Dot...Dot...Dawg (9/26)

Dots - All Shapes and Sizes

• The theme of this week around the blogosphere is the irrepressible Hau'oli Kikaha (formerly Hau'oli Jamora). Hau'oli is very much cut from the mold of Husky great Daniel Teo-Nesheim and captured the hearts and minds of UW fans everywhere with his infectious enthusiasm for live and his inexhaustable motor as a true freshman pass rusher. Over the first three games, Hau'oli has been as noticeable as any player on our defensive front given that the motor is still there and he has shifted into a variety of positions. The young man has been through the grinder with two ACL injuries, but he is back and having as much impact as anybody. I'm glad to see him getting his due.

1. The first Hau'oli dot is the latest in Gregg Bell's "Unleashed" series. This qualifies as another "must-read" pieced on the life and times of one of our favorite Huskies.
   
   
2. Adam Jude also took on the subject of Hau'oli and wrote what I think is the best piece that he has produced since taking over as the Husky Beat Writer this past summer. This article almost makes me want to pay for access to the site. It is excellent work.

• This subject almost feels a little beat to death, but Redmond Longhorn reminded us yesterday that Keith Price still may not be getting his due from Husky fans who harbor some sore feelings from last season. The good news here is that the question as to whether or not the "Old Keith" is back seems to have been answered for us. If you don't believe it, look at ESPN's latest advance QB stats - KP looks pretty good.
  


• Speaking of not getting it's due, the Seattle PI would like to point out to Seattleites that there is, indeed, more than one football team in town. "Seahawks, Schmeahawks".
  


• One of the factors playing into the resurgence of the Huskies offense is the growing trust being re-established between KP and his offensive line. If you'll pardon me for editorializing, I can't say enough how impressed I've been with Mike Criste's transition to C, especially in light of the fact that we are now 100% in the gun.
  


• Cyler Miles got his first moment in the sun and demonstrated some playmaking abilities with his arm and his legs. It is only fitting that he gets his own Dot.


• The Daily UW takes stock of where the Huskies stand at the one-quarter point of the season.
  


• We've had considerable debate about the issue of scheduling FCS teams, especially in light of the looming change with football playoffs. One important aspect of this argument that we've ignored is the issue of actually finding opponents who will agree to schedule us, per Gregg Bell.
  

  Sark met with AD Woodward on future @UW_Football scheduling. "We've got to try to find some teams to come play us. Kind of tough right now"

  — Gregg Bell (@gbellseattle) September 25, 2013

  
  


• Speaking of scheduling, Anthony retweeted this little nugget yesterday. Make of this what you will.
  

  Since 2009 most ranked foes by BCS league: LSU (SEC) 27; Wash (P12) 23; OU (B12) 22; Clem (ACC) 18; Neb (B1G) 18; ND 13, USF (AAC) 11

  — Brett McMurphy (@McMurphyESPN) September 24, 2013

  
  


• The boys over at the Writing Illini blog revisited their matchup with the Huskies and debated whether or not the Dawgs had provided the blueprint for beating a Bill Cubit offense.
  


• The ESPN Stanford / Pac 12 Blog takes a hard look at forecasting this weekend's games. Both like the Huskies to handle their business against Arizona.
  


• From the opponent's point of view, Arizona's Ka'Deem Carey is anxious to pick up the level of competition and observe the top Pac 12 threat to his rushing title in 2013. Be careful what you ask for, my friend.
  


• The Huskies are certainly going to have to address the defensive shortcomings that were apparent in last year's Arizona debacle if they hope to come out of this game still undefeated.


• For you recruiting niks, a big name is looking forward to seeing you at Husky Stadium this weekend.
  

  Will be out there In Washington For an official visit this weekend! Can't wait to have a Great Weekend there and with the bro @RyanTurman4

  — ⚡PRIMETIME!!!⚡ (@Joe_MainMixon) September 26, 2013



• If you are looking for an off-the-beaten-trail sort of Dot, take a look at this article from the University of British Columbia's student newspaper. They take a look at "American Football" using the UW as a case study. It's a great read on all that is good about being a Husky Fan.
  


• Those of you that saw Mason Foster and his ridiculous pick-six last week were, I'm sure, enthralled by the play. So were the boys at NFL.com. They awarded Mason their "Moment of the Week" as reported by our friends at Bucs Nation.
  


• Finally, a shoutout to a Husky Basketball Legend and friend of the blog, Isaiah Thomas. IT gets a long, hard look from the boys at BBallBreakdown who ask the question: "Is IT as good as Kyrie Irving" (the first pick of the NBA draft versus the last pick). It's a great discussion posted on YouTube.
  
  
  
• What? You want more? Sheesh.
  

Question of the Day

Since Hau'oli is the theme of the day, let's focus are QOD on the Huskies' Defensive Line. Last season we struggled against the rush with zone-read teams and in generating a pass rush against just about anybody. How do you feel about what you've seen from this year's D-Line?