon State on the road.
This weeks question:
Will Washington Beat Arizona State?
The second half of the season starts on Saturday and this is a winnable game in my opinion.
Taking A Closer Look at Arizona State
Last season saw the 7-6 Arizona State Sun Devils went to the Emerald Bowl where they lost to Florida State. The result was the firing of coach Dirk Koetter, and the hiring of Dennis Erikson, who brings a 148- 65- 1 record.
The offense is aggressive, featuring quick passes, the shotgun and a power running game. QB Rudy Carpenter doesn't have wheels, but is aided by good health, better coaching, and the shotgun formation. ASU's game plan is to focus on running first, which takes some pressure off the QB. Carpenter was supposed to be protected by an experienced frontline, but the results have been mixed so far as the Sun Devils seem very vulnerable to blitzing packages. RB Ryan Torrain is one of the conferences best running backs. He has the potential to tear off quite a few yards. The receivers are for the most part are adequate. Although they can make catches, there's no established go-to guy for big plays or third down conversions.
ASU likes to play aggressive get in your face man coverage on defense, which helps the Sun Devils take away the run, but also can result in some big pass plays if the opponent can hit on them. Washington needs to attack their defensive backfield, and have some success to open up the run. The Devils are aggressive on defense, and they take chances. Washington needs to identify those opportunities.
Comparing Statistics
If you were handicapping this game by past statistics you can understand why Vegas has opened with ASU as a ten point favorite. The Devils are at home, Washington is struggling on offense, and they haven't stopped the run, or got pressure on the QB. The Huskies also have trouble against man defenses, the Sun Devils have better numbers in most statistical categories, so who do you think they are going to pick?
UW is 9th in Pac Ten scoring offense averaging 27 points per game which is about at TD more than they scored last season. Oregon, Cal, USC, and ASU are all scoring over 35 points per game.
On defense the Huskies are seventh giving up 27.5 per game. ASU has been giving up only 14 points a game this season. The Huskies are dead last in passing averaging only 172 yards per game, and a 51% completion rate. WSU, Arizona, lead the league at over 300 yards per game. ASU is a surprising third averaging 265 yards per game.
The Huskies are third in the conference in pass defense while ASU is just ahead of them in second. The Huskies are eighth in total defense giving up 416 yards per game.
ASU averages 157 yards on the ground per game, while Washington averages 160. The Huskies are rated tenth in rushing defense giving up 187 per game. ASU on the other hand has only given up 80 per game.
UW is last in total offense in the conference averaging only 332 yards per game against some pretty good defenses. ASU has been averaging around 432.
UW is last in time of possession in the conference at only 27.14 minutes per game. ASU is first holding onto the ball 33:46 minutes per game. Jake Locker is the seventh leading rusher in the Pac Ten. ASU's Ryan Torrain is fifth and headed for a thousand yard season. Locker at 82 yards per game is on track to do that in a 13 game season. Locker is fourth in total offense. ASU's Rudy Carpenter is sixth. Rudy is also second in passing efficiency with a 162, while Jake is last with 103.2.
Backtalk with Nathan Ware
Nathan, and I discuss what is on each others mind each Tuesday in the PI.
Everything about Arizona State
ASU's Tempe campus lies in the heart of Tempe, Arizona. The campus is considered urban, and is approximately 580 acres in size. The Tempe campus sits next to Tempe Town Lake and crosses University Drive. It is defined by its borders on Apache Blvd, Rural Road, and Mill Avenue. Against the northwest edge of campus is the Mill Avenue district, which has a college atmosphere that attracts many students to its restaurants and bars.
As of 2006, the ASU Tempe campus is the second-largest university campus in terms of student enrollment in the United States, with a student body of 51,234. There are plans to grow to more than 90,000 students by 2020.
The Arizona State Sun Devils are a major college football program that competes in NCAA Division I-A and the Pacific Ten Conference.
The Sun Devils had their greatest success in the 1960's and 1970's under head coach Frank Kush. In that 21-year stretch, they compiled a 176-54-1 record, putting Arizona State on the college football map. From 1969 to 1971, the team put together a school-record 21-game winning streak. The team plays its home games at Sun Devil Stadium, which currently has a capacity of 73,379.
Arizona State has played in 23 bowls in its history and owns a 12-10-1 record in those games. Among the most common bowls its played in are the Fiesta Bowl (six times) and the Sun Bowls (four times). The team has currently gone to three consecutive bowl games, and eight in the last 12 seasons.
The offense is aggressive, featuring quick passes, the shotgun and a power running game. QB Rudy Carpenter doesn't have wheels, but is aided by good health, better coaching, and the shotgun formation. ASU's game plan is to focus on running first, which takes some pressure off the QB. Carpenter was supposed to be protected by an experienced frontline, but the results have been mixed so far as the Sun Devils seem very vulnerable to blitzing packages. RB Ryan Torrain is one of the conferences best running backs. He has the potential to tear off quite a few yards. The receivers are for the most part are adequate. Although they can make catches, there's no established go-to guy for big plays or third down conversions.
ASU likes to play aggressive get in your face man coverage on defense, which helps the Sun Devils take away the run, but also can result in some big pass plays if the opponent can hit on them. Washington needs to attack their defensive backfield, and have some success to open up the run. The Devils are aggressive on defense, and they take chances. Washington needs to identify those opportunities.
Comparing Statistics
If you were handicapping this game by past statistics you can understand why Vegas has opened with ASU as a ten point favorite. The Devils are at home, Washington is struggling on offense, and they haven't stopped the run, or got pressure on the QB. The Huskies also have trouble against man defenses, the Sun Devils have better numbers in most statistical categories, so who do you think they are going to pick?
UW is 9th in Pac Ten scoring offense averaging 27 points per game which is about at TD more than they scored last season. Oregon, Cal, USC, and ASU are all scoring over 35 points per game.
On defense the Huskies are seventh giving up 27.5 per game. ASU has been giving up only 14 points a game this season. The Huskies are dead last in passing averaging only 172 yards per game, and a 51% completion rate. WSU, Arizona, lead the league at over 300 yards per game. ASU is a surprising third averaging 265 yards per game.
The Huskies are third in the conference in pass defense while ASU is just ahead of them in second. The Huskies are eighth in total defense giving up 416 yards per game.
ASU averages 157 yards on the ground per game, while Washington averages 160. The Huskies are rated tenth in rushing defense giving up 187 per game. ASU on the other hand has only given up 80 per game.
UW is last in total offense in the conference averaging only 332 yards per game against some pretty good defenses. ASU has been averaging around 432.
UW is last in time of possession in the conference at only 27.14 minutes per game. ASU is first holding onto the ball 33:46 minutes per game. Jake Locker is the seventh leading rusher in the Pac Ten. ASU's Ryan Torrain is fifth and headed for a thousand yard season. Locker at 82 yards per game is on track to do that in a 13 game season. Locker is fourth in total offense. ASU's Rudy Carpenter is sixth. Rudy is also second in passing efficiency with a 162, while Jake is last with 103.2.
Backtalk with Nathan Ware
Nathan, and I discuss what is on each others mind each Tuesday in the PI.
Everything about Arizona State
ASU's Tempe campus lies in the heart of Tempe, Arizona. The campus is considered urban, and is approximately 580 acres in size. The Tempe campus sits next to Tempe Town Lake and crosses University Drive. It is defined by its borders on Apache Blvd, Rural Road, and Mill Avenue. Against the northwest edge of campus is the Mill Avenue district, which has a college atmosphere that attracts many students to its restaurants and bars.
As of 2006, the ASU Tempe campus is the second-largest university campus in terms of student enrollment in the United States, with a student body of 51,234. There are plans to grow to more than 90,000 students by 2020.
The Arizona State Sun Devils are a major college football program that competes in NCAA Division I-A and the Pacific Ten Conference.
The Sun Devils had their greatest success in the 1960's and 1970's under head coach Frank Kush. In that 21-year stretch, they compiled a 176-54-1 record, putting Arizona State on the college football map. From 1969 to 1971, the team put together a school-record 21-game winning streak. The team plays its home games at Sun Devil Stadium, which currently has a capacity of 73,379.
Arizona State has played in 23 bowls in its history and owns a 12-10-1 record in those games. Among the most common bowls its played in are the Fiesta Bowl (six times) and the Sun Bowls (four times). The team has currently gone to three consecutive bowl games, and eight in the last 12 seasons.
Monday, October 08, 2007
A Tale of Two Seasons
Let's take a look at the team going into the second half by reviewing the units and predicting what they will do over the next eight games. I happen to think that this team will do no worse than 5-3 over the next eight games, and I also think it is a more than reasonable expectation.
Quarterback - Everyone who has seen Jake Locker feel that not only will he be the conferences best QB in the near future he also may be the nations best. That all being said Mr Locker is probably the person most responsible for the Huskies 2-3 start. His inconsistencies as a passer has made him a little too one dimensional which has allowed opponents to set up to defense the run. That hurts Jake who is an excellent runner, and Louis Rankin who has to run against a stacked line. Jake needs to start hitting his passes at a clip of 55% to 60%. The plays are there for that to happen, he just needs to deliver the ball better.
As a runner Jake has shown he can take the ball to the house, he also has shown that he needs a lot of work on his pitches, and play fakes. He needs to make it easier for his running backs by being more deceptive. The game hasn't slowed down for Jake yet, once it does he will make his running backs more productive around the corner.
Prediction - I think Jake Locker is ready to break out Saturday night in Tempe. The two weeks off to get healthy, and work on finesse will pay off, and bring in dividends.
Running Back - I addressed most of it when I was talking about the Quarterback. Louis Rankin however can help himself, and his team quite a bit by hitting the line and not looking for the crease. He needs to pick up tough yards and carry tacklers with him. UW is really missing that inside toughness in the running game from Rankin.
The coaches supposedly spent last week looking at Hasty, Johnson, and Shaw to see which one of them was ready foe some meaningful carries in the second half. To me, Hasty should have the edge because he is a physical inside runner, he may though be missing a gear that Johnson does have.
Prediction - I liked how we ran against USC, and if we can get more balance and a higher percentage of completions from the passing game it will open up some opportunities in the second half.
Wide Receivers - I like our receivers, we have had some drops, but for the most part have been cleaning that up lately. Locker needs to simply deliver them the ball and good things will happen. Russo, Reese, and Williams can get the job done if you give them the chance.
Prediction - These guys aren't world beaters, but they have enough talent to get the job done if the QB can start delivering the ball better.
Offensive Line - You would think that I would be real critical about these guys but I am not. the offensive line is doing a nice job protecting Locker. He has enough time to make plays. the lack of production from our running backs is because teams are daring up to beat them through the air. We just don't have the talent to go five on seven against anyone right now. Once we start burning some people with the passing game things will loosen up, and the OL will have an easier time.
Prediction - These guys will keep getting better every week, and they will look better every week once Locker starts clicking.
Defensive Line - These guys have been rushing three, and four against five, or six all season. You tend to get worn down a little bit when you are constantly battling double teams. We haven't heard a lot from Afoa this year, but Reffett has been playing as well as any Husky DL I have seen the past ten years. On the ends we just aren't getting the type of rush we need. Gunheim has not been living up to his potential. UW needs some improvement, and they could also use a little help from more stunting behind them to help get the quarterback.
Prediction - Bend but don't break really puts a lot of pressure on these kids. I don't see much improvement coming unless they can get better support from the linebackers.
Linebackers - These guys had a disappointing first half of the season. As a group they simply miss way too many tackles. you can attribute that to being simply tired, and a little beat up. A week off may do wonders for these guys. These guys need to step up better in the second half if we are going to get to a bowl game.
Prediction - I don't know what to think here because I am not seeing many encouraging signs. To me this unit plays worse each week which makes me think health could be an issue.
Defensive Backs - I think we did well the first five games in this area. the bend but not break defense which protects these guys has however hurt the front seven. Roy Lewis is having an all Pac Ten year at corner. Matt Mosley, Byron Davenport, and Vonzell Mc Dowell have all had their moments this season. I like the way the cornerbacks are shaping up. We haven't lost because of pass defense.
The Safeties just haven't been intimidating factors. The loss of Jason Wells for the season is going to be felt starting next week. Darin Harris, and Nate Williams are going to be the guys plugging this hole. Williams has the best upside, the kid is going to be an excellent Safety. Williams has the potential to be a thumper, but he was the thumpee last week against USC.
Prediction - Despite the loss of Wells the DB's are going to continue to improve as the season goes on. The biggest thing they can do to help the team is cover well enough so we can run more stunts to get the quarterback.
Special Teams - Special teams cost us the game against Ohio State. Since that game we have been doing much better. The latest highlight was the Ray Lewis blocked punt against USC, but the Russo fumbled punt was one of the reasons we lost the game.
Perkins has been consistent so far in his place kicking, but he really can't be called a serious weapon. Ballman has done a good, but not perfect job punting the ball, I do however think he is an improvement over Douglas.
We haven't had a big return yet this season, and Rankin has gone back to returning kickoffs to see if he can supply some spark.
Prediction - These guys have to get better, and I think they will over the length of the season. they just need to eliminate the mistakes and stop taking away points.
The Final Eight
Can Washington go 8-0? Of course they can, they could be 5-0 right now with a little better luck and some more experience at QB.
Arizona State - WIN - I am going to come out early this week and predict a win in the desert. I just didn't see enough to like in Saturdays game with WSU.
Oregon - Toss Up - I would really like to predict a win at home against these guys since I am not fond of the Ducks. the problem is I think the Ducks are the best team in the conference right now, and one of the top five in the country. For UW to beat the Ducks they have to make them turn over the ball. It isn't impossible, the Ducks can do that on the road. I am calling it toss up, but if the ducks play error free they are going to win by a couple of TD's.
Arizona - WIN - You have to circle this one as a win. We have the horses to beat these giys at home.
Stanford - WIN - The Cardinals didn't fool me last weekend, they aren't good. They can however beat you if you keep them in the game all day by giving them five turnovers. Last week was a fluke, count on it. If UW does what they a capable of doing they wont lose this one.
Oregon State - Toss Up - This is a must win game, and while OSU looks very beatable right now they will not be the same team when the Huskies play them. Riley's teams improves over the course of the year. If OSU stays healthy I think this may be a very tough game. UW needs to make the Beavers play from behind. When the ball is in Canfield's hands it is a good thing. I like the OSU defense, and Bernard. If that portion of the OSU team is dictating terms they will win. If the ball is in Canfield's hands it will be a very good thing. Another big question is will he remain turnover prone the rest of the year?
California - WIN- It's November, it's Seattle, and the weather isn't going to be very nice. I think the Huskies will be able to pull off the upset. I don't think Cal is the best team in the conference. I think Oregon, and a healthy USC are better.
WSU - WIN- UW will send Doba out in style in his last game as Cougar coach. don't be surprised if Mike Price returns to Pullman for his last hurrah.
Hawaii - WIN- These guys just don't impress me, they don't play anybody either. The pollsters agree, and have them in the high teens despite the undefeated record.
Quarterback - Everyone who has seen Jake Locker feel that not only will he be the conferences best QB in the near future he also may be the nations best. That all being said Mr Locker is probably the person most responsible for the Huskies 2-3 start. His inconsistencies as a passer has made him a little too one dimensional which has allowed opponents to set up to defense the run. That hurts Jake who is an excellent runner, and Louis Rankin who has to run against a stacked line. Jake needs to start hitting his passes at a clip of 55% to 60%. The plays are there for that to happen, he just needs to deliver the ball better.
As a runner Jake has shown he can take the ball to the house, he also has shown that he needs a lot of work on his pitches, and play fakes. He needs to make it easier for his running backs by being more deceptive. The game hasn't slowed down for Jake yet, once it does he will make his running backs more productive around the corner.
Prediction - I think Jake Locker is ready to break out Saturday night in Tempe. The two weeks off to get healthy, and work on finesse will pay off, and bring in dividends.
Running Back - I addressed most of it when I was talking about the Quarterback. Louis Rankin however can help himself, and his team quite a bit by hitting the line and not looking for the crease. He needs to pick up tough yards and carry tacklers with him. UW is really missing that inside toughness in the running game from Rankin.
The coaches supposedly spent last week looking at Hasty, Johnson, and Shaw to see which one of them was ready foe some meaningful carries in the second half. To me, Hasty should have the edge because he is a physical inside runner, he may though be missing a gear that Johnson does have.
Prediction - I liked how we ran against USC, and if we can get more balance and a higher percentage of completions from the passing game it will open up some opportunities in the second half.
Wide Receivers - I like our receivers, we have had some drops, but for the most part have been cleaning that up lately. Locker needs to simply deliver them the ball and good things will happen. Russo, Reese, and Williams can get the job done if you give them the chance.
Prediction - These guys aren't world beaters, but they have enough talent to get the job done if the QB can start delivering the ball better.
Offensive Line - You would think that I would be real critical about these guys but I am not. the offensive line is doing a nice job protecting Locker. He has enough time to make plays. the lack of production from our running backs is because teams are daring up to beat them through the air. We just don't have the talent to go five on seven against anyone right now. Once we start burning some people with the passing game things will loosen up, and the OL will have an easier time.
Prediction - These guys will keep getting better every week, and they will look better every week once Locker starts clicking.
Defensive Line - These guys have been rushing three, and four against five, or six all season. You tend to get worn down a little bit when you are constantly battling double teams. We haven't heard a lot from Afoa this year, but Reffett has been playing as well as any Husky DL I have seen the past ten years. On the ends we just aren't getting the type of rush we need. Gunheim has not been living up to his potential. UW needs some improvement, and they could also use a little help from more stunting behind them to help get the quarterback.
Prediction - Bend but don't break really puts a lot of pressure on these kids. I don't see much improvement coming unless they can get better support from the linebackers.
Linebackers - These guys had a disappointing first half of the season. As a group they simply miss way too many tackles. you can attribute that to being simply tired, and a little beat up. A week off may do wonders for these guys. These guys need to step up better in the second half if we are going to get to a bowl game.
Prediction - I don't know what to think here because I am not seeing many encouraging signs. To me this unit plays worse each week which makes me think health could be an issue.
Defensive Backs - I think we did well the first five games in this area. the bend but not break defense which protects these guys has however hurt the front seven. Roy Lewis is having an all Pac Ten year at corner. Matt Mosley, Byron Davenport, and Vonzell Mc Dowell have all had their moments this season. I like the way the cornerbacks are shaping up. We haven't lost because of pass defense.
The Safeties just haven't been intimidating factors. The loss of Jason Wells for the season is going to be felt starting next week. Darin Harris, and Nate Williams are going to be the guys plugging this hole. Williams has the best upside, the kid is going to be an excellent Safety. Williams has the potential to be a thumper, but he was the thumpee last week against USC.
Prediction - Despite the loss of Wells the DB's are going to continue to improve as the season goes on. The biggest thing they can do to help the team is cover well enough so we can run more stunts to get the quarterback.
Special Teams - Special teams cost us the game against Ohio State. Since that game we have been doing much better. The latest highlight was the Ray Lewis blocked punt against USC, but the Russo fumbled punt was one of the reasons we lost the game.
Perkins has been consistent so far in his place kicking, but he really can't be called a serious weapon. Ballman has done a good, but not perfect job punting the ball, I do however think he is an improvement over Douglas.
We haven't had a big return yet this season, and Rankin has gone back to returning kickoffs to see if he can supply some spark.
Prediction - These guys have to get better, and I think they will over the length of the season. they just need to eliminate the mistakes and stop taking away points.
The Final Eight
Can Washington go 8-0? Of course they can, they could be 5-0 right now with a little better luck and some more experience at QB.
Arizona State - WIN - I am going to come out early this week and predict a win in the desert. I just didn't see enough to like in Saturdays game with WSU.
Oregon - Toss Up - I would really like to predict a win at home against these guys since I am not fond of the Ducks. the problem is I think the Ducks are the best team in the conference right now, and one of the top five in the country. For UW to beat the Ducks they have to make them turn over the ball. It isn't impossible, the Ducks can do that on the road. I am calling it toss up, but if the ducks play error free they are going to win by a couple of TD's.
Arizona - WIN - You have to circle this one as a win. We have the horses to beat these giys at home.
Stanford - WIN - The Cardinals didn't fool me last weekend, they aren't good. They can however beat you if you keep them in the game all day by giving them five turnovers. Last week was a fluke, count on it. If UW does what they a capable of doing they wont lose this one.
Oregon State - Toss Up - This is a must win game, and while OSU looks very beatable right now they will not be the same team when the Huskies play them. Riley's teams improves over the course of the year. If OSU stays healthy I think this may be a very tough game. UW needs to make the Beavers play from behind. When the ball is in Canfield's hands it is a good thing. I like the OSU defense, and Bernard. If that portion of the OSU team is dictating terms they will win. If the ball is in Canfield's hands it will be a very good thing. Another big question is will he remain turnover prone the rest of the year?
California - WIN- It's November, it's Seattle, and the weather isn't going to be very nice. I think the Huskies will be able to pull off the upset. I don't think Cal is the best team in the conference. I think Oregon, and a healthy USC are better.
WSU - WIN- UW will send Doba out in style in his last game as Cougar coach. don't be surprised if Mike Price returns to Pullman for his last hurrah.
Hawaii - WIN- These guys just don't impress me, they don't play anybody either. The pollsters agree, and have them in the high teens despite the undefeated record.
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