The Monday Morning Wash
by John Berkowitz on Apr 27, 2009 8:32 AM PDT
Email
PrintThe Washington football team's first spring under new head coach Steve Sarkisian has given Husky fans plenty of hope going into 2009. Fans who watched the spring game--either at the stadium or on the Internet--was a far more organized and spirited group than what we have witnessed in previous seasons.
Game highlights included Jake Locker's passing, Chris Polk's running, and an improved group of receivers. Combined with Locker, the first unit receivers nearly achieved a perfect performance through the air.
Defensively, the LB corp was splendid, though missing EJ Savannah, sitting out while nursing an injured shoulder. Had this was the regular season, Savannah would have played; however, the coaches wisely chose not to risk further injury to injured players on Saturday.
As spring practices closed, many problems still exist. The offensive line is a work in progress, bearing little resemblance to a Pac 10 unit. The prevailing opinion is only recruiting will turn this around. UW will continue to search the JC ranks for some immediate answers in the 2010 recruiting class.
While the first string offense and defense played well on Saturday the reality is they were playing a weak second string opponent. Quality depth is a significant issue right now; expect changes between now and December as the coaches clear out room to take as many new players as they can in 2010.
Getting back to Jake Locker, the coaching change has aided his progress more than anyone else on the team. He is starting to thrive in the new offense; once his legs become part of the game again, watch out!
Jake has the ability to win games by himself with those marvelous legs. The improvements he has made passing the ball is turning him into a true dual threat. When opposing defense start respecting his arm as much as his legs it will take a lot of pressure off this team.
Offensively, the team has some tools to work with--provided the offensive line can open some holes and give Jake some time. A healthy Jake will make them look far better than they really are in 2010.
The exciting thing about this team is they simply look much better than last fall. They still have four more months before their first game; if strength coach Ivan Lewis can get as much improvement out of them as he did in the four months before spring practice began, a six-win season is not an unreasonable goal.
While six wins doesn't sound like much, after finishing 0-12 last year it would represent a quantum leap in stature. Such a step would guarantee solid pieces from California and Hawaii in the 2010 recruiting derby.
Regarding recruiting, Washington is already off to a fantastic start. Add a few more wins than expected during the season, and I see no reason why Washington won't finish inside the top ten recruiting wise in 2010.
Looking ahead
If you look at the first three games of the season, I realistically only view one winnable game: Idaho. The Vandals are rebuilding under Robb Akey, and Washington ought to have little beating them. LSU and USC, however, have far too much talent and depth for Washington to contend. However, similarly talented Husky squads lead by former coach Tyrone Willingham came very close to beating USC both at home and on the road.
The Huskies will play Stanford on the road following the opening three games. Though the Cardinal are likely to be favored by the Vegas oddsmakers, they ought to be very beatable. Year three of the Jim Harbaugh coaching regime means there will be considerable young talent on that roster.
Notre Dame has struggled under Charlie Weis recently, but they had no problem beating Washington like a drum last season. The Huskies have never beaten the Irish and I foresee that trend continuing next season.
The Dawgs get Arizona at home following the trip to South Bend. As with Stanford, one has to mark it down as team Washington ought to play competitively, and quite possibly beat.
UW then heads on the road to play Arizona State in Tempe. The Sun Devils simply weren't very good last season and with a new QB at the helm, I am not predicting a quick turnaround in 2009. If UW can beat Idaho, Stanford and Arizona, there is no reason they can't compete with ASU. However, given this game it is on the road, the Devils have the advantage.
Up next is a home date with Oregon, minus coach-turned-Athletics Director Mike Bellotti. The Ducks will be among the top in the conference this season; unfortunately, UW simply does not have the horses to beat them up front.
Following the Ducks, the Huskies face UCLA in the Rose Bowl. The Bruins were terrible last season and I think UW would have beaten them with a healthy Jake Locker leading the Huskies. If Locker is healthy, mark this one down as a probable win.
Next up is talented Oregon State on the road. The Beavers appear to be long-past the days of rebuilding, now simply reloading. Led by bothers Jacquizz and James Rogers, I don't see UW beating the Beavs in 2009.
Up next is the Apple Cup in Husky Stadium. I predict a Husky victory over WSU. In fact, this may well be one of only two games the Huskies will be favored to win next season.
The season ends against California at home on December 5. The Bears project to be one of the top three teams in the conference next season. Playing in Seattle this late in the season will make the game interesting.
So let's tally the potential wins: Idaho, Stanford, Arizona, UCLA, and WSU, with ASU and Notre Dame as a toss-up contests on the road. Quite frankly, I foresee only two-to-four wins next season; however, one never knows how the ball will bounce until they suit up.
One thing everyone can count on is that or the first time since Rick Neuheisel departed Montlake, these kids will have a chance to get the program turned around next season. Sarkisian and Holt are going to motivate the team to play better than they really are. Jake Locker once again will make up for the shortcomings of the offensive line.
In conclusion, a healthy team attitude and four more months of Ivan Lewis gives Washington a fighting chance going in to the 2009 season.
Special Session
Lot's of things still on the plate if you are a legislator in Washington State. It looks like the Governor is going to call a special season to help wrap things up. It won't be a long session with most predicting only 2-3 more days to wrap things up.
What it does mean if you are a Husky fan that there is still a small chance that SB 6116 will pass and Husky Stadium will be included. I have heard that the participation of a WSU trustee in the plane stunt has raised some eyebrows down in Olympia. Honestly the most pressing matter right now is Key Arena since there is $30 million of Clay Bennett's sitting on the table.
It is going to be very interesting to see how this plays out at the deadline. I think anytime there is an extension of the general session anything can happen at the last minute. Things have a way of slipping in when you least expect it.
54 comments
|
0 recs |
Do you like this story?
Comments
I agree with your assessment of the huskies coming season 4 to 6 wins possible – lack of depth biggest concern – kicking game BIG concern. But you forgot to mention the most important thing the uniforms – I personally like them – I like the striping on the pants complementing the stripping on the helmet. Also liked the all white uniform nice clean look.
Uniforms?
I haven’t seen them yet…I have only heard descriptions. I was in Denver fo a funeral this past weekend so I am just catching up on a number of things today.
they don't look very good to me.
I thought the stripes were a bad idea. Now I know.
"Greed is Good."
So is Rudy.
They could be worse
They could have left them as is.
"Bow Down to Washington"
"Kick the tires and light the fires!"
I'd have preferred one more year of the old ones...
… if I could have gotten a redesigned, elegant, vibrant, with-ties-to-tradition look in return. what they gave us is just bad. Half-hearted attempt at placating the vocal minority on the issue.
"Greed is Good."
So is Rudy.
I don’t dislike them as much as I thought I would, but I still think no stripe or just a solid purple stripe would’ve been better. And I still don’t like the prairie tan color we are using instead of a vibrant gold. Still want the purple darker, but I’ve been told that the material used for the jerseys won’t allow a darker purple, so whatever (though I don’t get why a really dark navy color can be produced but not a dark purple…)
Really don’t like the all-white look; our colors are purple & gold dammit, not purple & gold & white (or black, or whatever other trendy “3rd color” they end up producing for additional replica jersey sales).
I do like the purple piping on the shoulders on the white jersey tops.
Having said all this..
don’t you guys think they’ll look better on our players? I’m sorry but veiwing them on skinny mannequins isn’t the same thing.
by doubledeucedawg on Apr 28, 2009 4:03 PM PDT up reply actions
Have you seen our team
those mannequins look bigger than some of our players…
kidding.
I agree that they will look a lot better on the players but I do like the Gold Pants with the White Jersey as opposed to all white but either way I dont mind them all that much. Love the home jerseys.
Yeah I looked...
…at the rivals link (pictures) and they looked better in the photos. I can’t wait to see them on Tamu! ;O)
by doubledeucedawg on Apr 28, 2009 8:19 PM PDT up reply actions
I don't think they look bad
I was just hoping for more of a change. Yes, they will look much better on the players, I was really hoping to see pictures of players modeling the uniforms.
"Bow Down to Washington"
"Kick the tires and light the fires!"
Thanks John!
I just wanted to thank you, and the others, for all your work this Spring. It was an exciting few weeks to see improvement in the team, and excitement surrounding the program again and you all did a great job covering it all.
It was tough watching the draft. Saw lots of videos of Huskies, but it was always in the context of an opposing player running over or around them. Didn’t used to be that way, and hopefully won’t be that way for much longer.
As for next year, I think they could/should have won two games last year — if they had played with emotion and fire, and had better in game coaching, that is. I think Sark’s program is worth three more wins, so I’m saying five wins. Not that I’d put any money on it!!
Again, John, thanks.
Six wins is a real stretch
Anything is possible but I am think three to five is more realistic.
One thing to keep an eye is Jake. If he is a true dual threat he will be tough to contend with and open up some opportunities for the RB’s.
by John Berkowitz on Apr 27, 2009 9:29 AM PDT up reply actions
Seriously people...enough about the uniforms
Is there a joke that I am missing on the uniform business? We just had a great spring practice and 90% of the discussion are about uniforms that are really not that different. No offense, but who cares about the uniforms…I don’t care if they wear a potato sack with stenciled purple numbers….I want wins….
Moving on, I completely agree with you on your comments John. Based on what I saw on Saturday the team just seems more organized and ready to play. Really can’t infer too much from the spring game, but clearly Jake is learning to work through his progression. Granted we will see how well he works through in a real game situation, but overall the offense looked better. If we do win games next season, I think it will be because our defense is just more mature (insert joke here about it can’t get any worse) and has more talent that opposing teams will have to account for on each play.
Defense
We are very solid at LB and DE plus the coaches really like what is going on at Safety. The corners and the interior of the line are still question marks but not nearly as much as the OL. I think we have some good young talent on defense that is ready to emerge.
by John Berkowitz on Apr 27, 2009 9:31 AM PDT up reply actions
Interior is a little soft...
Yes, we are going to be a little suspect in the interior, but I am really hoping that Tivao is progressing in his academics so he is ready to step up and play…Tivao is a man among boys in terms of size and will help create some congestion.
6 Wins Too Much
As someone who is not surprised at all by Sark’s success so far, I still manage my UW football expectations based on reality. Six wins is waaaay too much to expect from this team. In fact, 6 wins would make Sark national coach of the year! Not saying it can’t be done but this program already has too many unrealistic & delusional fans to throw that six wins carrot in front of them…Four wins is a realistic goal.
Let’s appreciate the installation of a solid foundation and enjoy the improvement this year. We can worry about bowl games later.
Agreed...
I love die hard UW fans, but 4 wins would be a homerun in my book for next year. I will always take more wins, but let’s not hang unrealistic goals on our coaching staff. Take the Idaho and WSU games and hope we can steal one or two from Stanford, ASU, UA or UCLA.
Here’s how I look at it – if Jake were healthy last year, we win the Apple Cup & probably beat Stanford, with shots at beating UCLA as well & possibly Notre Dame.
IF Jake is healthy all year, I think that it’s not that unreasonable to base assumptions off of 2 to 3 wins as a base from last year rather than 0. Add in expected improvements under Sark’s coaching, & the scenario laid out by John isn’t all that delusional. Optimistic, yes, but not delusional. I see a lot of similarities between this team & the one Jeff Tedford took over. We all know the quick turnaround Tedford had at Cal – is it delusional to think Sark could match that? And in the case of Cal, Kyle Boller wasn’t hurt for most of 2001, he just wasn’t very good. Once Tedford arrived and coached him up, they went from 1 win to 7.
Lets not lower expectations too much around this program, or we’ll find ourselves continually excusing losing seasons.
The Tedford Comparison
Not trying to be Mr. Negative today, but expecting 4 wins is hardly excusing poor performance – it is accepting a more likely scenario given the lack of depth in some critical spots. We looked better this weekend, but only by design of the coaching staff. I would love to have the Tedford experience with Sark, but Tedford’s outcome when he took over was the exception, not really the norm.
no one said John was delusional
I recognize that John was being optimistic, there’s a big difference. The problem is that fans (like yourself) will try to rationalize why 6 wins is somehow a realistic expectation based on things that have nothing to do with this upcoming season. Remember that Sark has put in an entirely new offense that by design does not rely on the legs of Jake Locker? That makes anything that happened last year irrelevant. Expecting six win is not being a good fan. A good fanatic? yes. But not a good fan. I consider myself a lifetime supporter, I want the Huskies to rebuild the right way and I’m willing to take a 4 win season if we’re competitive in every single game. GO HUSKIES!!
A lot of stuff to process here. First off…
The problem is that fans (like yourself) will try to rationalize why 6 wins is somehow a realistic expectation based on things that have nothing to do with this upcoming season
Show me where I said 6 wins is a “realistic expectation”. I said John’s scenario was “optimistic”. That means “if things go really well”. I think realisticly, the range of possibilities for this team are anywhere between 0 and 7 wins, with the probability of somewhere around 4 wins. If everything goes right and the Huskies catch some breaks, they could win 7. If Locker goes down and other key players are lost and our lack of depth is revealed, we could be looking at another winless season.
Remember that Sark has put in an entirely new offense that by design does not rely on the legs of Jake Locker? That makes anything that happened last year irrelevant.
Yeah, I’m fully aware of the offense that Sark has put in. And while it’s not based entirely on Jake’s legs, his running ability will be a significant part of the offense. Sark’s system has a lot of roll-outs and bootlegs, many built off of play-action. And the spread formation hasn’t been wiped from the playbook either. Jake will have his chances to run in this offense, and the balance provided by an improved passing game should open up running lanes for Jake. As we’ve heard Sarkisian say, they’ve worked so hard to get Jake to learn to stay in the pocket, they now have to encourage him to take off and run when it’s the best option (sounds very similar to what Lappano said about Stanback).
Jake is the engine that will make this offense go. He has some decent receivers to throw to, some decent running backs to hand off to and has had better coaching at the QB spot and now has a system that should make this offense more balanced and Jake a more complete QB. The Spring game was encouraging with respect to Jake’s accuracy and grasp of the offense and his decision-making.
As for the idea that everything that happened last year being irrelevant to predicting this season, not true – we still can figure talent level for the team, and we can guess about the team’s attitude. Last year it stunk. This year I expect the attitude to be much better. A downtrodden team that has lost very little in terms of talent to graduation that is now more motivated and better coached should show real improvement, right?
Expecting six win is not being a good fan. A good fanatic? yes. But not a good fan. I consider myself a lifetime supporter, I want the Huskies to rebuild the right way and I’m willing to take a 4 win season if we’re competitive in every single game.
Not being a good fan eh? First off, as I said, I’m not “expecting” 6 wins, but I do think it’s not delusional to think it could happen. Secondly, what exactly is rebuilding the “right way”, and why would that necessarily mean fewer wins than another way (short of outright cheating of course)?
Look, this program should never have fallen to the depths it did under Willingham. It was clear by the end of year 2 of Ty that it wasn’t going to work, and year 3 only solidified that belief. Year 4 was completely unnecessary and will stand forever as a mark against Dr. Emmert for not having the guts to stand up to those clamoring to give Ty one more year.
When I say that we shouldn’t ever lose high expectations for this program, I mean we need to avoid falling into the trap of excusing losing – it was this excuse-making that led to the disastrous decision to give Ty a 4th year to drive this program into the deepest depths.
I’m not going to lead a mob with pitchforks against Sarkisian if this team wins 4 games next year. But I expect to see a competitive team that is improving, I expect Sark to sign a top-15 (if not top-10) recruiting class, and I expect a bowl team in 2010. Good coaches don’t always turn things around in 1 year. But most good coaches show their worth in their 2nd year.
Chris Polk
People have said he doesn’t have a Pac-10 ready body, but from the look of the pictures from the Spring Game, he looks plenty big. At least 205 lbs.
Those of you who went to the Spring Game, was Polk just outrunning defenders for his yards or was he breaking tackles? And if its both of those, I’d be very happy.
That kid has got some quicks!
I was very impressed with how quick he hit the hole. He is the type of back who could take it the distance on any given play.
by doubledeucedawg on Apr 27, 2009 1:14 PM PDT up reply actions
Polk
I saw him up close during the first scrimmage, maybe 3 feet away from me, he’s got a decent build. I’m not an expert on what a Pac10 RB should be, but I think he’s average for a Pac10 RB. I’m not worried about his size, but I am worried about his toughness. I’m not sure he’s tough enough to be an every down RB.
At the spring game most of his runs were caused by hitting the hole fast and making people miss. He did have a few where he lowered his shoulder and took on the defender for a few extra feet. I remember him breaking a few tackles by making the defender look silly, but I don’t remember him running through a tackle. I’d probably compare him to Rashaan Shehee or Willie Hurst.
"Bow Down to Washington"
"Kick the tires and light the fires!"
Take a look at Chris Polk's arms
He had shoulder surgery so he had to lay off the weights this winter. I think he will really benefit by being able to work on his upper body between now and this fall.
by John Berkowitz on Apr 27, 2009 2:06 PM PDT up reply actions
Standing on the track curb
Chris Polk came over and stood two feet from me while talking to the lady next to me. He does not have an imposing football body. In fact his height/weight looked more like Jordon Polk’s numbers, except Jordon came over next, and he is definitely smaller. Neither one is physically intimidating, they look like typical college kids, except for the fat ones.
However, Jordon had a kickoff TD return that day and Chris looked real good last week. Last fall Jordon seemed to be waiting for that home run hole to open up while the defense was dropping him for a loss. Last week he seemed to be hitting the hole much quicker. Hopefully we will have to just settle for Nap Kaufman type numbers from an unimposing body.
I haven't seen him up close...
…just a general impression of his running. Quick, fast, explosive. It’s nice to see because I haven’t seen a running back like him at Washington for quite a while now.
by doubledeucedawg on Apr 27, 2009 9:11 PM PDT up reply actions
For those who did not see the game the replay is shown on the gohuskies web site multimedia. With a healthy Jake Locker I would be disappointed with anything less than 4 wins. I thought Jake looked great – the receivers caught the ball and had some great blocks down field – we have depth and talent at running back. On the D side we have some quality in our DE and safeties and our LBs could be outstanding. Also most of the PAC 10 teams do not have a returning starting QB – I think with a healthy Locker six wins is possible maybe more
Great Points Lorenzo
Most of the PAC 10 teams do not have a returning starting QB
That is always a real key consideration at this level. However Oregon really blew me away last year with their depth at QB. It seemed no matter who they put out there they kicked some butt.
by John Berkowitz on Apr 27, 2009 11:05 AM PDT reply actions
Include Oregon as a potential win
They lost their entire starting Oline, the reason all their qb’s looked good, and 3 of their starters on the Dline. If we don’t get to banged up I’d be surprised if we weren’t favored against them at home.
Oregon?
The reason I didn’t pencil them in is we haven’t played a competitive game with them since the last time we beat them in Husky Stadium. Iw ould to beat them but I wouldn’t say this is going to be the year.
by John Berkowitz on Apr 27, 2009 2:08 PM PDT up reply actions
They're gonna be mediocre
I like our chances against them better than any of Stanford, UCLA, and Arizona St. because we get the Ducks at home and those three are all on the road.
The Oregon game is one of three that I think the Dawgs will dominate the line of scrimage.
Maybe, but one thing that Oregon has plenty of is speed
Which combined with their high power offense is a tough thing to stop for any team, especially a rebuilding one.
http://www.spartyandfriends.com/
also...
Love that picture of Polk with the blood coming out of his elbow at the top of the page. Time for the Huskies to be tough again.
Include ASU as a potential win
I went to ASU spring game – ASU had no offense no QB. All three QBs looked like they stood 6’ 8" (one literally is) were immobile – no zip on the ball and threw 3 interceptions. One touchdown scored. I think UW looked much better than ASU. I think ASU can be had. Also here is the link to the uniforms.
http://washington.rivals.com/photofeature.asp?SID=881&fid=28144
The Road
Tough to predict wins on the road. You ever been to tempe on game night? it is pretty wild!
by John Berkowitz on Apr 27, 2009 7:20 PM PDT up reply actions
ASU
Yes – I have been to every UW-ASU and UA game played in Arizona for the past 20 years. I really think the UW can beat both Arizona schools this year. Neither have a returning QB both schools are vulunerable.
Here is the link to the ASU spring game. Also read the comments – I think most of the fans saw what I did – ASU’s offense looked bad.
http://www.azcentral.com/sports/asu/articles/2009/04/18/20090418asufb.html
That would mean . . .
you were at the UW-ASU game in 1998 when Huard hit Davis for a LONG touchdown with only seconds remaining to win the game. I’m VERY jealous, that would have been quite the game to see in person.
I’m going to be in your neck of the woods in two weeks (Tucson), yearly sim training. How’s the weather down there?
"Bow Down to Washington"
"Kick the tires and light the fires!"
The Secondary...
has to come around as Holt was saying. Being able to have an effective running game from the OL and TBs would really open things up. Add in some well timed running plays from Jake and the offense could be very hard to stop.
by doubledeucedawg on Apr 27, 2009 9:14 PM PDT reply actions
There are two main concerns...
Can Jake stay healthy? He will get hit, a lot. He will need to run, for his life. How long can he survive? As he goes, so goes the team. No team in the conference will be more dependent on one player.
Depth. At almost every position. Injuries will happen. Kids will need to step up. Why did Jake look so good this weekend? The second team was last years second team, on a squad that went 0-12. This team has no depth. They are not really very good at any spot except LB and QB.
If they get lucky, Jake survives, no major injuries to key spots, like the offensive line, maybe they win 4 or 5. If Jake gets hot, still no major injuries, maybe six, and every team they play will be sweating it.
But… Jake gets hurt, two LB miss significant time, one starting safety goes down, we could again be looking at 0- 12, or maybe 2-10. The margin for error is razor thin. Keep your hope up, but do not bet the farm on this group, the odds are not great.
Just the same, I look forward to the future. I think the Dawgs are headed in the right direction.
I think Jake will need to run...
some but I don’t think he’s the only guy on the field who can make plays this year.
by doubledeucedawg on Apr 28, 2009 4:05 PM PDT up reply actions
Barely a few weeks ago. . .
. . . .there were some thinking that 2 wins were “doable” for UDub this year. I’m liking that I’m hearing “6 wins are conceivable”. It would make the Huskies bowl eligible.
Now I’m not saying the Rose Bowl is in our sights, but judging from the last time the Huskies rolled into Pasadena. . . .The Huskies RAN THAT TOWN! (Husky fans travel well).
Comer4tide to Nico2.0: "How come I've never heard of any of your random songs?"
Todd to Comer: "Because if you had, he wouldn't listen to it. BOOM. Roasted."
Nico to Todd: "Shouldn't you be off voguing somewhere?"
by BixBeiderbecke on Apr 28, 2009 10:08 AM PDT reply actions
Olydawg – I agree with all of your points. However I think we do have some depth and talent in our RBs and WRs. A healthy team (Jake in particular) is the key as is the development of our OL and backups. I also think we may have some real problems in the kicking game.
Yes Lear – the weather here in Scottsdale were I live is fantastic. Also I was at that game when Davis made that catch with my buddies sitting in the ASU season ticket section (40 yard line) that was the last time we sat there it got a little testy. We now sit with the UW fans in the upper end zone section. However I must say the ASU fans with the one exception have always been courteous and gracious to me win or lose and wished the UW well.
Beating UCLA
at home is not a probable win. Yes, I’m a UCLA homer, but that said, we are considerably better at every single position this year. I don’t believe I’m exaggerating at all when I say our defense will be as good or better than any other in the PAC-10, on par with USC.
Our secondary, good last year, is better this year. Our D-line should be slightly stronger at DE and about equal at DT. Brian Price is an absolute monster. He could go in the first round when he graduates. Our linebackers are tough as well, with 2 NFL caliber guys in there.
Our offense is not at all in that league, but we are considerably improved at QB and O-line, our two biggest weaknesses last year. Kevin Prince has easily surpassed last season’s starter and looks very promising. He has a great arm and makes very accurate throws.
I just don’t see UW going in there with a probable win, unless things turn really sour for UCLA on the injury front. We’ve had two top 20 recruiting classes in a row, and are loaded with young talent. We are going to better quickly as the year goes on, especially with coaches like Norm Chow and your favorite head coach college football. That said, I’d like to see a return for the Huskies as a top tier PAC-10 team. They are not a program that belongs at the bottom of the PAC-10 barrel like they were last year.
Thanks for the insight
As a UW fan I think we could beat anyone when I am drunk off the Purple Kool-Aid. We have seen to many upsets throughout the years to not at least give ourselves a punchers chance. UCLA will be a better team than last year but so will UW.
What is the situation with your new DC? Who is he and what do you think of him? DeWayne Walker was a great coach so he will not easily be replaced from what I have heard (great recruiter as well).
It is hard to say,
but so far he seems to be doing fine. I believe the thought is that he will continue doing the things Dewayne Walker was doing. The players are saying he is a more “in your face” type coach, very vocal. I would say that UW would have an excellent chance of beating UCLA, were UCLA the ones traveling. For whatever reason, UCLA has not done well at all on the road.
…and Lear (I’m jealous of your job by the way!) I saw the defense at the spring scrimmage this season. I was VERY impressed. Everyone has been impressed with that squad. Last year, I knew we’d have a tough defense, but I’d easily rate this one higher. I’ve been closely following UCLA for four year now, and this is the best D I’ve seen. Alteraun Verner, Brian Price, Reggie Carter, Hakeem Ayers, and Rahim Moore are all starters from last season that I think will end up in the NFL at some point. That doesn’t count several of the new guys coming in.
As far as Neuheisel is concerned, most of us are pretty excited about him. We know his ethical track record has been spotty, but most of us think he got himself grounded in his year or 2 off coaching high school football. He’s a UCLA alumni and he’s always wanted to coach here, so we tend to think he’ll work that much harder for that reason. We also think he won’t jeopardize his dream job through poor behavior again. He is an exciting, charismatic coach, who has so far maintained one good recruiting class and then improved upon it the following year. We probably didn’t get a better class than USC, but one publication rated us higher, and to be talked about in the same sentence with them in recruiting after only one year at the helm is a pretty impressive feat.
Last year we were totally bankrupt at offensive line and our 1st and 2nd string QB’s were out before the season started, so we don’t really blame Neuheisel for the 4 win season.
So that’s all I got. Good luck Huskies. If anyone knows Christine Babcock (she runs track and cross country up there) tell her Josh Y. says hi!
Thanks for the report
Anytime you want to throw in the UCLA perspective feel free. We are starting to get good contribution from here from other schools and I think it really adds another level to the blog. Again, Thanks!
A UCLA fan, cool, I've got a question for you . . .
How do you foresee the future of UCLA football under Rick Neuheisel? If you aren’t aware, most of us think he will be the death of your program, just like he was here. There are some guys here who think he will be successful, so what is your take on Neuheisel?
By the way, I’ll be very surprised if your defense is “on par with USC”, I have a bad feeling you are going to dearly miss Dwayne Wallker this year.
"Bow Down to Washington"
"Kick the tires and light the fires!"
Great Highlight video
http://www.coachsark.com/blog/2009/04/hoffmann-highlights
Its of Dave Hoffman (sure most of you may have seen it). I cannot wait for UW to start playing Defense like this! This is what makes me happy to be a UW fan!
Comments For This Post Are Closed
Secondary Sidebar
User Tools
FanPosts
Community blog posts and discussion.
