2009 UW Preview - Safeties
by John Berkowitz on Jul 10, 2009 11:00 AM PDT
134 comments
With all the discussion of a dearth of athletes on the football squad, Husky fans can take solace knowing the team will have legitimate talent lining up at safety in 2009.
Jr Nate Williams, So Johri Fogerson, and Jr Vic Aiyewa were the top three players to emerge from spring practice. Williams was impressive; onlookers took notice as he consistently led the defense during drills and scrimmages. Aiyewa battled the injury bug last season, and truly, should have taken the year off to preserve eligibility and get healthy. When healthy, Vic is a ferocious hitter. A starter for several games in 2008, Fogerson is an elite athlete who will improve with experience, though coaches may elect to move him to Tailback to offset the losses of Brandon Johnson and David Freeman.
A two-year starter who has missed most of the previous two seasons fighting injuries, senior Jason Wells is again recovering from a major setback. This winter Wells tore his achilles tendon, having yet another surgery from which to recover. When healthy, Jason has All Pac 10 potential; one observer who saw him on crutches at the spring game was amazed by his size and overall build. According to Bob Condotta of the Seattle Times, he will be ready to go by fall camp and is almost ready to start participating in unsupervised drills with the team.
Reached into the JC ranks by bringing in Michael Batts, one of the top-rated JC DB's in the country last season. Batts is qualified and a strong bet to start somewhere in the defensive backfield come September. The coaches have him listed as a safety, though he is versatile enough to play CB if needed.
Keep a close watch on Alvin Logan, who moved from WR late in the spring, and quickly made a strong impression on the coaching staff. RS Greg Walker also impressed this spring, looking like a player who will contribute on special teams in 2009. Walk-on Tripper Johnson returns after starting a few games last season; expect his contribution in 2009 to be limited to special teams.
The Huskies add two good looking athletes this fall in Will Shaumburger and Nate Fellner, though Shaumburger could be enrolling late due to surgery. Fellner, however, arrives ready to compete for playing time. The grandson of former WSU head man Jim Sweeney is destined to have a fine career at Washington, with his high school coach believing he has the maturity, build, and conditioning to play immediately.
One glance at the depth chart shows that Washington is young, talented, and deep at safety. They are three deep at both positions with kids that can step in and start games in 2009. I think safety will be one of the most improved positions on the roster in 2009.
Depth Chart
- Nate Williams Jr
- Johri Fogerson So
- Michael Batts So
- Vic Aiyewa Jr
- Alvin Logan So
- Jason Wells Sr
- Greg Walker Rs
- Tripper Johnson Jr
- Nate Fellner Fr
- Will Shaumburger Fr
0 recs |
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Great to see a position with quality depth
Even with injuries, we should have quality players to fill in at safety. Even better, only Jason Wells won’t be coming back, meaning next year looks even brighter. Combine the Safeties with a very solid group of linebackers, and an up and coming defensive line, the defense has the potential to surprise a lot of people.
"Bow Down to Washington"
"Kick the tires and light the fires!"
by Lear Pilot on Jul 10, 2009 11:10 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
We are young
but I think they will end up being a pretty solid group.
by bigdave967 on Jul 10, 2009 11:14 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Considering that a number of our CB's are really safeties
; )
by John Berkowitz on Jul 10, 2009 11:16 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Richardson? Perhaps, but I saw enough potential in him as a CB to want to see it continue. I relate it to a minor league SS – you want to keep a kid at the hardest defensive position in baseball until he proves he just can’t handle it. I think it’s similar with Richardson at CB – with his size and potential, you want to keep him at CB as long as he shows the potential to be a good one. Coach him up and give him more experience at the position and you might have a keeper. If not, there are other options…
by kirkd on Jul 10, 2009 11:47 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I agree...
… when he can focus and keep the mental part in check, QR seems to have that rare flair for playmaking.
"Greed is Good."
So is Rudy.
by Gekko Mojo on Jul 11, 2009 6:32 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yeah except in the Apple Cup...
…we have got to get to the point where on crucial downs, guys will step up and make plays! I know what you’re saying though, love the POTENTIAL but we seem to talk a lot about that.
Washington Husky Football-Undefeated 1991 National Champions 12-0!
by dawgfan22 on Jul 11, 2009 10:07 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Great writeup John
“All these kids have one thing in common and that is being thrown into the fire to sink or swim during the Willingham years.”
That about sums it up for our secondary. I’m not so sure though. Maybe being “thrown into the fire” is a good thing. A lesson they won’t soon forget. When you’ve been associated with a losing program and have the audacity to do something about it- find ways to win, you honestly don’t forget how miserable if felt to be the loser. When that happens, winning becomes contageous and it becomes easier and easier to win on saturdays. How long did it take a struggling USC team to figure out that losing sucked in Carroll’s first season? I’m telling you fellas that once these kids figure it all out, it’s going to take off like a grass fire in Eastern Washington!
Losing sucks and I’m sure everyone agrees. However their is something to be said about the lesson learned in losing. You find real football players in the process, you develope great character due to all the adversity involved in losing. We are Washington and it is just a matter of time before we explode back onto the scene. Kids far and near better really take a good look at Washington, this coaching staff is working its tail off in every phase of rebuilding a college football giant. I don’t see us slowly progressing. I don’t see us slowly obtaining the ability to compete with Oregon and Oregon State. I think once our team figures out how to win on Saturday’s, it’s going to explode. I see us blowing the ducks and beavs doors off! And competing for the Pac 10 title sooner rather then later. Take a good look at Washington, I’m telling you take a good look.
Go Dawgs! WOOF!!!
All I saw was purple
by crazidawg on Jul 10, 2009 11:33 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Going into fall practice,
has Sark made public a tentative depth chart for each position?
by Verge on Jul 10, 2009 12:14 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
This is post-spring...
here…but you probably won’t see anything including the incoming frosh and JC guys until the end of Sept.
by B Money on Jul 10, 2009 4:02 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Great write-up John
Thanks John for the great work. With it, I m getting a really good feel for the team. Others have said it and I am saying it .. I can’t WAIT for the season to begin! I am soooo excited to see us surprise a lot of teams and see UW back in the battle for the lead of the PacTen.
LOVE your enthusiasm Crazi!
by thedesertdog on Jul 10, 2009 1:06 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Thanks desertdog
I may be pushing the envelope and we may struggle in Sark’s first season, but when I mean sturggle I still think we will bat .500, give or take a win. But I believe I am dead on balls accurate in the “sooner rather then later” approach. Our coaches are working their tails off and have done more since arriving earlier in the year then what TW and his coaches did in four years. That speaks volumes and when you work that hard, success will follow quickly.
Which safety from John’s list do you see moving over to RB to fill in the backfield depth chart? I think we may see a couple kids go both ways in practice. I still think they all will be on the roster as safeties, but in the event we need some depth due to injury, one or two of these safeties will be sent over to the offense. I see two of our safeties learning both sides of the ball mostly for scout team purposes but still stay under the “safety” umbrella.
All I saw was purple
by crazidawg on Jul 10, 2009 1:24 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I think
Gobern was a RB in High School, and Fogerson looked like a damn good RB before he got moved. I’d bet Sark will sit on it, but still have those two ready incase the injury bug hits again this year.
by B Money on Jul 10, 2009 4:05 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yeah that's what I am thinking too
But what if Fogerson wins a starting spot at safety, then what? Keep your eye on Tripper. I know he was clueless a lot last season and gave up some big plays. Yet keep in mind that last season was his first season back in football in years! I think if anyone grows from last year the most it could be Tripper. He took a lot of flack last season and truthfully shouldn’t have. I honestly have high hopes for Tripper and I think he could be a very special player in our secondary. The one area I think Tripper could excell at is hitting and tackling. He’s got a wide frame for a safety and if added a little muscle, the guy could do some damage. I want him to become the safety that everybody says “stay out of the middle of the field”.
Go Trip! WOOF!!!
All I saw was purple
by crazidawg on Jul 10, 2009 5:19 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
You are making this way too easy
Tripper MUST work on his speed, currently he is way too slow to be on the field. Unless he puts on enough weight to play LB he’s going to be warming the bench. Spring practice was a good indicator, he did nothing, I wouldn’t even be surprised if he is one of the next guys cut to make more room for 2010 recruits.
"Bow Down to Washington"
"Kick the tires and light the fires!"
by Lear Pilot on Jul 10, 2009 6:48 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
You don't need speed to play Safety
You need to be able to read routes quickly, define them, and run to them. Corners need blazing speed, but a safety? I will say it helps especially with pro asperations, but you can play safety at this level without blazing speed.
Ronnie Lott wasn’t FAST but he perfected everything I mention above. To really have a VERY good secondary you have to scare the bejesus out of folks. Intimidation goes along way! Ronnie Lott would just lower the blow and that was the end of anything over the middle of the field.
I’d be rather shocked if Tripper leaves. He sort of has a cult following. I love the fact that he played professional baseball and chose to come back home to play college football.
All I saw was purple
by crazidawg on Jul 10, 2009 7:01 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I do expect him to get better
I don’t think he has Div 1 speed, even for a safety. It showed last year, he just kept getting beat at every opportunity. I like the guy, I wish him the best, but he’s going to be buried on the depth chart.
"Bow Down to Washington"
"Kick the tires and light the fires!"
by Lear Pilot on Jul 10, 2009 7:42 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Sorry, I must disagree
Without a doubt having 4.5 speed will make you a better safety. But a good safety can recognize routes quickly. He can get into position sooner rather then later because of his thinking process, rather then with his wheels. Truthfully I’d rather have a more cerebral safety then a Olympic sprinter dude that can’t read routes.
Most of the time when the play is developing and the routes are beginning to take shape a safeties job is to track the route, define it, and get into a good defensive allignment with the opposing receiver. And that is what playing safety and corner is really all about “the ability of getting into a good defensive allignment with the opposing receiver”. So from that argument speed is really not a factor for the safety position now is it? When you have a cerebral safety, honestly the only time you really need blazing speed is if you get beat. When does a safety get beat? When he’s not thinking about the routes coming at him. I’ll take cerebral over speed every time.
All I saw was purple
by crazidawg on Jul 11, 2009 8:36 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
What was I thinking . . .
it’s all about smarts and “scaring the bejesus” out of players, so let’s move Ta’amu or Rosborough to safety, they’d scare the HELL out of a receiver coming across the middle.
I’m sorry, your argument couldn’t be more wrong. A fast safety can get to a running play faster, will do better at man coverage, and cover a larger area in zone coverage. Speed makes the field smaller and the offenses job harder.
Tripper will be better, but speed MATTERS.
"Bow Down to Washington"
"Kick the tires and light the fires!"
by Lear Pilot on Jul 11, 2009 10:26 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Any votes to put Lear at Safety?
Like I said Lear “Without a doubt having 4.5 speed will make you a better safety”. Yes speed kills. But you can’t just have speed, because many of our kids now have speed and we suck in the secondary. There! I just completely washed your rebuttal away- BLAMMO!
What can occur if we have a safety that has Olympic-level speed and no brains? One thing comes to mind- getting sucked into a juke. Where’s the receiver? Oh he is gone- T-O-U-C-H D-O-W-N-! Speed without brains can get a safety into a heeping amount of trouble. That is why the safety position has to be cerebral. On offense the QB needs to be a thought processor and on defense the MLB and safeties must be thought processors. But I do agree in part- speed can only make you better at any position on the field. But like I said if I am building a team my safety is going to be a smart kid that can process what is coming at him, define routes, and quickly get into position to defend that route. Remember in most defensive alignments the safety has a cushion, unlike most corners in tight coverage alignment. The cushion gives them time to process information, define the route, and jump the route. Huge difference between playing the safety and cornerback.
All I saw was purple
by crazidawg on Jul 11, 2009 2:36 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
You flip flop as bad as John Kerry!
Finally, we agree, SPEED DOES MATTER. That’s all I’ve been trying to say. Yes, a safety must also have brains, I never said otherwise.
As for washing my rebuttal away: Ask your self crazi, have we had good team speed lately? All informed fans will say a resounding, NO! Haven’t you been saying how much the S&C will pay off? That’s because we were fat, dumb and lazy. Fat and lazy does not equal speed: BLAMMMO!! Safeties need both brains and speed, so thank you for finally coming to your senses and admitting speed kills!
"Bow Down to Washington"
"Kick the tires and light the fires!"
by Lear Pilot on Jul 11, 2009 2:42 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Lear do you understand the concept of "team speed"?
Do you? I don’t think you do. Team speed means we have speed at every position, from nose tackle to the corners and safeties, and all positions in between. Team speed does not merely consist of safeties. We are talking about safeties, not the team in general fella. You’re all over the dam place with your arguement. Stay focused Lear!!!
We are talking about the two safety positions, therefore we are talking about a position speed. And at safety we’ve had pretty good speed around here lately (minus Tripper).
My arguement from the entire beginning is that we have been virtually clueless in the secondary. We don’t understand the concept of “defending the route” and I’d wager that it wasn’t taught during the TW era. To play in the secondary you have to know what you are doing out there. It’s not something you can just wing, you have to know what’s going on.
And with that said, I will take a slower safety that knows how to defend the route over an olympic sprinter that knows nothing how to defend the route. Comprende Lear? Our safeties (and corners) are great athletes that can RUN! But we haven’t been taught the intracacies of the positions and it shows. With the right teaching of the positions at both corner and safeties our secondary will be more cerebral- acknowledging the oncoming routes, defining the routes as they develope, and have the knowledge it requires in order to position yourself to better defend the route(s). Comprende Lear? Speed kills and I concur, but if you don’t know what the hell you are doing then you’re going to get beat! Speed or no speed, if you don’t know what the hell you are doing, then you’re going to get beat!
All I saw was purple
by crazidawg on Jul 12, 2009 11:53 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Getting a bit mouthy aren't you?
Didn’t I just say that we need both smart and fast safeties? I hope you are having fun blowing a bunch of hot air!
"Bow Down to Washington"
"Kick the tires and light the fires!"
by Lear Pilot on Jul 12, 2009 2:28 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Lear, I am trying to make a point and that is I will take a slower safety that knows what he is doing over an olympic sprinter that doesn’t know the position. Now I am alone on the thought of Tripper becoming something in the next two years- and I will stand by that. I think the guy has something to prove, why else would he come back to play football? I also think the guy has enough smarts to become a crafty and smart safety for us. I think when it comes to your side of the arguement you just want to be argumentative. First you say speed is what it is about. Then you reply (scroll up) and say we need to be smart too. Which is it? My view hasn’t changed and in a nutshell: smart over speed at the safety position, but speed will make you a better safety with higher potential. But you have to have the brains to play the position for starters.
How did you come to a conclusion that I was becoming mouthy? We both are debating a certain topic and defending our positions on the subject. But not once did I call you out.
P.S. using the word “comprende” is not being mouthy. I’m asking you if you understand or comprehend.
All I saw was purple
by crazidawg on Jul 13, 2009 4:39 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
It’s all a matter of degrees crazi. How much smarter does a guy have to be that runs a 5.0 40 than a kid that runs a 4.5? Smarts is great and certainly important, but a lot of speed can make up for mistakes.
I like both in a player. But while I get the point you’re trying to make, there are certainly limits to how much football smarts can make up for lack of speed.
by kirkd on Jul 13, 2009 5:02 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
How many times do I have to say it . . .
Smarts AND speed, players MUST have both.
To answer your second question, using Blammo, Comprende, and similar phrases comes across as mouthy and very childish. Grow up or go away.
"Bow Down to Washington"
"Kick the tires and light the fires!"
by Lear Pilot on Jul 13, 2009 5:18 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Okay Grandpa
Play by your rules or don’t play at all- right? Sounds more like you are calling me out then vice versa.
“Comprende” is actually the legitimate spanish word for “comprehend”. How is does that translate to mouthy? Note to Lear: you are not the etiquette police. I am not trolling, I’m not calling you out, and I am not name calling. I am defending my side of an argument. I am a sarcastic individual that uses colorful annologies merely for viewership and humor. If you are too dull and too stubborn in your own ways … please feel free to not respond. No one is saying a response is required.
I posted something that I believed in and stand by it whether or not it is agreeable or not. You responded and it turned into a debate. I like debating certain topics. Yet if you, Lear don’t like another’s view you tell them to “grow up or go away”. How about just not responding to it and just let it go? I can do it. Watch … it’s simple.
All I saw was purple
by crazidawg on Jul 13, 2009 6:09 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Grandpa
Now that’s grown up! Your lack of respect for others is ruining this blog.
"Bow Down to Washington"
"Kick the tires and light the fires!"
by Lear Pilot on Jul 13, 2009 7:43 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Dude you need to chill. I posted something which you did not agree with. I respect your point of view, but you continued down this path. I have a different opinion and you can’t handle it. My god man get some help. I am not your son and you are not going to tell me how to act. If the term “grandpa” affects you then you really need to move on.
I used “grandpa” sarcastically to point out the fact that you are not my elder. I am behaving the way John wants this blog to operate. I make a point, whether you think it is valid or not, I argue my stance on the subject matter, but you continue to think I am personally attacking you, which I am not.
I’ve stated numerous times that I respect Lear’s opinions. Some of them I agree on and some I disagree on. I’m sorry if my sarcasm affects you, I asure you it is merely harmless. Time to move on Lear…
All I saw was purple
by crazidawg on Jul 13, 2009 8:03 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Thought you said you wouldn't respond?
The funny part, nothing of what you just said has any truth to it. I don’t comment on other blogs, because of guys like you who have no respect, no manners, and don’t listen. How many times did I say safeties need both smarts and speed. Yet you continue to bitch at me and tell me that I know nothing about football, and how clueless I am. You are the one making this personal.
Thank you for completely ruining this blog, I’m seriously considering treating this blog like every other. Which is read what John has to say, and not waste my time commenting or reading the comments of wanna-be experts who really know nothing of football.
That being said, I love what everybody else on THIS blog brings to the table. It’s to bad one person can ruin a good thing.
"Bow Down to Washington"
"Kick the tires and light the fires!"
by Lear Pilot on Jul 13, 2009 8:32 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Hey Crazi, you've just have to see this!!!
College football’s top coaches: Meyer is No. 1
In other words, this airplane flying grandpa (31 yrs old), who knows nothing about football and is a complete and utter moron when it comes to everything football, actually has a lot of people that agree with him on the top coach in college football. I’m going to lower myself to your level for a moment: PUT THAT IN YOUR PIPE AND SMOKE IT!!!
"Bow Down to Washington"
"Kick the tires and light the fires!"
by Lear Pilot on Jul 14, 2009 4:03 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Can't we all just get along?
Lear, you really need to grow up and start acting like a 31 year old. I never said you were a box of rocks when it came to football. Where did this come from?
Again the problem we continually deal with is that I may have a different opinion then yours and you can’t handle it. LET IT GO bud. This is getting way out of hand.
In the future I will discontinue my sarcasm in a response to anything you post. I’m trying to have a little fun with this. You know it is during the offseason and their really isn’t a lot to talk about. In the blogosphere, I think Lear is pretty cool and I do respect your points of view. Just chill out and have a little fun. I can take a good ribbing now and then.
Love you Lear! WOOF!!!
All I saw was purple
by crazidawg on Jul 14, 2009 5:41 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Just repeating what you say
You continually act like you know it all, and I’m the village idiot. And obviously I’ve had enough of it.
"Bow Down to Washington"
"Kick the tires and light the fires!"
by Lear Pilot on Jul 16, 2009 9:35 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Your both out of control
I love both of you guys but you need to keep it under control.
Actually neither of you are that offensive while mixing it up…it is just getting old….shake hand…make up….and work together.
by John Berkowitz on Jul 14, 2009 10:11 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
It helps 4.5- 4.6
Give me a break!
by John Berkowitz on Jul 10, 2009 8:02 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Tripper is a walkon and a SR
so he will be gone anyway. He was rusty from not playing football for 5 years plus, and it showed. Not a good indicator for your team when an occasional starting safety is a walkon with no recent playing time. Still, he should be lauded for his efforts last year. I think he will contribute on special teams this year, a trademark of the old days when STs had walk ons and Frosh to get game day experience.
by prrbrr on Jul 11, 2009 4:52 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Tripper has two more years
He was awarded an extra year.
by John Berkowitz on Jul 11, 2009 10:58 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Tripper is going to be better
The kid is an athlete and a contributor.
by John Berkowitz on Jul 10, 2009 7:21 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I think...
…he’d might make a better linebacker. He looked lost in the defensive backfield.
Washington Husky Football-Undefeated 1991 National Champions 12-0!
by dawgfan22 on Jul 11, 2009 7:25 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Off topic
If you guys are in a need of a quick fix of football, go to ESPN then watch the recruiting tapes of our guys coming in…AWESOME.
by bigdave967 on Jul 10, 2009 1:45 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
This is promising...
from ESPN’s Tom Luginbill: “Nick Montana (Westlake Village, Calif./Oaks Christian) is expected to have a huge year. He stacked up well against the likes of Bell and Sims, but we didn’t expect to see was him weigh in at 190 pounds, 13 pounds heavier than he was last year at this time.”
Sounds like Nick is starting to beef up a bit. If he can come into Fall camp next year at 200-205 (extra muscle) he could be physically ready, which could pay huge dividends in helping him with QB tutoring during his redshirt year. I also must add that at that weight, he could step in as a frosh if (gasp!) Jake goes down again.
Price or Montana is going to be the backup QB…and that is the definintion of a win/win situation.
by B Money on Jul 10, 2009 4:14 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Joe didn't have ideal QB physique
His dad didn’t have the Elway, Marino, or Manny bodies. That just goes to show you how cerebral the QB position really is.
190 lbs. is too light to play div. 1 football. I’d like to see Montana get to at least 205 lbs. prior to getting under center in his first college game. I think his dad played all those years with the glorious 49ers right around the 210 mark. Joe wasn’t a physically imposing QB in his day. But the cerebral part of the game is a necessity for both the pro and west coast offenses. In the spread you can be as dumb as a box of rocks and still be productive, because you don’t have to read defense, i.e. Vincent Young.
But the argument can go the other way now can’t it? WSU could offer their own Ryan Leaf (a dummy) playing in the pro style.
Getting Nick Montana is going to be a huge get in the next few years. If he has any part of his dad in him, I think we’re all in for a really nice surprise.
All I saw was purple
by crazidawg on Jul 10, 2009 5:11 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Great write-up John
Crazi, I have been thinking that Sark and Holt will do some cross-training with Fogerson and, maybe, as B Money mentioned, with Gobern, and hope they don’t need them. I think it will be whomever is better at safety will stay there, the other doing more of the RB back-up training. That would lead me to believe that gobern to RB.
Judging from what we are seeing in the 2010 class recruiting, we may have some real RB studs coming here. They probably see our depth chart and their mouths start watering.
by thedesertdog on Jul 10, 2009 5:20 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
I tend to think neither...
if it came down to it Fogerson would be a better back, but we’re not deep at CB at all, and Gobern could win a starting spot. I think Johri will win a starting S spot by mid season as well, but Bronson looks pretty durable (even though we’ve only had 1 spring to see him really get after it) and supposedly Shaw and Polk are both yolked.
by B Money on Jul 10, 2009 6:04 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
in conclusion...
my grammar and explanation skills are terrible. I think we’ll end up okay with the 4 we have (and a couple of good FB’s), but S is deeper than CB and I think Johri will end up getting carries if it comes down to it.
by B Money on Jul 10, 2009 6:05 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Cross Training
You can count on it!
by John Berkowitz on Jul 10, 2009 7:23 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
recruits
Has anyone noticed that of all these recruits hardly anyone has ou as a possible? Not Kohler, not Wright, not Shaw, not James, not Cooper, not Iona, not Hudson, not Hill … McConico and Tanigawa have them in a long list of “interested in”. What a change this is! Remember when ou was recruiting most of the guys we were interested in? Now, it’s USC, Cal and UCLA that we are going against. This is sooo exciting! Cal, by the way, seems to be getting to us on OL and DE guys. Wassup with this?
by thedesertdog on Jul 10, 2009 6:49 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
UO not OU
Oklahoma is OU, Oregon is UO. But I do see your point. As Sark mentioned early on we are going after the best prep recruits on the west coast. We won’t settle. It may have something to do with us getting out of the stinking spread offense. But not across the board though. Kohler plays in the pro style at Oaks Christian (I think) and probably wants to go to a school that offers the pro style. Oregon is spread and they can keep it!
Defense is different. Maybe- gasp! Maybe finally everybody sees how moronic Oregon’s taste is. I welcome the idea when everybody sees how pathetic their football uniforms have been. It will be like the bell-bottom pants, high platform shoes, the mullet hair cut, and a 70s porn star mustache! That is how brutal the ugly Oregon uniforms are- for REAL!
But it might have something to do with pro style offense vs. the spread and quite possibly the Chipper taking over for Bellotti thing.
All I saw was purple
by crazidawg on Jul 10, 2009 7:14 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Something we can agree on!
Those are by far the UGLIEST uniforms to every be seen on a football field!
I think the recruits are scared off by the transition from Bellotti to Kelly, not the offensive system. Sure the system hurts them on QB’s, but only Pro style QB’s. The spread has paid off well enough for Jonathon Stewart and many other players at different positions. It’s very similar here, we are not getting all of these recruits because of the system we are running, you can only chalk up Montana to the system, most everybody else is coming to play for Sark and Holt.
"Bow Down to Washington"
"Kick the tires and light the fires!"
by Lear Pilot on Jul 10, 2009 7:48 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I think Oaks plays a mild spread...
The videos I’ve watched from Montana show him about 50/50 shotgun/under center. I know they’re highlight videos for a QB, but they seem like a pretty pass happy offense and Montana did throw a few clips of design QB runs in his highlight reel (he’s got decent wheels too!).
by B Money on Jul 10, 2009 8:43 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I'd be pass happy too
Especially if my QB has the last name Montana!
"Bow Down to Washington"
"Kick the tires and light the fires!"
by Lear Pilot on Jul 10, 2009 8:54 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
They also have
Malcom Jones who’s rated by scout as the #3 RB in the country. That’s an ungodly stacked team, and they could put 7 on the field and still win a title.
by B Money on Jul 11, 2009 3:47 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Sark is going for the top guys
Just like DJ….you are going to get some and enough and a compete for a title.
by John Berkowitz on Jul 10, 2009 7:24 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Safeties
Sorry guys, I love Johri, but the only way he’s a starter is if Jason Wells can’t play. He’ll make a great back up this year and see a good amount of playing time, next year he should be the starting FS. I don’t want to see him as a RB either, let him continue to grow and focus on being a safety, none of this Isaiah Stanback playing different positions every year crap.
"Bow Down to Washington"
"Kick the tires and light the fires!"
by Lear Pilot on Jul 10, 2009 6:56 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Completely agree
Fogerson should welcome the safety position. For one if he ever makes a run at a pro career, a safety position in the NFL last longer then a pro RB career.
Lear I think we’re two for two bud. What gives?
All I saw was purple
by crazidawg on Jul 10, 2009 7:18 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I'm sure we can argue about offensive systems until the end of time
Or just until Florida wins another National Championship! Sorry, had to throw that in!
"Bow Down to Washington"
"Kick the tires and light the fires!"
by Lear Pilot on Jul 10, 2009 7:52 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
The SEC has created a MONSTER
I will agree that Florida is one of the best football programs in the land. But you can’t give all the credit to Urban Meyer. Some, actually most credit should go to the ole’ ball coach- Steve Spurriur. Now was Florida the best football team both times they won the national championship? My answer in a nutshell- Hell NO!
Southerners have nothing better to do during the fall. It’s a down time in the south and that makes watching college football a passion to behold. It has almost become religious-like down there and they are fanatic about their SEC football in all corners of the league. Yet why is the SEC considered top to bottom the best college football leauge in the land? Could it be due to the eyeball test? Answer: without a doubt YES! The fans of the SEC are nuts about their college football, even the folks who never attended the schools are nuts about the Tide, Tigers (both), Razorbacks, Gators, Vols, Dawgs, and Runnin’ Rebels. Merchandising and funding are through the roof, offering each school to rennovate and expand their cathedral-like football-only stadiums. When you have 88,000 fans at each host site then it appears to be on the big stage and that is what we really have in terms of the SEC. It has become the grandest stage for college football, hell they have their own nationally televisied network at CBS. ESPN has been pushing the SEC for years and lobbies hard in their corner that they are the best league in the nation, top to bottom.
Now where it starts to look dicey is in their non-league play. They play the likes of The Citadels, Louisianna Techs, Louisiana-Monroes, and the Troy States. All are home and they want it that way. Very seldom will they leave the south to play. Sure once in a decade a Georgia will venture out to Arizona State, once in a decade Alabama will venture out to Ucla, once in a decade Arkansas will venture out to USC, and once in a decade LSU will visit Washington. So you see the SEC won’t go on the road, yet if they do it is early in the season with weather they are acclimated too. I’d love to see Florida play a Michigan or a Washington in the middle of Novemeber, where we have the climate control advantage. The SEC has the climate control advantage in early non-league action because they are completely use to the sweltering heat. Us? Not so much at leat not from an advantage point.
Now if you’d like to argue their track record in bowl games, I have an answer for that too. Where are the majority of the bowl game host sites? In the South and out West. The SEC isn’t affiliated with any bowl game out west, therefore they play all their bowl games in the comfy confines of the South. It is easy for the fans to travel and usually when you have an SEC team in a bowl game down in the south, the SEC team will have 2/3 more fans, not only because they will travel, but they don’t have to treck nearly as far as Michigan, Ohio State, Colorado, or Nebraska fans. Again home field advantage because it is an SEC-friendly environment.
Still waiting for that Florida vs. USC matchup. We won’t get it, but it would be great theater.
All I saw was purple
by crazidawg on Jul 11, 2009 8:17 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Excuses, Excuses, Excuses
Spurrier should get most of the credit? Are you crazy? Oh, wait, you are!! By the way, that’s the second stupidest thing you have ever said. For three years after Spurrier left, Ron Zook took the Gators and made them a mediocre SEC team. Plus Urban Meyer took over a team that was NOT built for the spread offense. Yet he still won national championships in year two and year four, and I predict year five. What does that tell you? He’s deserves ALL the credit. The ol’ ball coach only one ONE national championship, way back in 1996, Urban has TWO titles. Your lame BCS argument holds no water, it’s a flawed system, but it IS THE SYSTEM.
By your logic, if the Huskies go to a bowl game, we better give credit to Willingham!!!
"Bow Down to Washington"
"Kick the tires and light the fires!"
by Lear Pilot on Jul 11, 2009 10:38 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Spurrier
Florida was a big nobody till Spurrier arrived.
Spurrier built that program and Meyer has done a great job getting it back to its former self.
by John Berkowitz on Jul 11, 2009 11:00 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Spurrier deserves full credit for building the program.
But to give Spurrier credit and not Urban Meyer, for the last two national championships is totally asinine.
"Bow Down to Washington"
"Kick the tires and light the fires!"
by Lear Pilot on Jul 11, 2009 11:18 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
WRONG!
Lear, Ron Zook is regarded as one of the entire nations best college football recruiters. Look back at some of the classes he was bringing in. Everybody thinks Zook and puts him back at Florida and everybody comes to the conclusion that the program was in ruins. The only thing Zook fostered was turmoil, but it was loaded with talent, probably more so then when Spurrior was there. Another thing about Zook. Zook was recruiting more and more towards the spread offense. Now it wasn’t “trickplay Meyer at Utah” spread, but Zooky was recruiting towards it. This offered your beloved Urban an extra push in his ability to begin recruiting towards his own version of the “trickplay Meyer at Utah” gimmicky spread offense. Meyer inherited the most loaded program in the country minus USC! Where have you been? The Zook story has been out there for a half decade, the guy recruited the best kids, but couldn’t win on saturdays.
Only one national championship??? Tell that to Oregon who is envious of us. And I thought I was a delusional fan. You take home the winning prize. You talk about national championships like they grow on trees or behind your house. Not only do you have to be a good football team for the majority of the season and get hot down the stretch, but you have to be a great political lobbiest, in which case Meyer is. “poor gators … nobody will vote for us” [smack!]
Not to mention you’ve got to be able to move the meter on the ESPN polls and Harris interactive poll (dumbest thing I’ve ever heard of). And to top it all off you’ve got to be able to crack into the BCS computer software in order to make sure the numbers come out in your favor. One national championship??? Lear you are either a delusional college football fan or a very reckless debater.
Where was Florida before Spurrior? Umm … does Duke sound a bit right? Ding … Ding … Ding! Florida was as bad as Duke for generations until the ole’ ball coach arrived. They were the 70s & 80s version of the Oregon State freakin’ Beavers dude. One national championship???
I’m sorry Lear, but I’ve heard it all now. Do me a favor and go kiss your Urban Meyer poster again. One national championship??? WOW!
All I saw was purple
by crazidawg on Jul 11, 2009 12:37 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Here we go again . . . .
Here’s the problem, you don’t support anything you say with fact, it’s all emotion, all BS. LIKE I SAID, Spurrier gets full credit for building up the program. You just lectured me on how big of a deal it is to win a National Championship, and I agree it’s a HUGE deal. SO GIVE URBAN MEYER CREDIT FOR WINNING TWO NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP IN FOUR YEARS AT FLORIDA!!! AND they are the odd’s on favorite to win the championship this year! Listen to your own words and GIVE MEYER THE CREDIT HE DESERVES! The man has won two championships in three years, and could very possibly win 3 championships in 4 years.
You have pretty ignorant not to see that a one of the best coaches in college football, and if he wins the NC this year, he will be a LEGEND.
"Bow Down to Washington"
"Kick the tires and light the fires!"
by Lear Pilot on Jul 11, 2009 2:21 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
PS
What is it you hate about an offense that works? An offense that scores tons of points? Remember this is football, the team that scores the most points wins!
PPS – He puts together one hell of a defense too!
"Bow Down to Washington"
"Kick the tires and light the fires!"
by Lear Pilot on Jul 11, 2009 2:22 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I guess I am from the other side of the tracks
I am a defensive minded guy- I love good defense. I see it this way, the team that holds the opponent to fewest points wins! Example: Oklahoma in the BCS championship game.
All the talk was about OU scoring 60+ points 5 weeks in a row. The Big 12 as a whole sucked on defense. Therefore what you saw in the BCS championship would back my stance on "the team that holds the opponent to fewest points wins.
Again I think Urban Meyer is a swell football coach. He is truly one of the hottest commodities currently in the college game. I have a dislike for Urban simply because I hate all the trickery. I firmly believe a good team should win with the talent they have assemble and not try to trick the opponent into a victory. Bobby Bowden uses the same trickery crap for years and on most occasions it backfires on him in big games. But they are pro style. The spread is realitively new and for the most part we haven’t completely learned how to shut down the spread yet. But it is coming. Once college defenses evolve towards defending it, that trickery won’t be as nearly as successful.
Also I can’t stand politians, who lobby for votes. Bobby Bowden was notorious for this. Mack Brown did it to unseat a good Cal team and robbed them of a BCS bowl game. Meyer does it too. I love Pete Carroll’s style. No lobbying for his team. He and his team just go out and competes and accepts how the voters vote and that is the way it should be.
All I saw was purple
by crazidawg on Jul 11, 2009 2:50 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
You hate trickery??
Okay, you are finally coming around, and giving Meyer some credit. I’m with you, I too love a great defense. Here’s the thing, the best team will have the combination of the best offense AND the best defense. You can’t win with only one and not the other. So why not score 60 every game, and give up 0??? A true defensive battle, like 3-0 is BORING for everybody involved.
Ok, back to trickery, you keep claiming you hate trickery. I propose to you that USC’s offense has the EXACT same amount of trickery as Urban Meyers. You have told us all how much you LOVE the play action pass, is that not trickery? You are tricking the defense into thinking its a run, and surprise surprise, it’s a pass!!
"Bow Down to Washington"
"Kick the tires and light the fires!"
by Lear Pilot on Jul 11, 2009 2:56 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I like a good shootout now and then
but the Sun Bowl last year was a great defensive chess match and fun to watch.
I’m about split on your “is Meyer the best around” argument. He’s got the resume to prove he’s the best in CFB. However, resumes can be deceiving (see: Ty Willingham circa 2001), and my hatred of all dominance in any sport clouds my judgement. If you inherit a program in good shape (which Meyer did no matter how Zook went out), you’re bound to do well if you’re even a mid-tier coach. Myer is a good coach who took over a program in good shape, in the top tier of recruiting areas in the country. I frankly think he lucked out into his title last year and that either Texas or USC could have given them a much better run.
The “BCS is here so deal with it” argument doesn’t hold water since it’s pretty obvious that it’s biased. That’s like saying pre 1960 MLB is the undisputed best players in the world since segrigation was just the norm, and Negro League players just have to deal with that (not necessarilly to that extent, but it’s the best I could do for apples to apples).
I think until he has that “definitive” NC he’s going to be a damn fine coach who couldn’t get over the hump into “top-10 all time.”
I should state that I normally agree with you because I am a realist and Crazi is…well…crazy. I think he’s got it right though that Meyer is not the best in the country. Florida plays a soft schedule, and while the SEC is the toughest, they also have bad teams. Kentucky, Tennessee (the last couple years), MSU, Vandy and Ole Miss (the last few) haven’t been much better than the bottom of the Pac-10. 0-12, 2-10 against touch NC schedules are about equal to 3-9, 4-8 against D-II opponents in your NC schedule.
Sorry for rambling but I needed to get it all out in one comment so I don’t have to trace down all 30 of your’s and Crazi’s.
by B Money on Jul 11, 2009 4:13 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Good stuff
I really don’t mind people disagreeing with me, and long as you back it up with anything but, “because I said so”.
I agree Meyer took over a good program, but I believe he is responsible for the current success. I’m sorry I don’t agree about the BCS, I too hate it and would LOVE a playoff, but you can’t blame Meyer for the lack of a playoff, he has done everything he could do. Part of the reason I think so highly of him, is his instant success at Bowling Green, Utah, and Florida. The man is a winner, plain and simple. He knows how to make football teams win.
Let me ask you this, what else could Urban Meyer have accomplished? What has he failed to accomplish? What more could he do to prove himself? I’m sorry, but I just can’t argue with his track record and success. In my opinion he has done everything that could have been expected of him and more.
"Bow Down to Washington"
"Kick the tires and light the fires!"
by Lear Pilot on Jul 11, 2009 4:25 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I don't think there is much more...
he can do per se’. I think that he got a gift from voters last year with OU. USC had the athletes at LB to shut down Tebow’s option and the athletes in the secondary to shut down Harvin as a deep threat. But since nobody gives the Pac-10 respect (three teams could potentially be top 10 this year with the right breaks) USC doesn’t get in.
I just think he needs the “definitive” win, a true 1 vs. 2 matchup (tOSU in 06’ and OU in 08’ were very debateable). He has to beat the best team in the land, and really even if he does it again this year against another debateable team he’ll solidify himself into the all-time greats as far as I’m concerned. 3 in 4 years against anybody is beyond good, and I’ll concede after that, but I would really like to see him beat a team that’s the true, clear cut #2.
by B Money on Jul 11, 2009 4:59 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Agreed
I’d love to see him take on USC, that would be a great football game. It’s an unfortunate reminder just how bad the BCS is. I am still of the belief that if you don’t win ALL of your games, you have no right to complain about not making it in the NC game, that even applies to Florida. It’s unfortunate USC keeps laying an egg each year and preventing us from seeing a game worthy of a NC game.
"Bow Down to Washington"
"Kick the tires and light the fires!"
by Lear Pilot on Jul 11, 2009 5:08 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Proof
By now you should now that I like numbers, I like proof, not opinionated BS that can’t be backed up. Here’s some numbers for you, these are an average of the last 3 seasons for both teams:
USC – Pro Style Offense: 33 points per game, and 419 yards per game.
Florida – Spread-Option Offense: 39 points per game, and 434 yards per game
Florida plays in the toughest conference in the country, no excuses crazi, these numbers don’t lie. BLAMMO!!!!
"Bow Down to Washington"
"Kick the tires and light the fires!"
by Lear Pilot on Jul 11, 2009 2:46 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Don't Lie but are biased
Who does USC play in non-leauge action? Remember their motto is “We’ll play anybody, anytime, anywhere”. USC isn’t afraid of going on the road my friend (or nemesis). They aren’t afraid to go down to Arkansas and Auburn (SEC- whoops!) and literally hand them their pathetic heads. What was it now that I think about it. Something like 33-0 in favor of USC over Aubuarn at Auburn!!! Hell dude, Carroll sat his starting offensive unit midway thru the freakin’ 3rd quarter at Auburn.
SC isn’t afraid to take on Ohio State, Va Tech at their facilities. I think USC needs to adopt a new motto- “Want a game? Will travel”
Of all sports, college or pro, college football has the most biased stats. The whole system is corrupt. They want to make the delusional fan think everything is on the up and up by using stats, figures, software, and computers to determine what? NOTHING! Its all a fraud and you are buying into it. If this were a science class you’d be flunking out, because you back psuedo-science. Stats are completely biased because everybody has to belong to a particular group. Now if we were all robots then stats would be concrete evidence. Humans are biased in nature and that leads to an ultimate conclusinon that stats are based upon biasis and assumptions.
Their is no way you can compare stats with Florida and USC. Florida won’t leave their own trailer court and USC will play anybody, anytime, anywhere.
Stats are a lousy indicator for just about everything associated with mankind. It tells you what the popular opinion is, but the popular opinion could be wrong. Example: WWII and the encampment of Japanese-Americans was thought to be a safeguard for the USA. Boy how the popular vote was wrong!
All I saw was purple
by crazidawg on Jul 11, 2009 3:05 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Like I said, excuses, excuses, excuses
More excuses backed up by nothing more than whining.
USC must play a tough non conference to make up for playing the like of us, WSU, Arizona, and Stanford. Don’t forget who’s in the SEC, Tennesse, Auburn, Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia and LSU. Stop making excuses, Florida has done plenty to prove just how good they are.
I wouldn’t make so much of The Ohio State, Florida kicked their butt rather easily too.
"Bow Down to Washington"
"Kick the tires and light the fires!"
by Lear Pilot on Jul 11, 2009 3:21 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Lear
I don’t know what to tell you man. You are all caught up in this scam of a college football system. You think it is easy to compare statistics between USC and Florida. Here’s the bizzare thing about this entire BCS crap.
The NCAA or BCS are using technology in order to sell their product to the uneducated fans. They, the NCAA or BCS uses formulas and software to make it appear that they are using the latest science in order to prove to the general public (fans) that this is the perfect system and that it is based upon scientific facts. In the science community, statistics only show what the popular opinion is, but the popular opinion could be wrong. So in essnece a good scientist must use other methods to prove his/her theory correct, or better yet can’t be proven to be false. And here we go, the NCAA is not using the scientific method, but w/ their softwear and computers they want you to believe they are. The funny thing about computers, is that man must input data. That data that is uploaded into the formulas are based upon biased information. But stats don’t lie and I agree with you Lear on that part. But they are completely biased.
The only way to determine a true champion is by head to head competition at a neutral site. You take all the psuedo-science out of the equation.
USC has come forth and wants to play Florida. But Florida has declined. Urban Meyer doesn’t want anything to do with USC, nor does Bob Stoops.
Keep believing in psuedo-science my friend. I’m quite sure you also believe in Sasquatch, the abominal Snowman, and the Locke Ness Monster. Head to head is the only true science. I throw stats in college football out the window. You can also throw them out in every other sport as well. Too many extrensic variables to sypher into the equation, i.e. team nt prepared on gameday, sickness to players, travel delays, weather, field maintenance & conditions, wrong gameplan, and venue. Now if you can find me an equation where this input can be tabulated then I might concur with your stats as science thingy. Until then tell bigfoot I said hello :)
All I saw was purple
by crazidawg on Jul 12, 2009 12:21 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Again, ISN'T THAT WHAT I SAID
I have clearly stated I hate the BCS, and I want a playoff. So keep blowing hot air, you are just wasting your own time.
"Bow Down to Washington"
"Kick the tires and light the fires!"
by Lear Pilot on Jul 12, 2009 2:30 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Defending Florida
Lear the reason I brought up the NCAA, BCS, and the psuedo-science thing was because you see a motive to defend the Florida Gators and Urban Meyer. All I am saying is that both times the Florida Gators played for the BCS championship their opponents (Ohio State & Oklahoma) were debatable-worthy opponents- even you would have to agree- right?
I think Florida is one of the very best programs in the country. But I am not willing to label Meyer the best coach in the land until he faces the most worthy oppnent in the game today. Beat USC and I will congradulate Meyer. But the verdict is still out. Ohio State was not the 2nd best football team and Oklahoma could not play defense. The Sooners had no LBs that could contain Tebow and that is how you beat the Gators. Malaluga, Cushing, and Mathews would’ve nulified most of Tebow’s ground game, forcing Tebow to beat them with his arm and Timmy doesn’t have a very good arm. USC was the best team in the country last season, no question (my opinion).
All I saw was purple
by crazidawg on Jul 13, 2009 4:55 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I’m not convinced Urban Meyer is the best coach in the country, but he’s in the debate for sure. Even you would have to admit he’s one of the best coaches in the country, spread offense or not.
by kirkd on Jul 13, 2009 5:03 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I agree. Meyer is a fine coach. Anybody who wins 2 national championships deserves to be in that room. CBS, ESPN, and every publication out there is trying to sell us this SEC crap and I’m not buying it until they leave the comfy confines of the south. Let’s see Florida go up to the Horseshoe, the LA Collesium (sp?), Longhorn country, Autzen (of all places), Hell I’d like to see them on the blue field too. But they aren’t leaving the south and that is just wrong! Take a look at Florida’s upcoming schedule. I haven’t seen it yet, but I am willing to bet the furthest they travel is to Knoxville, TN. My gosh that would be a road trip for us!
All I saw was purple
by crazidawg on Jul 13, 2009 5:13 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
How simple can I make this . . .
2 championships in 4 years, is there another coach with a better ratio?
"Bow Down to Washington"
"Kick the tires and light the fires!"
by Lear Pilot on Jul 13, 2009 5:21 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
3Pete: Try back to back
Pete Carroll won the AP national championship in 03, then won the BCS national championship in 04, then came within a 4th down and a yard to almost take home a 3peat.
Argument closed!
Lear learn to smile :) This is all good and fun. I think Meyer is in the room with the best coaches in the land. You’re acting like you are from the “No Fun School” sponsored by Willingham. Have fun with this. I can handle a good ribbing now and then (as long as it’s not personal). It’s all good…
All I saw was purple
by crazidawg on Jul 13, 2009 8:17 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Argument re-opened
Carroll = 2 titles in 8? years.
Meyer = 2 titles in 4 years.
FYI – Ratio: the relative magnitudes of two quantities (usually expressed as a quotient)
"Bow Down to Washington"
"Kick the tires and light the fires!"
by Lear Pilot on Jul 13, 2009 8:35 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
You didn't provide a time line
You asked for ratio and I provided one for you that was better.
Pete Carroll-
2003 AP National Championship
2004 BCS National Championship
Then I gave you a 4th down and a yard away from a 3rd consecutive national championship.
Plus 3 Heismen Trophy winners stemming from 02, 04, and 05
Next time please provide a time line or a epiration date
Still love you Lear! WOOF!!!
All I saw was purple
by crazidawg on Jul 14, 2009 5:59 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Florida’s schedule is a joke – yeah, the SEC is a tough conference, but Charleston Southern, Troy, Florida International and Florida State? There’s only 1 legit team among those four. And next year isn’t any better: Miami (OH), Southern Florida, Appalachian State and Florida State.
I would also agree that the hype over the SEC doesn’t match the reality. Yeah, they are in the top-3 conferences in the country, and often they are the best, but not as often as they think and not by the margins they think.
I’d love to see Florida show the guts to play a home and home with USC.
All that said, Florida is a great program and Urban Meyer is a great coach. Are they and is he the best? Maybe not, but they’re in the top 5 for sure.
by kirkd on Jul 13, 2009 6:40 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
It just dawned on me!!!
BREAKING NEWS, HOLD THE PRESSES, ALERT, ALERT, ALERT!!!!!
CRAZI LOVES A COACH THAT RUNS A SPREAD OFFENSE!!!!!!!
"Bow Down to Washington"
"Kick the tires and light the fires!"
by Lear Pilot on Jul 11, 2009 2:59 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
You are way off base crazi. Your dislike of the spread is severely clouding your judgment.
Florida was hardly down to Duke’s level prior to Spurrier. That is a gross distortion of reality. Duke had 5 winning seasons in the 20 seasons prior to Spurrier taking over, and all of those were 6-5. Florida had 4 losing seasons in the 20 seasons prior to Spurrier taking over, and the winning records included five 9-win seasons. So, you’re completely wrong on this point.
Regarding what Meyer took over, you are correct in saying that Zook recruited well. But he wasn’t winning nearly enough with that talent – it was Meyer that took that talent and added to it with even better recruiting classes than Zook had and has tallied 2 BCS titles. You get all up in arms over Lear saying Spurrier won “only” 1 National Title, yet you seriously downplay the 2 National Titles that Meyer has. Definite double-standard there.
Face facts crazi – wherever Urban Meyer has coached, he’s put up much higher winning percentages than the coaches that have preceded him. He immediately turned around Bowling Green in a big way (hardly a place loaded with talent), he had far greater success at Utah than Ron McBride (and Utah is also a school that is not awash in outstanding talent – at least it wasn’t when Meyer arrived) and he’s done far better at Florida than Zook did, and in fact is even doing a better job at Florida than the Ole Ball Coach Spurrier.
by kirkd on Jul 11, 2009 10:14 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Spurrier last coached Florida in 2000
…to give him any credit for what the Gators are doing now would be the same as blaming DJ for the collapse of the Huskies following their last Rose Bowl.
"Greed is Good."
So is Rudy.
by Gekko Mojo on Jul 11, 2009 6:39 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Thanks Gekko for breaking up the...
…Crazi vs Lear saga!
Washington Husky Football-Undefeated 1991 National Champions 12-0!
by dawgfan22 on Jul 11, 2009 7:29 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Crazi vs. Lear
It’s getting really old if you ask me . . .
"Bow Down to Washington"
"Kick the tires and light the fires!"
by Lear Pilot on Jul 11, 2009 8:46 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Oh well...
…if you guys feel the need, whatever “floats your boat” as the saying goes. At least you’re not slinging profanity at each other.
Washington Husky Football-Undefeated 1991 National Champions 12-0!
by dawgfan22 on Jul 11, 2009 10:09 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Agree
Wells is our best safety when heahlty…an all Pac 10 talent.
He hasn’t neglected conditioning despite the injuries by the way…he just has to play his way through the pain.
by John Berkowitz on Jul 10, 2009 7:27 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Only concern
I’m a little concerned with whether or not he’ll be fully ready to play in time, and only time will tell.
"Bow Down to Washington"
"Kick the tires and light the fires!"
by Lear Pilot on Jul 10, 2009 7:51 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I'm a LOT concerned about that.
Two major surgies, and he hasn’t played a game in a year and a half.
Even if he’s physically healthy, he’s going to be rusty for probably the better part of the season.
by Sundodger on Jul 11, 2009 12:06 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I'm afraid...
…he may never see the field. We can hope but the guy has been gone so long he may not contribute.
Washington Husky Football-Undefeated 1991 National Champions 12-0!
by dawgfan22 on Jul 11, 2009 7:30 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Fogerson is like Locker
He can play anywhere without missing a beat.
He needed a year to physically develop…the kid is special and a stud.
by John Berkowitz on Jul 10, 2009 7:29 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Makes you feel good knowing . . .
that you have Fogerson and Logan at FS, and you have Williams and Aiyewa at SS. The future of the positions looks very bright.
"Bow Down to Washington"
"Kick the tires and light the fires!"
by Lear Pilot on Jul 10, 2009 7:50 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
One of those guy will move to WLB next year
Get your best 11 on the field.
by John Berkowitz on Jul 10, 2009 8:09 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
My bet is on Aiyewa
Little more bulk and he’d make a fine LB.
"Bow Down to Washington"
"Kick the tires and light the fires!"
by Lear Pilot on Jul 10, 2009 8:55 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
He's another guy...
…that really hasn’t lived up to the hype….yet. I’m hopeful but “the proof is in the pudding” and we’re still waiting at the table.
Washington Husky Football-Undefeated 1991 National Champions 12-0!
by dawgfan22 on Jul 11, 2009 7:32 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Not living up to the hype
Right now, no matter which player, I’m blaming it on Willingham and his staff’s complete and utter inability to develop talent. So many talented freshmen with tons of potential, and very few have developed into the players we expected, it’s got to be a lack of coaching.
"Bow Down to Washington"
"Kick the tires and light the fires!"
by Lear Pilot on Jul 11, 2009 8:48 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I guess it definitely...
…points out the fact that, the captain of the ship sets the tone for the rest of the crew. It’s hard to believe that ALL of those coaches couldn’t develop players and get guys fired up, but I’m thinking it makes a pretty strong argument for that statement. It’s time for EVERYONE to step up and get this thing done!
Washington Husky Football-Undefeated 1991 National Champions 12-0!
by dawgfan22 on Jul 11, 2009 10:14 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
There was no good excuse for Aiyewa to have not taken a redshirt year yet. Willingham’s horrible mis-management of this program extended to all areas. I didn’t like the hire at the time, but I had no idea he’d be as bad as he turned out to be – a complete fraud.
by kirkd on Jul 11, 2009 10:16 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Chris Young...
assuming he signs is going to be a nasty hitter and good in coverage. He could move to LB later in his career if he beefs up enough. I’m super excited about this kid, I think he’s gonna be special.
by B Money on Jul 10, 2009 8:48 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
All indications are that Young is being recruited as an OLB – I don’t think he spends any time at S at the UW.
by kirkd on Jul 10, 2009 11:53 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Bummer, I think he could be more effective at S
although I’m not the coach so I’ll trust Sark and Holt on this one. Still a great looking kid, if he’s as fast as reported he could be all Pac-10.
by B Money on Jul 11, 2009 4:19 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Young is the next Savannah
He will grow out of safety by the time he reaches Montlake.
by John Berkowitz on Jul 11, 2009 4:28 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I like the idea of taking a guy that is already a great hitter and tackler that has some speed and moving him up a spot from S to OLB – it’s the trick that Erickson perfected at Miami to field very fast and effective defenses. Plus, I’m not sure Young is so good in coverage that it’s a big loss not having him in the secondary…
by kirkd on Jul 11, 2009 10:18 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
of all the new coaches
coach martin was who i was most stoked about. he will have profound effect on our team imo.
i think the db’s will get coached up real quick.
this could be the area where we see our biggest improvement.
but then again………..
it could’t get much worse.
right?!?
by PandG on Jul 11, 2009 12:24 AM PDT via mobile reply actions 0 recs
I'm just excited to see . . .
players playing with passion and emotion, that in itself should make a huge difference. Not to mention the better coaching and far better conditioning. The future is bright.
"Bow Down to Washington"
"Kick the tires and light the fires!"
by Lear Pilot on Jul 11, 2009 10:41 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Coach Holt
scares me…he looks like the type of guy that if you were to accidently bump into him at a bar, he’s so intense he would litterally remove your arm from your torso and beat you unmerciful with it. If there were any questions about the softness of this team I think Holt answered them within the first week he was hired.
by B Money on Jul 11, 2009 4:22 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Can't wait to see his defense
We’ve been talking about the players, and how much potential they have. It should REALLY be fun to see how they look with Holt’s attitude, if he has even moderate knowledge of x’s and o’s, we will have a defense to be proud of once again.
"Bow Down to Washington"
"Kick the tires and light the fires!"
by Lear Pilot on Jul 11, 2009 4:28 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
johnb, help me out here
on the earlier discussions on playing the SEC in the south. Wasn’t it DJ who commented on one of his early games playing in the south or Texas about the officiating? I am having a hard time remembering. Believe DJ asked an official what was the penalty call about and the Ref said something like " one of YOUR boys did something to OUR boy". Still think it was one of the funnier quotes.
Worst homer refs in a game I’ve seen, BYU at BYU in 99.
by prrbrr on Jul 12, 2009 4:46 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Yeah didn't we play LSU down there?
I remember James was like “never again” after that game.
by doubledeucedawg on Jul 12, 2009 11:15 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Playing in the South
If memory serves me correctly DJ played a couple of games in the deep South. One was against LSU and the other was against Alabama. Both times we ended up getting blown out of the stadium. We had a return game with Alabama and almost beat them and the legendary Bear Bryant in Husky Stadium. A UW fumble on a drive to win the game preserved the Bama victory. The Alabama series was schedule by Jim Owens before James arrived. As we all know they were very good and old friends.
The game I think you are refering to was against LSU when we were totally homered by the refs and blown out of the stadium. I am pretty sure James never tried to schedule another home and away series with an SEC team after that. I do know that Mississippi State visited Seattle one time after that. probably another game that Owens had scheduled a decade before. The Bulldogs beat us with little trouble but they ended up forfeiting for using ineligible players.
As a footnote LSU backed out of their return game with UW.
by John Berkowitz on Jul 12, 2009 3:42 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
LSU in Baton Rouge
James never wanted to play there again after it was over.
Our team was much, much better than they actually played that day. They were also unprepared in about every possible way for what they were going to face that evening in Baton Rouge. I knew dozens of guys on that particular team and the story is the same from all of them.
They had a less than excellent stay at the team hotel. A little old fashioned Southern hospitality.
When they hit the field to play the game they had to run past a snarling live Tiger in a cage that was strategically placed to intimidate the entire team. That blew away every single player on the team not to mention the coaching staff who had thought they had seen everthing until then.
The referee’s homered them from the very first snap and didn’t let up the entire evening. I don’t remember DJ’s quote but it is very similar to what PrrBrr remembers.
Even though the game was played at night it was very hot and sticky out there. That team wasn’t used at all to playing in that type of weather.
Speaking of playing at night the crowd was totally juiced because they had been tailgaiting all day. My friends who were on that team say it was the loudest and most hostile environment they had ever played in. They never forgot that damn Tiger!
by John Berkowitz on Jul 12, 2009 5:37 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
One More Thing on the LSU Series
When I first heard that we had scheduled a home and home against LSU to replace Nevada I thought it was the stupidest thing I had ever heard of. I know that Emmert and Woodward have a lot of friends down there. The games will make a lot of money, it is a fun road trip I plan to take, but I don’t think either of them have any idea of what they set this team up for in 2012.
As far as this season goes the last thing you want to do is open the season with LSU after going 0-12. I don’t care if you have to play Portland Sate because you can’t find a Division One team to play. Sometimes you have to bite the bullet rather than potentially take one in the temple.
by John Berkowitz on Jul 12, 2009 5:44 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Wah!
Sorry guys. Your can’t claim that the SEC is provincial and afraid to play our of their region, and then say that it’s “unfair” to play them there. Everyone who travels to Baton Rouge has to run past the tiger, etc. (if they still do this), and many teams still find a way to win.
So DJ had a bitch of a schedule on the books when he took charge (with a team that he was building from nearly scratch)—no question about that. But at some point you have to play the best to prove that you can beat the best. Who gave Lambo a chance when he went to Miami? He didn’t ask for that particular situation, and likewise, no one anticipated the present shambles when the 2009 schedule was drawn up. I hope that everyone else on this blog truly believes that we can be a great program again, and if so, accept the challenge of being great 5 years from now when the current scheduling comes to fruition. Or, raise your hands if you want to go back to playing Pacific and San Jose State every year (yawn)?
A home & home agreement is fair for everyone involved. Go ahead and schedule Our Lady of the Poor for your “preseason game,” but I like to see the guts it takes to play a quality opponent in front of a national audience. And winners, properly prepared, relish the opportunity to perform in those situations.
Would you leave it to the likes of Cal and the Beavers to represent the Pac-10?
I’m thrilled to be going to South Bend this year, and I hope to go to games long enough to see Florida, Texas, Michigan, or any other monster take their shot at Montlake. Let’s go!
by Verge on Jul 12, 2009 8:46 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Wah? Let me correct a few things...
First of all Owens left DJ a pretty good squad and base to work with. Owens went out of his way to make sure the next coach had something to work with which is part of his legacy at UW. Sark on the other hand has a bigger challenge working what Willingham left him.
Home and home is fair but the LSU game was scheduled last fall. Why open with LSU when you know you are struggling to rebuild? It is all about revenue.
As far as schedule goes we have to take an ABC aproach like the majority of the BCS teams do. No problem with LSU but not the same year you are playing in South Bend.
A good example of a non conference schedule would be:
Idaho (WAC)
BYU (MWC)
Michigan (Big Ten)
Nothing wrong with a schedule like that.
by John Berkowitz on Jul 12, 2009 9:12 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Calmly, now
A few drinks last night, and I suppose I finally let loose some frustration I’ve been feeling about months of whining I’ve heard on the radio, in the print media, etc. regarding our “too tough” schedule.
No intent to denigrate Coach Owens or anyone in particular, but let’s face it: the team DJ took to Alabama in ’75 was not ready for prime time. However they learned, and I think that the experience ultimately helped them on the road back to the Rose Bowl.
I knew I would be corrected on the timing of this year’s LSU scheduling, but this is an exception; the majority of games are still booked years in advance. Do I advocate sending lambs to the slaughter? No, but these days, you typically get 4+ years to “prepare” for a non-conference opponent.
As stated, I’m all for booking a team like Idaho for one game. But then, as you suggest, ramp it up. I love the marquee match-ups, and believe that they identify us with the best. I’d even wish for some annual grudge match against another powerhouse, if we had such a tradition with someone.
In any event, let’s show some faith in the future, and courage in the present.
by Verge on Jul 13, 2009 10:26 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
No match for Alabama
They were no match at the time for Alabama on the road at that time, but the seeds were firmly planted.
I never said we need three Idaho’s….but you owe yourself an ABC type of schedule at this point in the teams development.
Arizona for example has been doing a lot of CCC. I don’t agree with that either.
With a nine game conference schedule you don’t need AAC or AAA.
Who knows…maybe we kick LSU’s butt?
by John Berkowitz on Jul 13, 2009 12:20 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
If forced to wager,
I’d say that LSU will likely be a learning experience. And I’d sleep better if they were playing Bowdoin after traveling here by bus.
But at home, a few breaks… indeed, who knows?
No matter the overall expectations, I’m guessing that this will be one of the most anticipated UW season openers ever. We got ourselves a game, and what a stage for an upset?!
by Verge on Jul 13, 2009 1:16 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Nate Williams
I don’t want to sound overly pessimistic here but am I the only one that watched his play carefully last year? Sure he had a lot of tackles but most of the time he was underneath the person he was trying to tackle and just got steamrolled for 3+ yards. Other times he just seemed to run himself out of plays or jump at someone and whiff completely (you can see him flying by and hitting nothing in many of the highlight reels for opponents). Tackling was a severe issue with all of our safeties last year (and really the rest of the team as well). Even if they have the physical ability to be great they seemed like they needed significant work with their tackling mechanics. Too many times there were players running full speed and just launching themselves in the air at someone rather than staying on their feet and running through tackles. I wasn’t able to watch any of the spring practices so if anyone has seen vast improvement then I will be very glad to be proven wrong. Otherwise, until I see sound tackling in a game I’m very skeptical of our safeties and especially of Williams.
Examples… http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pSZq6UK1XEg this video at 0:38 and 2:56 (Warning: This is the recap of the USC game and may induce vomiting, severe depression, or uncontrollable anger).
and http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dEUg-gy3EiQ this video at 0:35, 2:25, 3:49, and 6:43 (again at 6:56 as well).
by JoeinFW on Jul 12, 2009 1:01 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Thanks a lot Joe!
I need to see that about as much as I need to get hit by a Mack truck! Wow, I think I might have actually forgot how much we sucked!!! USC’s receivers couldn’t have been more open, we couldn’t tackle, we couldn’t do anything! Thanks a lot, I am going on the record as not liking you!
Ok, on a more serious note great post, great way of backing up what you said, and you bring up some great points, our whole defense needs to play much smarter and tackle far better. Let’s just hope our new coaching staff is everything they are made out to be. Hopefully they’ve gone back and retaught the basics, because last year we couldn’t do anything right. I can’t wait to see some football, and get the bad taste of last year out of my mouth!
"Bow Down to Washington"
"Kick the tires and light the fires!"
by Lear Pilot on Jul 12, 2009 2:42 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Good Points
Like I said a lot of guys may have the “potential” to be be good or even great players but until it happens it means nothing. I’m optimistic and I really think these coaches are going to get guys there. I think you are going to see vast improvement across the board. Specifically on defense, remember when they TWs staff) were saying something about “we really can’t do live tackling in practice, we may get someone hurt” What a bunch of baloney! If you’re defense needs work on tackling then you tackle in practice. Like Holt said, and I think this is just one example of a major shift in getting better coaching and development of the team, “we’re going to practice tackling every day”.
by doubledeucedawg on Jul 12, 2009 3:19 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Nate
You have to figure that Nate is playing two years earlier than he or anyone in a credible program would be playing.
When you throw young players in the fire bad thing happen. Like most of the team Nate will benefit from an improved conditioning program, new team attitude, and most importantly better coaching to go along with his hard won experience.
by John Berkowitz on Jul 12, 2009 3:44 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Sad movies always make me cry
Wow! We looked better against OU than we did SC, but I couldn’t finish the OU clip. It looked like the highlite of the SC game was when we caught a punt on the 20 and prevented a safety while letting the blocking set up.
by dawgdude on Jul 12, 2009 5:50 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Does it really matter?
probably not, good luck with the cougs!
by duckyou on Jul 12, 2009 5:47 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
You're dumb...
take your trolling back to Eugene.
by B Money on Jul 13, 2009 5:17 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
One warning
Behave and you will have a great time…No trolling Ok?
You are a smart guy and you have a lot to add to the forum.
by John Berkowitz on Jul 13, 2009 12:21 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Statistics, Monsters, and Chris Rowland
Man, that Crazi/ Lear verbal battle was something! Good thing they are both united on one thing: The DAWGS. Can you imagine if one of them was a Coug or Duck supporter? I especially got a charge out of Crazi’s reference to the Locke Ness Monster. Was that the John Locke Ness Monster? And, as far as statistics go, let’s remember good old Mark Twain’s comment: “Figures often beguile me, particularly when I have the arranging of them myself; in which case the remark attributed to Disraeli would often apply with justice and force: ‘There are three kinds of lies: lies, damned lies, and statistics.’”
And finally, I notice that Chris Rowland has scheduled an official visit for the LSU game. Let’s hope my cosmic foreknowledge that we’re going to beat the Tigers is right and we’ll probably have another very good O- line commitment!
GO DAWGS!!!
by OLDDOG on Jul 14, 2009 8:03 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
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