Dot...Dot...Dawg (9/16)

Side ways, right ways, any ways ... it's all Dots to me

Football Dots

• First, Happy Birthday to the nation's leading running back!  Bishop Sankey who turned 21 yesterday and, I'm guessing, did NOT wake up this morning with a hangover, is on a record setting pace after two big games. 
  

  Happy 21st bday to the bro @_GotTheJuiceNow enjoy it brotha!

  — Keith Price (@KeithPrice17) September 15, 2013



• Sankey was the focus on this week's "Beat of the Week" (my own new invention) game recap ... this one from the immutable Gregg Bell.


• The view from the Chicago Tribune beat writer focused on Illinois's inability to capitalize on the opportunities that presented themselves


• Sankey, Kevin Smith and Keith Price all had huge days for the Husky Offense against Illinois.  Not to be overlooked was the star that was created thanks to Justin Wilcox's savvy move to get smaller on the D-Line.  Hau'oli Kikaha moved inside to create more snaps for Josh Shirley who recorded three sacks and won Athlon's National Defensive Player of the Week award.


• One of the things that will catch the attention of Husky coaches this week will be the second straight game of "slow starts" where the Husky offense was able to move the ball but unable to cash in.  While penalties and a few fumbles by a dejected Dwayne Washington may have something to do with this, Brent Stecker argues it is all about cleaning things up in the red zone.


• You may have heard that Northwestern University pulled a fast one on Steve Sarkisian and crew by initially agreeing to allow the Huskies to practice on their field and then changing their tune at the last second.  While there may have been some cross-conference gamesmanship going on, Sark drew upon his now-legendary sense of creativity and came up with a solution that not only reinforced the "no distractions" mantra, but allowed for a little fun in the process.  Here is a screen-shot from UW's website commemorating the moment:
  
  


• Looking ahead to next week, Bell on the Beat has all the latest from Sark's press conference today including an update on the shoulder injury to John Timu (which, if you noticed, he played with for several snaps), the just-announced start time for the Arizona game (5pm PT) and an interesting statistical observation about the Huskies first two games that will definitely grab your attention.


• Yesterday was a huge day for Husky alum in the NFL.  Of particular interest was this ridiculous Mason Foster pick six that you simply have to see to believe.
  

  Marcel Reece w/TD, Jake Locker throws a pair of TDs, Dashon Goldson & Mason Foster with key goalline stops. Huskies in the NFL representing!

  — UW Football (@UW_Football) September 15, 2013



• I'd like to take a moment to commemorate Washington grad and state of Washington coaching alum Mike Dunbar who died yesterday at the age of 64 after a bout with cancer.  Thoughts and well-wishes go from all of Husky nation to Coach Dunbar's family and friends.  WOOF!

Sports Dots

• Basketball noise is starting to percolate as preview magazines are hitting the stands.  Percy has all the updates including some observations on all the love coming C.J. Wilcox's way.  Otherwise, it is safe to say that the pundits don't think too highly of UW's chances this season.
  


• Coach Romar isn't going to like hearing this, but Rick Pitino has apparently followed the lead of John Calipari and opened up his "Seattle Pipeline". Ugh.  Just thinking about it makes me want to shower with extra course pumice soap.


• Former Husky Hoopster Isaiah Thomas is presenting the Sacremento with an unusual salary cap problem that the boys at Cowbell Kingdom took the time to investigate in detail.  If you are interested in NBA capology, this is a great read.  I love that IT is putting pressure on the Salary Cap like he does on opposing ballers.


• Another Husky alum, Quincy Pondexter, is expected by many to have a breakout year this season with the Grizzlies.  Beale Street Ballers has an extremely in-depth look at Q-Pon's game and prospects for the season ahead.


• If you are an Illinois alum, you've probably had about all you can take of Purple and Gold after this weekend.  Before watching your football team get outgunned at Soldier Field, you had the pleasure of watching your #14 volleyballers get smacked around by #6 Washington in Champaign.  It was a huge win for Coach McLaughlin who followed it up with a sweep at Loyola to give him his 300th career victory.  By the way, the Huskies moved up to #3 following the roadtrip.
  

  Congratulations Coach McLaughlin on his 300th win at UW! "I love it here. If you’re at a place long enough... http://t.co/NC6QD9dTl7

  — UW Volleyball (@UWVolleyball) September 15, 2013

  
  


• Huskies football wasn't the only UW team that was winning at the races last weekend.  The Huskies cross-country team dominated at the Sundodger Invitational.


• Finally, last word goes to UW Women's Soccer midfielder, Isabel Farrell, who set a Husky record with four assists in a big 5-0 win over Seattle U last weekend.  It was a big W for a team that needed to get some momentum going.  Congrats, Isabel!

Question of the Day

Game week is upon us, but it is our "C" opponent.  What are you hoping to see this weekend when the Huskies take on Idaho State ... aside from a W?  Do you want to see the reserves get plenty of action or are you interested in seeing a little stat padding and momentum establishment for the starters?  Remember, it was the Portland State game last year that really helped Bishop Sankey find his confidence going into that Stanford game.  Discuss.

More from UW Dawg Pound:

• Five Takeaways: Illinois
• Grading the Game: Illinois Edition
• AP Top 25 Poll Washington Reaches No. 17 Pac-12 Roundup
• UW vs Illinois Game Awards
• Washington Outlasts Fight With Fighting Illini: Instant Reactions
• Keys To The Game: Illinois