This guy makes $4 million per year
by John Berkowitz on Sep 3, 2010 5:22 PM PDT
2 comments
Amazing what you can do with a big mouth, inflated ego and a Leisure Service Management degree from Fresno State.
Husky Stadium Renovation Clip
by John Berkowitz on Sep 3, 2010 1:56 PM PDT
9 comments
The University of Washington has released the latest renderings of the Husky Stadium renovation today, along with a fly-over video which provides a general vision of the stadium after the renovation. The renderings and fly-over have been generated by local developer Wright Runstad & Co., who will lead the development team for the renovation.
The press release mentions the football operations center but I don't see it in this fly by mock up.
Washington at BYU Game Preview
by John Berkowitz on Sep 3, 2010 7:00 AM PDT
84 comments
When Washington has the ball:
Clearly, everyone will be focusing on Jake Locker, but look for Chris Polk to take over this game. Polk ran for 1100 yards last season behind an offensive line that was far less than stellar. When the Huskies are in the red zone, Locker will be in control. The coaching staff thinks Jake is capable of completing 65% of his passes this season. Having a trio of receivers like Kearse, Aguilar, and Johnson will certainly help him attain that goal.
Washington was 3-0 last season when Jake exceeded 70 yards in rushing. Expect him to carry the ball 10-12 times against BYU's 3-4 defense. BYU has replaced most of its front seven and will depend on veterans DE Vic So'to, LB Jameson Frazier, and S Adam Rich to keep Locker and company under control. Expect BYU to play the Huskies straight-up (rather than attacking) in the effort to keep Jake in the pocket.
When BYU has the ball:
Gone from last season's powerful attack are the Cougars' top passer, rusher, tight end, and receiver. The big story of the off-season was who would step in at quarterback, and it looks like dual-threat Riley Nelson and highly touted freshman Jake Heaps will both play.
Nelson is good enough of an athlete to line up anywhere and the Huskies have been focusing on that in practice to avoid the trick-big play. McKay Jacobson, who's averaged 22 YPC in his career, and O'Neil Chambers are the primary targets Nelson and Heaps will be looking for.
At running back, expect several players to get carries, with former Washington recruiting targets JJ DiLuigi and Josh Quezeda getting most of the work.
The key match-up of the game figures to be the BYU offensive line, averaging 6'5", 312 pounds, facing a Husky front four that is solid inside but has some question marks out on the ends.
Defensively, the Huskies made progress under DC Nick Holt last season but still gave up 390 yards per game. The staff would like to cut around 125 yards off that total in 2010. Washington has a seasoned and deep secondary, which will crowd the box and force the BYU QB's to beat them. The key for BYU is to establish a strong running game and control the tempo which will take a bunch of pressure off their young quarterbacks.
Special Teams:
Both teams return consistent kickers and punters. The 4,700+ foot elevation will allow for some long kicks that may negate the kickoff return game. Both teams are looking for a player that is a threat to take the ball to the end zone on every kick.
Position Matchups:
Quarterback: Washington
Running Backs: Washington
Receivers: Washington
Offensive Line: BYU
Defensive Line: Even
Linebackers: Washington
Defensive Backs: Washington
Special Teams : Even
Steve Sarkisian quote:
"That's just something that teams do when you have somebody that is that athletic like Riley that could easily go play receiver, he's that good of an athlete, that could potentially pose some problems for a defense if you are not prepared for it. And they do so many quarterback runs with him that Jake Heaps could easily line up at wide receiver and he could run their quarterback run stuff. So we won't be surprised if it occurs.''
Bronco Mendenhall quote:
"First, doing our best to control Jake Locker. Second, we have to win field position through special teams. We have a youthful team, and if we don't control field position, we might not be capable...of managing points on either side. And third, we need to plan accordingly for our young quarterbacks..and put them in positions that they're capable of handling with the decisions and plays that give them their best chance to perform."
Factoids
BYU brings back only 4 starters on defense.
BYU lost all three linebackers from last year and will have to rely on some freshmen players.
For the first time in two decades, the entire Husky football coaching staff returns intact for 2010.
Husky head coach Steve Sarkisian was the Cougars starting quarterback in 1995 and 1996.
The Huskies went 5-7 overall and 4-5 in the Pac-10 last season.
BYU went 11-2 overall and 7-1 in the Mountain West.
Washington is 81-33-6 all-time in season openers, good for a mark of .700.
Washington leads BYU 4-3 in the overall series.
BYU won the last meeting in 2008 28-27 at Husky Stadium.
UW Alumni Club Viewing Parties
by John Berkowitz on Sep 2, 2010 12:00 PM PDT
14 comments
Alaska
Anchorage, AK
When: 9/11 vs. Syracuse, 11/6 vs. Oregon, 12/4 vs. WSU
Where: Peanut Farm, 5227 Old Seward Hwy., Anchorage, AK 99518 (map)
More information: Renea Saade, Saade@OLES.com
Arizona
Phoenix, AZ
When: All televised games
Where: Zipps - Camelback, 7551 E. Cambelback Rd, Scottsdale, AZ 85251 (map)
More information:Heather Wilde, wilde.heather@gmail.com
California
Bay Area, CA
Two different locations!
When: All televised games
Where: Old Pro, 541 Ramona St., Palo Alto, CA 94301 (map)
Green's Sports Bar, 2239 Polk St., San Francisco, CA 94109 (map)
More information: Andy Liao, al3935@yahoo.com .
Los Angeles, CA
When: All televised games
Where: Sharkeez, 3801 Highland Ave., Manhattan Beach, CA 90266 (map)
More information: Mark McGaughey, mark.mcgaughey@cbre.com
Orange County, CA
When: All televised games
Where: Silky Sullivans, 10201 Slater Ave., Fountain Valley, CA 92708 (map)
More information:Ray Price, rayprice@trendoffset.com
Palm Springs, CA
When: 9/18 vs. Nebraska, 10/16 vs. Oregon State, 10/30 vs. Stanford, 11/18 vs. UCLA, 12/4 vs. WSU
Where: Crab Pot, 70030 Highway 111, Rancho Mirage, CA 92270 (map)
More information: Robert Neubauer, bob.neubauer@hotmail.com
Sacramento, CA
When: 9/11 vs. Syracuse
Where: MVP Sports Bar and Grill, 1629 Capitol Avenue, Sacramento, CA 95814 (map)
More information: Keith Nagel, keith.nagel@gmail.com
San Diego, CA
Two different locations!
When: All televised games
Where: Pacific Beach Bar & Grill, 860 Garnet Avenue, San Diego, CA 92109 (map)
Double Tree Golf Resort Sports Bar, 14455 Penasquitos Dr. San Diego, CA 92129 (map)
More information: Don Scascia, sdhuskies@yahoo.com
District of Columbia
Washington, D.C.
Two different locations!
When: All televised games
Primary Location: Crystal City Sports Pub, 529 S. 23rd Street, Arlington, VA 22202 (map)
Secondary Location: BlackFinn, 1620 I Street Northwest, Washington D.C., DC 20006 (map)
More information: Rick Melrose or Allison Dane, dcdawgs@uw.edu
Georgia
Atlanta, GA
When: All televised games
Where: Central City Tavern, 1801 Howell Mill Rd., Atlanta, GA 30318 (map)
More information: Ryan Larson, ryanlarson@earthlink.net, or Suzanne Davidson, zannedavidson@hotmail.com
Hawaii
Oahu
Two different locations!
When: 11/18 vs. UCLA
Where: Kanpai's Bar & Grill, 404 Ward Ave, Honolulu, Hawaii 96813 (map)
More information: Heidi Ho, hihohawaii@yahoo.com
When: 10/2 vs. USC
Where: Ko'olau Golf Club, 45-550 Kionaole Road, Kaneohe, Oahu, HI 96744 (map)
More information: Heidi Ho, hihohawaii@yahoo.com
Illinois
Chicago, IL
When: All televised games
Where: Game Keepers, 345 W. Armitage Avenue, Chicago, IL 60614-4710 (map)
More information: Elizabeth Gustafson, elizabethgustafson@gmail.com
Massachusetts
Boston, MA
When: 9/18 vs. Nebraska, 10/2 vs. USC, 10/16 vs. Oregon State, 11/6 vs. Oregon, 11/18 vs. UCLA, 12/4 vs. WSU
Where: TBA
More information: Sharee Eriks, sharee.eriks@gmail.com
Nebraska
Omaha, NE
When: 9/18 vs. Nebraska
Where: Brewsky's - Q Street, 15350 Weir Street, Omaha, NE (map)
More information: Mellissa Maday, melis35@hotmail.com
Nevada
Las Vegas, NV
When: All televised games
Where: Paradise Cantina, 4480 Paradise Road, Las Vegas, NV 89169 (map)
More information: Troy Anderson, supert1980@hotmail.com
Reno, NV
When: All televised games
Where: Amendment 21, 425 South Virginia Street, Reno, NV 89501 (map)
More information: Austin Sweet, asweet@gundersonlaw.com; Please RSVP with Austin if you are planning to attend.
New York
New York, NY
When: All televised games
Where: Rattle N' Hum, 14 East 33rd Street, New York, NY (map) More information: Colin Trovato, ctrovato@gmail.com
Oregon
Portland, OR
Three different locations!
When: 9/4 vs. BYU, 10/2 vs. USC, 10/23 vs. Arizona
Where: Macadam's Bar and Grill, 5833 SW Macadam Ave., Portland, OR 97239 (map)
When: 11/18 vs. UCLA
Where: On Deck Sports Bar and Grill, 910 NW 14th Avenue, Portland, OR 97209 (map)
When: 12/4 vs. WSU
Where: Cascade Bar and Grill, 15000 Southeast Mill Plain Boulevard, Vancouver, WA 98683 (map)
More information: Angie Wallace, wallace.angie@gmail.com
Texas
Austin, TX
When: 10/2 vs. USC, 10/23 vs. Arizona, 12/4 vs. WSU
Where: Cover 3, 2700 W. Anderson Ln. Ste #202 Austin, TX (map)
More information: Chris Van Houten, chrisvh2@yahoo.com
Dallas, TX
Two different locations!
When: 9/4 vs. BYU
Where: Sportsman's Bar and Grill (Embassy Suites Hotel), 2401 Bass Pro Drive, Grapevine, TX 76051 (map)
When: 9/11 vs. Syracuse
Where: Frankie's Sports Bar, 3227 McKinney Avenue, Dallas, TX 75204 (map)
More information: Wes Wheeler, wrwhusky@yahoo.com
Houston, TX
When: 9/4 vs. BYU, 12/4 vs. WSU
Where: SRO Sports Bar & Cafe, 9800 Hempstead Rd., 444 Northwest Mall, Houston, TX 77092 (map)
More information: Paul Throvaldsen, idedawg@hotmail.com
San Antonio, TX
When: All televised games
Where: Lion and Rose Club, 700 E. Sonterra Blvd. #318, San Antonio, TX 78258 (map)
More information: Cindy Comfort, cindylcomfort@yahoo.com
Washington
Olympia, WA
When: 10/2 vs. USC
Where: River's Edge, 4611 Tumwater Valley Dr., Tumwater, WA 98501 (map)
More information: Sharman Ballantine, sharmanb@yahoo.com
Spokane, WA
When: 9/4 vs. BYU, 10/2 vs. USC, 11/6 vs. Oregon
Where: CI Shenanigans, 332 N Spokane Falls Ct., Spokane, WA (map)
More information: Dan Johnson, daniel-johnson@juno.com
Tri Cities, WA
When: 10/2 vs. USC
Where: Kimo's Sports Bar and Restaurant, 2696 North Columbia Center Boulevard, Richland, WA 99352 (map)
More information: Karen Sullivan Scheweke, schweet4@charter.net
Picking the Pac - The Openers
by John Berkowitz on Sep 2, 2010 6:36 AM PDT
10 comments
USC at Hawaii
The first game of the Lane Kiffin Era kicks off in the islands. The Trojans shouldn't have much of a problem with the Warriors but the zebras have been known to keep the home team in the game over in Honolulu. The Trojans are way down in depth but I think their remaining 65 can beat anyone in the WAC's 85. USC by 21
Arizona at Toledo
What is Arizona doing playing a MAC opponent on the road? I didn't bother to check but it must be one of those 2-1 type of things. Arizona on paper should have no problem with the Rockets but this game is a set up for one of those early season MAC upsets. That being said I can't imagine the Wildcats losing this game. Arizona by 14
UCLA at Kansas State
The Bruins had no problem with K-State last season but the odds makers are favoring the Wildcats this season. UCLA's offensive line is a mess, the QB is banged up ,and the game is on the road so advantage K-State. Neuheisel has a way of winning these type of games. UCLA by 3
Washington State at Oklahoma State
The Cowboys are rebuilding after going 9-4 last season. The Cougars are rebuilding after going 1-11. This game will tell us a lot about where the Cougars are headed this season. If they can keep it close it means Wulff is making progress. It would be nice to watch a WSU game that isn't over by the end of the first quarter. If they can accomplish that it means they are tracking upwards. OSU by 17
Oregon State vs. TCU
The Beavers play a neutral site game against one of the nations best non BCS programs. Oregon State is one of the favorites to win the Pac 10 and they are a 13 1/2 point underdog? I guess breaking in a new QB on the road and a history of slow starts is fueling the betting line. I think it will be a lot closer than 13 points with the nod going to TCU because they are basically playing at home. TCU by 3
Portland State at Arizona State
Sun Devils host Portland State in former Husky Nigel Burton's head-coaching debut. ASU likes to schedule a couple of FCS games a year and this is one of them. Steve Threet will start but expect Brock Osweiller to get plenty of reps. ASU by 28
UC Davis at California
This one shouldn't be close but scribes in the Bay Area are saying that this game will be a lot tougher than it looks. Maybe it is because UC Davis beat Stanford a few years ago in the pre Harbaugh days. Cal by 21
New Mexico at Oregon
This one should be over at the end of the first quarter despite the fact that Oregon has a new QB and LaMichael James will be sitting out as a penalty for getting into a strangling session this spring with one of his women. Despite the off season problems the Ducks have enough talent on the roster to win the conference. Oregon by 30
Sacramento State at Stanford
Andrew Luck will be lucky to play two quarters in this mismatch. It will be interesting to see how much of a game that Sac State can make out of it so the Cardinal regulars can get a good work out. Stanford by 30
Washington at BYU
All the hype generated leading up to this season meets the moment of truth in Provo, Utah. Can Washington win on the road? Will this game be the lift off that Jake Locker needs to kick off a legitimate Heisman campaign? The odds makers favor BYU by three which means they think it is a tossup and they are throwing a FG BYU's way because they are at home. I think it will be a close game but BYU will have a hard time keeping UW under 30 points and they will have hard time scoring 20. UW by 12
Quote of the day
by John Berkowitz on Sep 1, 2010 8:48 PM PDT
1 comment
"We're getting after it pretty good. Our guys have been intense in practice and they are chomping at the bit. We're kind of like those dogs on the leashes and we keep pulling and pulling it and that leash is about to pop. They are antsy, a little grumpy, and that's a good thing. That means they are excited and eager to go out and play."
Steve Sarkisian
UW at BYU - Psychology and Defense
by John Berkowitz on Sep 1, 2010 10:04 AM PDT
68 comments
Though the Vegas betting line favors BYU by three points, most of the betting pundits advise their clients to bet on Washington as the game grows closer. The following is a quality example of what the tout sheet guys are predicting.
This game promises to be a high-scoring matchup. Washington returns Locker, its leading rusher, and top five receiving targets. That’s bad news for a BYU defense that returns only five starters from last year’s unit that harassed and knocked Sam Bradford out of the game. While BYU will surely be able to move the ball on the ground against Washington, it’s hard to imagine a freshman making his first start being able to keep up with the Huskies and Locker’s passing. A tight game will unfold for a half before Washington pulls away for a win in a shootout.
All that aside, there are some serious intangibles to consider heading into this one which Washington must successfully deal with if they hope to start the season with a victory. The first one is simply the psychology of playing on the road and winning; this is a program that has not won away from Husky Stadium since November, 2007.
Playing in Provo is never a picnic and this year there is some added fuel to throw on the fire: there will be 60,000 rabid fans in the seats of Edwards Stadium who seriously hate the Pac 10. The inclusion of Utah and the rejection of BYU by the Pac 10 is something that will not be taken lightly on Saturday. This may be the most hostile environment the Huskies will play in all season.
Steve Sarkisian understands the challenge and took the unusual step last week of scheduling a mock intrasquad game at the Seahawks training facility. The exercise was a full rehearsal of a Husky road trip that included a walk through, meetings, simulated game on a grass field, and an overnight stay in an unfamiliar hotel. I guess we find out on Saturday how well it ended up working.
One thing the experts all seem to agree on is that the Washington offense is capable of putting more points on the scoreboard than BYU. They also are predicting a shoot-out, meaning there is little respect for Washington's defense.
In the article mentioned above, it bluntly states that "BYU will surely be able to move the ball on ground against Washington." I am not buying into that; I don't believe any of the prognosticators are familiar with a guy named Alameda Ta'amu. My guess is they will after this Saturday, who has transformed his body over the past off-season. We saw glimpses of what Ta'amu could do last season but a lack of conditioning limited his effectiveness to maybe three solid plays in a row at best last season. He is faster, lighter, stronger,and most importantly is capable of staying in the game longer this season before requiring a breather.
I believe the play of Ta'amu and Cameron Elisara inside is key to a Washington victory on Saturday. Ta'amu's ability to draw and blow up double teams opens up opportunities for Elisara, Talia Chrichton, Everette Thompson, and the linebackers. Elisara plays with a high motor and has been disruptive all camp. If UW can cause enough havoc inside it is going to start negating those BYU tackles (big blocks of granite) on the outside.
Washington needs to come out and control the tempo of this game. Defensively the Huskies need to control the line of scrimmage and take BYU out of their game plan. They need to put BYU into obvious throwing situations, apply the heat, pick up turnovers, eliminate the big play, and produce three and outs. Punch BYU in the mouth early and often by forcing them into third and long situations.
Offensively UW need to score early and often. Nothing takes the home crowd out of the game like an early two touchdown lead. Keep the ball in Jake Locker's hands the majority of the game on Saturday and good things will happen. If Washington controls the line scrimmage Jake is going to have a big day.
My Pac 10 picks and why
by prrbrr on Sep 1, 2010 8:34 AM PDT
14 comments
USC over Hawaii and big 42-10 because USC is still very talented and has the us against the world tude.
Zona over Toledo big 35-10. Stoops is not known for mercy rules.
ASU big over PSU 42-7. Why is this game even scheduled?
Cal 45 UC Davis 0 See ASU comment
Ore 35 UNM 14 The ducks are talented and will run the ball, and pass safely
Upset Special: Ore St 28 over TCU 24 because I am a PAC10 homer
Furd 45 Sac St 0 See ASU comment
Kan St 21 UCLA 28 Light Blue is better than JC transfers
Ok St 21 WSU 17 OSU is not that good but better than cousin clem coug
UW 35 BYU 17 Locker/ Polk too much for independents to break in new QB and prevail
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Huskies Football Schedule
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BYU
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Sat 09/04 | 4:00 PM PDT |
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Syracuse
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Sat 09/11 | 4:00 PM PDT |
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Nebraska
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Sat 09/18 | 12:30 PM PDT |
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USC
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Sat 10/02 | 5:00 PM PDT |
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Arizona St.
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Sat 10/09 | TBA |
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Oregon St.
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Sat 10/16 | TBA |
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Arizona
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Sat 10/23 | TBA |
| Stanford | Sat 10/30 | TBA |
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Oregon
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Sat 11/06 | TBA |
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UCLA
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Thu 11/18 | 5:00 PM PST |
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California
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Sat 11/27 | TBA |
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Washington St.
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Sat 12/04 | TBA |
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