Grading the game

by John Berkowitz on Dec 6, 2009 10:22 AM PST Comment 33 comments

Quarterback - Grade A

If this was Jake's last game as a husky he saved the best for last. He was cirtually perfect all day when either running or throwing.

Running Back - Grade A

Chris Polk picked up 94 tough yards on the ground and Cal's early emphasis on shutting the UW running game down opened up the airways for Jake who took full advantage.

Receivers - Grade A

What more can you say about Kearse and Aguilar who controlled the game all night with big plays. How about Cody Bruns and his long pass? Kavario Middleton had his best game of the year too.

Offensive Line - Grade A

So this is what Jake can do when he has plenty of time? Keep an eye on Mykena Ikehara next season...he will be anchoring the line as long as he keeps his weight on in 2010.

Defensive Line - Grade A

Pressure was the name of the game yesterday and DTN went out as the all time sack leader at Washington with three in his last game. Five sacks overall by Washington kept Riley on his heals most of the day.

Linebacker - Grade A

We are all going to miss Donald Butler who went out in style. Foster and Dennison were also solid all day. Cal had one big running play all day. UW shut the run down which is the way you humble the Bears. I like what Dennison brings on a weeky basis.

Secondary - Grade A

You have to wonder how many more games this team would hav won with a healthy Jason Wells back there. Trufant and Long continue to improve every game.

Special Teams - Grade A minus

Nothing really special and nothing terrible either. Keeping Cal's return game in check was one of the keys of the game.

Coaching - A

Washington dominated from the the first to the last snap in the final game of the season. this team could have packed it in after the UCLA game and it looked like that was happening after OSU. give the coaches credit for keeping these guys motivated enough the last two weeks to finish the season strong.

5-7 is a win or two off from what we all really wanted but a five win improvement led by four conference wins is pretty impressive. If you are a top flight recruit it doesn't take much to buy into what is going on at Washington.

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I wouldn't give the coaching an A.

The 4th and 1 early on in the game on what must have been the Cal 30 yard line was a horrible play call. I had no problem going for it but the play call was ugly.

by David89 on Dec 6, 2009 11:01 AM PST reply actions 0 recs

Balls

I understand what you are saying but it was 42-10 against a ranked team. tough to argue with how this one came out. Sark sticks with his balls….we may like it better when there are more horses on board to hedge those bets.

by John Berkowitz on Dec 6, 2009 9:16 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

A's

When a team dominates another that is supposed to be physically superior, how can everyone not get an A. So they weren’t perfect. When I went to school a 99% was easily an A. Why do some people always look for the bad spot in a sea of good?

by 61Dawg on Dec 6, 2009 12:15 PM PST reply actions 0 recs

No doubt.

… you have to look at the whole picture. That 4th and 1 play was horrible – it looked like there was a bunch of confusion there. Nevertheless, the players were stoked, they had a fantastic game plan for attacking a 3-4 D (one that they had not seen all year), they were breaking in a freshman C, and the D demonstrated that the WSU shutout was no fluke – shutting down the Pac 10’s #2 offense. That is an A.

Damn, my eyeball tastes good.

by Gekko Mojo on Dec 6, 2009 12:19 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Unsung heros of the night

I want to give a little love to those whose contributions don’t show up in the stats box.

1. Chris Polk. Not for his yards, but for his blocking. He picked up almost every blitz that came his way. Given Cal’s 3-4 with an emphasis on hiding the fourth rusher, this is no small feat. He’s become an outstanding backfield blocker and that is a huge surprise for a freshman.

2. Senio Kelemete. He’s been the unspoken rock of the line all season. Given that he should be a redshirt freshman right now, he has been a good story all season.

3. Adam Long. His impact was noticeable. The fact that the ball kept going to Desmond’s side says a lot about the scheme and Long’s contributions on his side of the field.

4. Cort Dennison. Wow, he was playing with a chip on his shoulder and he was blowing people up.

5. Ev Thompson. His speed and ability to pursue is unique for a DT. His ability to get into gaps and force plays to stretch out are really starting to disrupt opponents running games. He’ll eventually be the key guy on the D in stopping Oregon’s spread option

6. TJ Poe. I just wanted to type his name. His KO tackler on the 15 was the best KO coverage play we’ve had all season.

7. Ben Ossai. He had a so-so game from my angle (although he made a big block on the Polk TD) but I’d like to compliment him on his willingness to stick with it through the years. Even if he turned out to not be a dominant OL, he made contributions and he did what was asked of him. Moving him to guard late in the year was a good move. I know that there was a question about whether or not he quit in a game earlier this year, but I believe it was learned later that he was sick/hurt. I’ve appreciated him and I wish him well.

Damn, my eyeball tastes good.

by Gekko Mojo on Dec 6, 2009 12:16 PM PST reply actions 0 recs

Great List

I love the list, all of the guys listed deserve some extra attention. I’d like to add on to #7, all of the seniors deserve our appreciation! They have given 4-5 years of hard work and dedication to this university and football program. They never got to see a bowl game and served through the darkest years of the program’s history. Yet they are the ones that worked their tales off and started the turn around. Next year when we are in a bowl game, these guys will deserve credit for getting the ball rolling. I couldn’t be happier that they went out with a bang!

GO DAWGS!!!

"Legends are made on the shores of Lake Washington"
"BOW DOWN TO WASHINGTON"

by Lear Pilot on Dec 6, 2009 3:13 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Thanks

I don’t comment often here, but am a fan and regular reader. My thanks to John for providing this forum and to many of the regulars like Gekko, Crazi, Lear, Dave and all the others who provide such great content. It’s been such a fun season, especially compared to the last few. Thanks again to all of you who added so much to my knowledge base and enjoyment of Husky football 09.

by 61Dawg on Dec 6, 2009 1:13 PM PST reply actions 0 recs

Just because the season is over, doesn't mean the blogging is over

We never have trouble finding something to argue about! Should be fun watching this recruiting class wrap up, plus the drama of Jake deciding his future. Before you know it spring football will be here!

"Legends are made on the shores of Lake Washington"
"BOW DOWN TO WASHINGTON"

by Lear Pilot on Dec 6, 2009 3:15 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

We go 24/7 pretty much

Football never stops.

by John Berkowitz on Dec 6, 2009 10:52 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Recruiting

conversations heat up now so we always have something to cuss and discuss.
I get a big kick out of the recruitniks that get super spun up when a PSA commits to some other school. We have to trust Sark and Co. to coach up who they have, ala OSU’s Riley and not worry so much who did or did not commit to UW

by T9ODawg on Dec 7, 2009 8:38 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Let's not forget about the guys on the hardwood.

They’ve got a shot at being pretty darn good this year.

UWDawgPound

by thecassino on Dec 7, 2009 1:19 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Looks like you've been pretty busy with the Basketball side of things

I like to follow the basketball team, but my knowledge of basketball isn’t very good, so you won’t see many comments from me.

"Legends are made on the shores of Lake Washington"
"BOW DOWN TO WASHINGTON"

by Lear Pilot on Dec 7, 2009 10:20 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Thank God!

Kidding of course Lear :)

All I saw was purple

by crazidawg on Dec 7, 2009 8:00 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Sorry, I lack a quality you have mastered . . .

the ability to talk for hours on something I know very, very little about!!

You punch, I counter punch, that’s what makes it fun.

"Legends are made on the shores of Lake Washington"
"BOW DOWN TO WASHINGTON"

by Lear Pilot on Dec 7, 2009 8:23 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

we do tend to get along better when there is no coaching controversy - right John :)

Damn, my eyeball tastes good.

by Gekko Mojo on Dec 6, 2009 7:22 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Speak for yourself!!!

"Legends are made on the shores of Lake Washington"
"BOW DOWN TO WASHINGTON"

by Lear Pilot on Dec 6, 2009 8:16 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

We do...: )

To be honest I thought you were someone else for awhile….my bad.

by John Berkowitz on Dec 6, 2009 10:52 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Thanks again

Ditto – 61Dawg’s comment.

by lorenzothedog on Dec 6, 2009 1:50 PM PST reply actions 0 recs

Butler and DTN

I think we are going to miss both Donald Butler and Danial Tao-Neshieim. However I think we are going to miss Butler more then DTN.

Next season I see Dennison taking Butler’s MLB job, he’s ruthless and if he can learn to wrap up, which he did a better job of in the 2nd half of the season, he’ll be pretty dam good. Mason Foster should earn back his starting OLB spot, yet the big question is- who fills the vacancy on the other side if EJ isn’t back for another season? If EJ gets his medical redshirt status okay’d by the NCAA (which is doubtful) then we should be solid with Dennison, Foster, and EJ. Getting EJ back would provide us with guys behind them in order to develope. But if EJ is rejected, our LB depth falls off.

On the D line, I think we’re pretty solid even with the graduation of DTN. Some of the youngsters received a lot of playing time this last season and the starters coming back will be even better in Holt’s system. Not to mention but we’ve got a stellar prep D line kid coming in that could take a starting spot right out of the gates.

Butler will be definitely missed “if” EJ doesn’t come back that’s for sure. But the blow isn’t as sever if EJ gets his medical redshirt okay’d. DTN was a great Husky and is on the list of best ever! Yet I think we’re going to be better on the D Line in 2010 then this last season. We’ll miss you guys! WOOF!!!

All I saw was purple

by crazidawg on Dec 6, 2009 3:35 PM PST reply actions 0 recs

My guess is that Mason and Cort will stay where they’re at and Tim Tucker will take Butlers spot. Holt or Sark – can’t remember which – was on KJR and had good things to say about Tucker.

by Snostrebla on Dec 6, 2009 5:25 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Tucker

I think very highly of Tim Tucker myself, but is he going to be ready to handle the duties of Mike? Butler was phenomenal in that position, who had lateral movement from sideline to sideline and filled rather nicely.

I just don’t know if a redshirt freshman can handle the duties of a MLB. Dennison looked really good when he got in the ball game. He’s got wheels, explodes thru bodies, and has a nose for the ball- ruthless and relentless pursuer. The only thing I saw from his game was early on he wasn’t wrapping up all that well, but as the season progressed down the stretch I think he figured it out.

Fingers crossed EJ gets his medical redshirt granted.

All I saw was purple

by crazidawg on Dec 6, 2009 7:52 PM PST reply actions 0 recs

Kurt Mangum

Doesn’t he play inside LB? I haven’t heard him mentioned much, did he drop down on the depth chart?

Washington Husky Football-Undefeated 1991 National Champions 12-0!

by dawgfan22 on Dec 7, 2009 7:42 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

He hasn’t really been mentioned much by the current staff. Here’s the latest thing I’ve seen them say regarding Mangum:

From Condotta’s blog:

—- On whether Kurt Mangum fits into that MLB mix: "He’s just, you know, we just have to wait and see. Hopefully somebody rises up. It happens every year that somebody has a great winter and then a spring ball and they step up and become a really good factor. But we’ll just wait and see with that stuff.’’

http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/huskyfootballblog/2010408481_holt_happy_huskies_have_one_mo.html

Sounds to me like Mangum hasn’t really shown much to this staff. I would guess this Spring is critical for Mangum – make a move up the depth charts or start looking around for another school.

by kirkd on Dec 7, 2009 12:07 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

I didn't think it would happen early on ...

… but Clausen’s declaration for the NFL draft joining Bradford and McCoy on the list of “top QBs” on top of the Cal bust-out might sway Jake to go. I thought for sure he was a goner, but I’m rethinking it now. Hard to see Jake getting picked ahead of Clausen and I think it is a real “half of one” situation between him and Bradford right now. There is also a chance that a big NC from McCoy could put him ahead of Locker in the minds of some GMs.

Contrast that to next season when Jake undoubtedly starts the season at the top of the Heisman watch list and #1 on just about everyone’s big board. He’ll have all of his offensive weapons back and another full camp of training to get him sharp.

The big unknows are:
a) how does camp Locker feel about the NFL labor situation
b) how does camp Locker feel about the quality of the OL in terms of minimizing the physical damage that he’ll absorb

Let the speculation begin. I can say that I’m swaying back to the “he’ll stay” side.

Damn, my eyeball tastes good.

by Gekko Mojo on Dec 7, 2009 11:59 AM PST reply actions 0 recs

first sentence was bad ..

.. meant to say “might sway Jake to stay”.

Damn, my eyeball tastes good.

by Gekko Mojo on Dec 7, 2009 12:00 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

I’ve maintained that Clausen was likely to declare, and that him doing so would help our chances of Jake returning. Clausen is quite polished at this point after 3 years in a pro-style offense under Weis – there’s almost nothing left for him to prove at the college level. He doesn’t have quite the same physical skills as Jake, but he’s a lot more ready for the NFL. Jake might have greater long-term potential than Clausen, but Clausen is a much safer pick.

Jake has a lot left to prove, and could go from someone in the top 10 of the draft to the #1 overall guy if he returns for another year.

by kirkd on Dec 7, 2009 12:10 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

"One more year, one more year!!!"

I’ve been leaning toward Jake sticking around. Jake is a pretty smart kid, with a great work ethic, I don’t see him buying into the hype and money as much as most other college players. I’m not saying he won’t be tempted, or that he won’t declare, but I think our odds are better 50/50 that Jake stays one more year.

"Legends are made on the shores of Lake Washington"
"BOW DOWN TO WASHINGTON"

by Lear Pilot on Dec 7, 2009 3:02 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

One interesting bit from Scott Locker on the radio today was him pointing out that money hasn’t been the primary factor for Jake in previous decisions – he turned down what probably would’ve been at least a $3-4M baseball contract had he decided he wanted to pursue baseball out of H.S. instead of coming to the UW to play QB.

Now, the money Jake stands to potentially make in the NFL draft this year is a lot more than that, but the principle still stands. Unless something really bad happens next year, he’s still going to be one of, if not the top QB prospects out there and will get a ton of money from the NFL. And if waiting another year means he has a great time in school, has a chance to lead the Huskies back to a bowl game (and improve his legacy here), cement his place as a Husky Legend and give himself a better chance to succeed in the NFL, he just might do it.

by kirkd on Dec 7, 2009 3:15 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

I like our chances

but it’s going to seem like an eternity waiting for him to make and announce his decision.

"Legends are made on the shores of Lake Washington"
"BOW DOWN TO WASHINGTON"

by Lear Pilot on Dec 7, 2009 6:02 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Yep. Husky Nation will be on pins & needles…

by kirkd on Dec 7, 2009 6:27 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

National championships don't mean squat to NFL GMs

Evidence: Gino Terretta

I think that’s all I have to say.

All I saw was purple

by crazidawg on Dec 7, 2009 8:05 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

I think Jake will stay

Now that Clausen has made it perfectly clear he is going pro. That puts Clausen in with Bradford, McCoy, and Tebow. Is Snead going too, haven’t heard.

Next season it would be ALL ABOUT Jake Locker. Nobody else is on next year’s radar. With Clausen leaving ND, all the big name college QBs not named Locker are going. Jake would benefit tremendously if he stayed now. Clausen was the key and maybe what Jake was waiting for. Next season Jake would definitely be the No.1 QB prospect, plus a front runner for the Hiesman Trophy- no question.

All I saw was purple

by crazidawg on Dec 7, 2009 8:09 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Ryan Mallett is another name that would compete with Jake next year, but Jake has a leg up on him currently. Snead, if he returns, would also be in the mix. Nick Foles could work his way up the charts.

But Jake would be the top NFL draft prospect at QB going into next season.

by kirkd on Dec 7, 2009 8:51 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs