Tag Archives: UW Huskies

by | September 26, 2012 · 8:14 pm

UW vs. Stanford Predictions

Andrew wrote a nice little preview about the game earlier, so I won’t go too far into it here. This game is a chance to show progress, or show that not that much has changed. No one is really expecting a win, but given the matchup and injury issues, even a close game would be a welcome sight.

Regardless of how the game goes, it’s the Blackout of the Century, so we’ve got that going for us. Those don’t happen very often. Maybe they’ll play without power.

Matthew

I want to predict a Husky win here, but they’ve given no good reason to do so. I do think they’re better than last year, and Stanford is worse, but I don’t think the gap has narrowed enough for a Husky victory. The best hope is for some big plays and turnovers. Maybe Josh Nunes will get rattled and an already weak Stanford passing attack will become non-existent. Of course, the Dawgs would still have to stop the run. They have a shot here. It would be a tough win, but it’s possible. I’m just non expecting it.

Stanford 35 – UW 24

Joe

I have been so completely engulfed in the “Golden-gate” fiasco, I haven’t paid much attention to the fact UW essentially has no offensive line and will be running with freshman running backs against the number one rushing defense in the country. So safe to say the Dawgs won’t get a running game going. Other than that negative, I actually feel good about the game. Granted Stanford is a bad match up for UW, but Stanford hasn’t blown anyone of note out this year. A seven point win over USC is nice, but how good is USC really, at this point we don’t know. So my point is this is Stanford’s first road test, so we don’t know what they’ll do. I think a blow out is very possible, but I don’t anticipate one. The Huskies will play well, I am certain of this. Stanford will too. They are coached well, always prepared. Therefore, if both teams play well, it will be close, and the home crowd will make it closer, but the visitors will win. Stanford will be too much.

Cardinal 24 – Huskies 16

Dan

Just before kickoff here at the clink, loving the energy but I can’t see home field making up for the difference between the big boys in the trenches.

Cardinal 27 – Huskies 20

Andrew

I’ve tried to talk myself into this game all week. I tell myself that the Stanford offense isn’t anything like last year and the Husky defense is vastly improved. I tell myself that their offensive line isn’t quite as strong as last year. I tell myself that their defensive line probably isn’t as good as LSU’s, so the offensive line is at least a little bit battle tested. I tell myself that we have Keith Price and he’s ready for a signature game. But what prevails in my head is the disappointment of our ranked team going down to Palo Alto and getting beat 65-21 last year. I remember 41-0 the year before. Stanford has beaten the Dawgs like nobody else the last 2 years and I don’t think this team will overcome all of that tomorrow. The score will be better than last year but I anticipate this game being over at the start of the 4th quarter. I hope I’m wrong.
Stanford -35 UW – 17
Go Dawgs!

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by | September 14, 2012 · 9:54 pm

UW vs. PSU Predictions

It’s late and I’m tired, so we’ll jump right into the predictions this week. Nothing from Danny. Too bad.

Danny

The Huskies will get a win tomorrow so long as they show up and remember their uniforms and cleats. Could they win tomorrow without cleats? Something to ponder. I question if this team can run the ball, play consistent defense, and most of all, stay healthy. I don’t know that enough can happen in this game to put all my concerns to rest, but a blowout win would be a start. Im sure this is Portland State’s super bowl and they will be fired up, however, in games like this you just have to look at the talent divide. The gap is enormous in this matchup, so even if UW plays a sloppy game, they should cruise.

UW 40 – PSU 13

Joe

This is a pretty simple prediction. UW will win, and win big. Sark is in no mood to struggle in this game and I do believe this team will respond. The LSU debacle is behind them. What to learn from that game? LSU is elite, UW is not. We all knew that. I think we all expected UW to play better, but they didn’t and LSU rolled. Ok. The Huskies in most areas beat up San Diego State, which I think was encouraging. So if they blow out PSU, I think all we have is the SDSU game because LSU and PSU really don’t tell us anything we didn’t already know. Get by the Vikings and focus on the most important game of the year, Stanford on a Thursday night! I am confident the Dawgs will get it done this weekend and gear up for the Cardinal.

UW 41 – PSU 10

Matthew

This shouldn’t be a game with which the Huskies struggle, even in their beleaguered state. I’m kind of tired of reading so much into how the Huskies play. They’re going to win or they’re going to lose. They looked bad last week and mediocre the week before, but what do we really know about them? They’re much worse than LSU in Death Valley. Big surprise. I’ll just be happy with a win at this point, but I expect a blowout. This is a chance for the Huskies to get a little momentum. Ideally, they’d win big, get the offense into gear, demonstrate some tackling ability, and then get healed up going into Stanford. That’d be great, but like I said, any win is good with me.

UW 45 – PSU 13

Andrew

(These first two paragraphs aren’t supposed to be included, but I get them every week and it makes me laugh, so I’m putting them in.)
What up, big boi? How about this weather! I’m sweating because I’m sitting in a leather chair and the sun is shining on me. Call it bad planning if you will but I call it a chance to lose some weight!
Does Portland State even know that pilots don’t really do anything. I take that back. Pilots fly planes and that’s more than I can do. But, take away a pilot’s plane and all you have is a guy in a weird hat, wearing some big goggles. They should rethink the name. Maybe the Portland State Losers because that’s what they’ll be tomorrow! Ooooooohhh! Here’s my prediction:

It’s been an interesting week at U-Dub. It was one of those weeks where I kind of wished that I wasn’t a hardcore fan and would just show up on Saturday’s for the games. But, because I’m not that, I get sucked into the talk radio and infinite blog posts out there. All the talk has been about the new practice policy. While I’m not for the policy, it really doesn’t affect my life if I know that Colin Tanigawa is starting this week or not. So, tomorrow I’m going to go to the game and enjoy a Husky victory. I don’t expect it to be close and I’ll be a little bit disappointed if it is. Here are three things I’ll be watching for:

1. The offense needs to look unstoppable. I want Keith Price to have a huge game and the receivers need to get open. A 3rd receiver needs to emerge behind Kasen and Kevin Smith. Perhaps most importantly of all, the running game has to look dominant.
2. The defense needs to prevent long drives. I’m okay with the Dawgs giving up a few big plays because Portland State’s offense seems to be decent. What I don’t want to see is Portland State gaining 7 or 8 yards every play on a drive.
3. The Backups. I want to see the backups in the game by midway through the fourth quarter. This would mean a Husky blowout and it would also mean some valuable time for our young guys. The Dawgs don’t usually have that optioin and it’s about time we see it.

I want a dominating performance tomorrow. I think Portland State will put up a few points but that should be after the Huskies jump out to a big lead. Go Dawgs!

Huskies – 52 Portland State – 17

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by | August 31, 2012 · 9:42 pm

UW vs. San Diego St. Predictions

And here we are.  In about 25 hours, the Huskies will have a game in the books.  It’s strange that, after waiting for months for the season to start, it will now be over in 3 short months.  By the end of September, the Dawgs will have played half of their home games.  Or slightly less than half if they host the Pac-12 championship.  Time keeps passing, but it will slow down for a few hours tomorrow night.

I just got home from dinner, and the drive took me along the east edge of Lake Sammamish, which is one of the better drives in the area, even in the dark.  Tonight, there was a clear sky and big moon lighting up some low hanging, patchy clouds.  It was exactly the kind of night I associate with autumn and football.  I grew up in Yakima, where clear skies are common, but in the fall as the temperatures drop, the sky takes on this misty quality that I can’t really describe.  The moon seems bigger, the stars brighter, the night clearer.

That kind of night will be forever linked in my mind with high school football games.  I never played, but I’m not sure I ever missed a game, either.  Our small stadium had bleachers sandwiched between a couple of small grassy berms where the students stood, on the left if you were in middle school, to the right for high schoolers.  There are not many places I remember more fondly than that stadium, huddled with friends, shivering in the cold.

I have no real reason for sharing all this, except tonight reminded me of those nights, which seems fitting for this weekend.  It’s not cold enough to really have the same effect, but I was glad that, a couple of miles up the plateau from where I drove, Skyline and Bothell were facing off in a bigtime season-opener.  Last night, Bellevue beat a Texas powerhouse in overtime in Memorial Stadium.  Tomorrow, the Huskies take on the Aztecs under the lights.  It’s the best time of year.

I hope you get to be at Century Link or your stadium of choice tomorrow.  I cannot tell you much joy it brings me to enter the stadium, waiting for kickoff.  If college games aren’t an option, check out your local high school.  There are few things better than cheering on a random high school team with some friends, or sharing a blanket with your lady (or man).  I’m rambling now, so I’ll stop and get on to the predictions.  Welcome to football season, everybody!

Joe

I have pretty high expectations coming into this season opener with SDSU. My expectation surround two areas: Keith Price and the defense.  Price is the unquestioned leader of the team, and a deep sleeper Heisman candidate.  Price has an opportunity early on to set the tone for year and show he is an elite level QB.  Look for Price to come out aggressive and throw deep a lot to give the fans some excitement right off the bat.  For obvious reasons, I’m excited to see the defense play.  After the nightmare in the Alamo Bowl, Sark fired the whole defensive staff and replaced them with young, energetic, but most importantly, talented defensive coaches.  Justin Wilcox is a clear upgrade at DC.  I’m excited to see how the unit gels over the first few weeks, and matching up against a solid Aztecs squad will be a great test.  Should be a fun Saturday night!

UW 31 – SDSU 20

Matt

I don’t really know what to expect from this game, except a win.  It could be close, it could be a blowout.  The offense could dominate, or it could struggle like in last year’s opener.  I’m hoping the offense can dominate without having to open the playbook too much and the defense can consistently tackle and make a few big plays.  I don’t think that’s too much to ask.  It doesn’t help that San Diego St. is hard to get a handle on, but I’m pretty sure the Dawgs are better.  I’m just hoping they play that way.

UW 38 – SDSU 17

Dan

No prediction from Dan yet.  I (Matthew) have decided that, since I’m the one compiling the predictions, I get to make fun of whoever doesn’t send one in.  So here goes.  Man, Dan is a smelly guy.  He is so smelly.  I think he forgets to shower and takes a bath in the drainage pond by his house instead.  Geez, that guy’s smelly.  I’m glad I’m not sitting by him right now.  Go take a shower!

Andrew

Season openers haven’t exactly been Steve Sarkisian’s strong point.  He’s 1-2 in them but the only good performance in these games came in his first season against LSU.  Last year, we had to sit through a nail biter as the Dawgs held on to beat Eastern Washington.  This year, they play a decent San Diego State team who will come to play.  I think the Huskies will be ready though.  Maybe I’m just being optimistic but I think as the second half wears on, the Dawgs will start to pull away and end up winning by 20.  Here are 3 reasons why:

1.  Keith Price is the best quarterback San Diego will face all year, and, even with 5 defensive backs on the field. the Aztecs just won’t have an answer to Price and ASJ.
2.  The Husky lines will be better than the Aztecs.  There haven’t been many times in the last decade where I think the Huskies will win the battle in the trenches but tomorrow is one of those days.  San Diego State is replacing quite a few guys up front and the Dawgs will rack up a surprising amount of rushing yards.
3.  The defense will be better.  Of course, it can’t be worse but I mean to say that the D will surprise some people.  They’ll have a few mistakes but they’ll make plays and they’ll look much faster.  Because they are.  Danny Shelton will have a good game and the secondary will cover up the linebackers mistakes.  At least for this week.

So, there you go.  Expect Shaq Thompson to wow you.  Expect to be frustrated at some points.  But, Keith Price and the Husky offense will be just too much for the Aztecs.

Huskies 45 – Aztecs 24

Go Dawgs!

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by | August 29, 2012 · 9:40 pm

A Down and Dirty Pac-12 Preview

The season kicks off tomorrow night for a third of the conference, so here’s a quick preview.

I’m just going to tell you two things: which player I would pick if I could have someone off each team for the Huskies, and how much they concern me.  I’ll rate them 1-10, 1 being a cakewalk win (actually kind of hard to do, cakewalks are tricky), 10 being an almost certain loss.  I’ll also go in the order I think they’ll finish.  So I guess I’m telling you three things.  It’s your lucky day.  My thoughts here aren’t worth much though, so you’re not that lucky.

South Division

1. USC

Player I want: Pretty much anyone off their roster would work.  Especially intriguing are their two 1,000 yard rushers, Curtis McNeal and Silas Redd, or how about All-American DBs Nickell Robey and T.J. McDonald.  Or LB Dion Bailey or one of their elite O-linemen.  That’s not even mentioning Heisman favorite QB Matt Barkley.  #1 USC is not hurting for talent.

For the Huskies though, it would come down to either of their uber-talented WRs, Marquise Lee or Robert Woods.  The Huskies could use a little depth here, and these might be the two best receivers in the conference and country.  Lee is incredible, but Woods is absolutely electric and a bit more versatile.  The only concern is an injury that hampered him in the offseason, but he seems fully recovered.  I’d take Woods and his potential 2,000 all-purpose yards in a heartbeat, as would every program in the nation.

Scare-meter: 9.  USC thumped UW last year, and they should be even better this year.  It’s not an impossible task, but there’s a reason they’re the preseason #1 in the country. Continue reading →

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by | August 29, 2012 · 10:49 am

2012 UW Huskies: It’s Time for Football

I feel like I should write some kind of preview for the Huskies, but I can’t think of any clever or particularly interesting way to do it.  There are tons of previews out there, most of them much better than anything I can offer.  Still, the best day of the year comes this Saturday, so here goes nothing.  I’m just going to give the things I’m concerned with for this year’s team and the things I’m excited about, with the (potentially) bad stuff first.  In no particular order…

Things That Make Me Nervous

  • The new defense.  This one’s complicated, because I think the defense will be much improved (see below).  The problem is that they have a long way to come.  One of the coaches noted that, while the team has looked great in practice, sometimes players get into games and forget what they’re supposed to be doing, especially with a new scheme.  The talent looks improved enough to be at least average, other than possibly the…
  • Linebackers.  The bane of last year’s defense (at least on the field) do look improved, but they have plenty of issues as well.  After receiving a bunch of new bodies from the safeties this spring, they proceeded to average an injured linebacker a day through much of fall camp.  Nate Fellner and Jamaal Kearse are still out for a couple of games, but everyone else is now back.  The enlarged John Timu at middle linebacker has been drawing accolades and should be the one constant throughout the year.  Princeton Fuimaono is probably the number two guy right now.  Former safety Travis Feeney is holding down Fellner’s spot, although Shaquille Thompson will take over a good share of the time in the nickel package.  There’s talent, speed and athleticism here.  Now it just needs to translate to tackles.
  • The offensive tackles.  File this under lack of experience as well.  Both tackles, Micah Hatchie and Ben Riva, left and right respectively, have seen little or no game action.  They have lots of talent and the practice reports are good, but only games will show if they’re actually ready.  I’m optimistic, but without Chris Polk, this line needs to be a strength.  Unless these two excel, it will likely be average at best.
  • The new home field.  Century Link is a great place to play, and it should still be plenty loud, but it’s tough having to adjust to a new routine and a new home.  You know those first couple of months after you move into a new house or apartment?  No matter how nice a place it is and how excited you are to be there, it takes a while to feel completely comfortable.  Hopefully, the adjustment for the Dawgs will be short and easy, with no effects on the field. Continue reading →

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by | August 6, 2012 · 9:12 pm

Here’s To Hoping

In the best sports news of the summer, college football is back!  The UW Huskies started their fall camp today and will play their first game in less than a month.  It’s hard to know what to expect from a Husky team with a bunch of new coaches and a still young roster.  They should be better, but maybe not enough to result in significantly more wins.  We’ll have a lot more coverage as the Mariners and summer winds down.

For tonight, let’s talk for a second about Deontae Cooper.  If you aren’t aware of the legend of Deontae, here’s the short version.  A running back in the 2010 recruiting class, Cooper took about two practices to whip Husky Nation into a frenzy.  Chris Polk had yet to become the unstoppable force he would be that year.  Running back was a bit of a question mark, as was the rest of the team, and Cooper looked like he might get a lot of snaps, if not challenge to be the starter.  He was extremely touted coming out of high school, with decent size, lightning speed and quickness, and excellent running instincts.  Hugh Millen is on record as saying he was the most talented running back to enter the UW since Corey Dillon.  Corey Dillon had 252 yards in one quarter, if you’ve forgotten.

Unfortunately, before the season ever started, Cooper blew out a knee.  It was disappointing, of course, but it happens.  He’d be back the next year, hopefully at full speed.  And then, before last season, he blew another knee.  When a running back has two knee surgeries, it’s hard to expect a lot from him in the future.  Even if he heals right, the explosiveness and speed might be gone.  It was entirely possible Deontae Cooper would never play a down in Husky Stadium.

Since the second surgery, most fans and media have stopped hoping for anything from Deontae.  It’s just too unlikely.  But still, there are whispers: “If Deontae could ever get healthy…”  and “Look out for Deontae.  If he can ever get on the field, he might run right past Callier and Sankey.”  The whispers grew louder as the season approached and he progressed in his recovery.  Several days ago, Steve Sarkisian said Deontae has been cleared for full participation.  Today, he took part in his first practice in what feels like years.  He’ll be limited for a while as they get him up to speed and used to playing football again, but the doctors have said he’s all clear, which is a bit of a miracle in itself.

It’s easy and appropriate to say that it’s great just to see him playing again, that any snaps he gets will be great, whether he has his old flash or not.  By all accounts, he is a great kid who has worked hard to come back when others might have given up.  Any reward would be deserved.  He’s a long way from actual game action, of course.  It’s possible that his knees don’t hold up and he is injured again or just becomes a bench player.  Everyone is hoping for the best, but anyone saying he’s a guarantee to be star or even a contributor is ignorant or naive.

This is the first day of camp, though, so let your imagination go for a minute.  Imagine that Deontae Cooper is back to the legendary skills he had coming out of high school.  Picture him slowly building up strength, and then, maybe in Eugene or Los Angeles, erupting for 200 yards and leading the Huskies to a huge upset.  It’s been a long time since the Huskies had lightning at tailback.  For everything Chris Polk did, that was not his game.  There’s something different about a running back flying around the tackle, bouncing outside, freezing a linebacker with a cut and outrunning the safety to the end zone.  Deontae Cooper can be that guy.

It’s likely that he won’t be that guy.  I hate to say it, but he faces an uphill battle until he actually plays half a season and sees how his knees hold up.  Sometimes these miracle comebacks actually happen, though.  Watch this one, because it has all the makings of a legendary story.

Here’s to hoping.

-Matthew

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by | April 4, 2012 · 12:36 pm

UW Basketball: Goodbye Wroten and Ross

Lots going on in Seattle sports right now.  First up: Husky basketball.

As expected, both Terrence Ross and Tony Wroten have declared for the NBA draft.  Both have said they will hire agents, which would prevent them from changing their minds and returning to school.  Obviously, it would have been great to have either or both of them return.  Both are phenomenal athletes who had the ability to dominate games.  I’m not one of those who considers their decisions addition by subtraction for next year’s team.  Players like Ross and Wroten are hard to find, and we wish them luck in their NBA careers. Continue reading →

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by | March 21, 2012 · 7:44 pm

Husky Hoops: The End of the Road to NYC, and Next Year

The UW basketball season is not officially over, but it’s pretty close.  Many people stopped caring when the team missed the NCAA tournament (me initially being one of them), but those who didn’t watch last night’s NIT battle royale with Oregon missed out.  Hec Ed was packed for the final home game of the year, and it was loud.  With Oregon as the opponent, it felt like anything but an NIT game, and it was played that way, as well.  Both teams played hard and well, I would argue at an NCAA tournament level.

I understand why the Huskies missed the Big Dance.  Their resume probably wasn’t worthy, at least given the way the selection committee looks at teams, but I think anyone who argues that they’re not one of the best 68 teams in the country is crazy.  They have been inconsistent and frustrating, but when they play anywhere close to their ability, they’re a potential sweet sixteen team.  That’s obviously not going to happen this year, which is what makes them so frustrating.  If you can get past that disappointment, though, last night was a blast and a good way to remember this team.

The Dawgs will now head to Madison Square Garden for the NIT semifinals and hopefully final.  Obviously, we hope they win, but it is still kind of hard to get overly excited.  The Oregon matchup was a nice surprise, but when you come down to it, it’s the NIT.

So, you ask, what’s the point of this post?  I can’t really remember.  I started it earlier today and can’t remember where I was going with it.  I guess let’s talk about next year.

Right now, the Huskies are slated to return almost everyone.  They lose Darnell Gant to graduation, but get Scott Suggs back from an injury redshirt and add Andrew Andrews and Jernard Jarreau, who both redshirted as freshman this year.  They have no committed recruits currently (more on that in minute).  I have no doubt that that team would be favored to win the Pac-12 handily and would probably be in consideration for the top 10 in the country.  That’s a lot of talent, and a lot of talent that should be improved and much deeper next year.

The problem is that Terrence Ross and Tony Wroten seem extremely likely to leave early for the NBA.  Both are projected for the first round.  Both have some questions, and it’s a deep draft class, so it’s not like there’s no doubt they’re leaving.  And to be fair, neither of them has given any indication they’re gone.  Just don’t get your hopes up on them staying.  In fact, if you don’t deal well with disappointment, just plan on them leaving.  The power of low expectations!

To break down my thoughts on the two: it would obviously be great if they both stayed.  If I could pick one to keep, it would be Ross.  He’s my favorite to watch, and he’s the better all-around player.  Wroten is a fascinating guy.  He had maybe the best freshman year in UW history and was one of the best players in the conference, but everyone knew what he would do: drive to his left, throw the ball toward the basket, and if it didn’t go in, get his own rebound and finish.  It’s a testament to his talent that he was so successful with this, but it also shows how much he could improve.  His effort, defense and free-throw shooting got much better this year.  If he could add a jump shot and a right hand, he might be the national player of the year, let alone the Pac-12 POY.

It’s not all doom and gloom if Ross and Wroten leave.  This team should still be talented and improved.  Abdul Gaddy has played increasingly well as the season has progressed, looking like an all-Pac-12 point guard in the last few weeks.  CJ Wilcox doesn’t quite have the shocking talent and athleticism of Ross, but he’s not terribly far behind and will only be a junior.  Suggs is in the same mode and will offer a steady head and hand.  Andrews or Hikeem Stewart would need to step up for some depth, but that could easily happen.  The front court would be a bigger question.  Aziz showed huge improvement this year, and if he could continue that and make himself a threat offensively, he could be the best big man in the conference.  Simmons had his moments before hitting a bit of a wall and losing some playing time, but he is still young and has that useful Gant-like skill set.  It will be vital for Shawn Kemp Jr. or Martin Breunig to step up and develop as a legitimate first big man off the bench.

That’s a good team, if lacking slightly in depth and star-power.  The strange thing right now is that the Huskies have no imcoming recruits to augment the returners.  I saw the other day that they’re one of only a few schools in the country with no commits yet.  This is partly by plan.  With only Gant graduating, there’s only one scholarship open, and that’s apparently being held for 5 star power forward Anthony Bennett.  Bennett is no sure thing or even remotely close to it, but he seems to be the only guy out there that the Huskies would add to the team as it is currently.  The recruiting class for 2013 has the potential to be huge, and it’s thought that Romar is happy leaving an extra scholarship open for a year if he doesn’t get Bennett or a similar level of talent.  This would likely change if Ross and/or Wroten leave, as they’d have more open scholarships and the need for some extra depth.  We’ll leave the potential recruits in that case for a later post.

So enjoy this team in the one or two games left, especially Ross and Wroten.  Hopefully they’re back, but don’t worry too much if they’re not.  You can never fault these kids for leaving for millions of dollars, and there’s always someone else ready to take his place.

But if you’re reading this, Terrence and Tony, how about you guys stick around and we make a run at the Final Four?  Seattle could use a couple of new legends, not to mention a winner.

-Matthew

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