UW Dawg Pound - Offseason Lists: Getting Husky Fans to Opening Weekend One List at a TimeAll I Blogged Was Purplehttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/51197/uw-fav.png2015-07-14T12:59:39-07:00http://www.uwdawgpound.com/rss/stream/78458322015-07-14T12:59:39-07:002015-07-14T12:59:39-07:00Lists: Counting Down UW's Top Coaches
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<figcaption>Is Tim Socha a candidate for our Offseason List today? | Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>Yup, I'm going there.</p> <p>Look, Dawgpound-er, I get it. The offseason is a long and arduous road to travel. We all soldier on bravely but, let's face it, there is nothing easy about waiting for Saturdays to mean something more than mowing the lawn, entertaining your wife's request for "family game night" and drinking Coors Light while lounging around in a lawn chair in hopes that you can get one friggin' moment of peace and quiet.</p>
<p>I get it, brother. The offseason sucks and you are reaching the end of your patience. I know for a fact that before you clicked on this link you screwed your face up tighter than an Oregon cheerleader's neon yellow skirt, stuck a finger in your eyeball and proclaimed loud enough to compel the neighbors to consider calling CPS "I can't take another one of Landon's G__D___ed Offseason Lists."</p>
<p>But the offseason is a temperamental beast. It toys with your emotions and leaves you precious few choices. You are here now. Reading the words that were as painful to write as they are for you to read.</p>
<p>Congratulations, my friend, you are nearing the end of the journey and the end of the Offseason Lists series. We've come this far and we've made it together. Just a ... few... more ... weeks.</p>
<p>Unfortunately, we don't yet have the exact dates for the opening of fall camp, but we expect the second week of August to be about the time that the latest incarnation of your Washington Huskies take to the practice field. The coaching staff is just now coming off their own R&R and starting to make their own preparations for the opening of camp.</p>
<p>This particular time of year is all about the coaches. The summer recruiting / camp circuit has come to a close. The incoming frosh are enrolled. The veterans are moving back to campus. It's time for our coaching staff to give up their duties as "Logistics Officers" and return to their roles as "Football Coaches".</p>
<p>We haven't paid these coaches much attention as we've progressed in our Offseason Lists series this year. Given all that they sacrifice for UW and all that they give to their players, it seems that the sum total of the attention that we do give to them in this forum amounts to debates on the warmth of Jonathan Smith's chair and wisdom of Chris Petersen's recruiting techniques.</p>
<p>That's not nearly enough. Today we rectify a problem that has gone unattended to for far too long. Today we count down the Top 5 coaches on the UW staff as determined by me with absolutely no objective criteria to utilize in the evaluation. Enjoy.</p>
<h4>5. Jeff Choate, Defensive Line and Special Teams Coach</h4>
<p><b>Pros</b>: He's so good, he's got two jobs</p>
<p><b>Cons</b>: Technically, he's a Coug</p>
<p>Choate cracks into the top 5 in our totally arbitrary rankings of UW coaches barely edging out RB coach Keith Bonopha and DC Pete Kwiatkowski. For those of you expecting to see Brent Pease, Jonathan Smith, or Steve Sarkisian in this slot, just keep on reading. I'm sure you'll see plenty of references to them in the comments section.</p>
<p>/rimshot</p>
<p>Seriously, I jest.</p>
<p>Choate has quickly made his mark at UW both on the field and in the media room. His 2014 D-Line was one of the more nasty ones that UW has seen in the modern era. Not only did they finish second in the nation in sacks, but they put three guys into the NFL including the first defensive tackle drafted in Danny Shelton. In the media room, he quickly became "must see TV" because of how open and demonstrative he was in his beat reporter interviews. In short, any man that lets his star DT do a barrel roll in a game against his former team absolutely makes our top 5 list. Now, if he can just teach his special teams how to NOT block in the back.</p>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">New Orleans Saints OTAs with <a href="https://twitter.com/paiea8ball">@paiea8ball</a> A great day to be at a 1st class organization! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/DawgsintheNFL?src=hash">#DawgsintheNFL</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Woof?src=hash">#Woof</a> <a href="http://t.co/6T5OhLA4JH">pic.twitter.com/6T5OhLA4JH</a></p>
— Jeff Choate (@coachjc_uw) <a href="https://twitter.com/coachjc_uw/status/603979836307079168">May 28, 2015</a>
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<h4>4. Tim Socha, Strength and Conditioning Coach</h4>
<p><b>Pros</b>: He can bench press Travis Feeney, John Ross and Jaydon Mickens ... at the same time</p>
<p><b>Cons</b>: He wasn't smart enough to sell all of Ivan's workout machines on Craig's List and pocket the profits</p>
<p>Have you seen Tim Socha? He's a bear of a man whose definition of "physical fitness" is less Fabio and more Paul Bunyan. He's such a bad-ass that Chuck Norris tells Tim Socha jokes. On that point alone, he'd make our top 5 lists. Layer in the fact that his refurbishment of the weight training facilities involved junking all of the machines and replacing them with free weights and racks, and you just get gravy. Then you look at the eye-popping numbers that his athletes put up at the Husky Combine and the physiques of being sculpted by a group of players who now ... FINALLY ... are starting to pass the "eyeball test" and it is easy to justify Socha's place in our top 5.</p>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Always great coming down to <a href="https://twitter.com/coachtimsocha">@coachtimsocha</a>'s weight room for a little morning motivation. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/GoDawgs?src=hash">#GoDawgs</a> <a href="http://t.co/WrD7UYWPUz">pic.twitter.com/WrD7UYWPUz</a></p>
— Coach Petersen (@CoachPeteUW) <a href="https://twitter.com/CoachPeteUW/status/573157929521553408">March 4, 2015</a>
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<h4>3. Jordan Paopao, Tight Ends Coach</h4>
<p><b>Pros</b>: His last name is also a Bruce Lee sound effect; He stayed</p>
<p><b>Cons</b>: Still waiting for his TEs to break out</p>
<p>Who doesn't love Jordan Paopao? Serious? Anybody? He will forever be known as the coach that stayed. If that gesture of program loyalty were the only thing on his resume, he'd still be in my top 5. But that's not all there is to Jordan Paopao.</p>
<p>By all accounts, JP is quickly becoming one of the hot young recruiters out on the West Coast. Players love his passion, his youthful vibe and his honest approach. He's a hard working guy who has is taking a leadership role in recruiting the Poly pipelines. He wakes up every morning thankful to be a football coach and it shows. I can't help but to root for this guy and I love that he's getting a chance to learn the game from Chris Petersen. He's my #3.</p>
<h4>2. Chris Petersen, Head Coach</h4>
<p><b>Pros</b>: He once beat Oregon ... and then did it again; He doesn't ever tip his hand</p>
<p><b>Cons</b>: He doesn't ever tip his hand; He once coached at Oregon</p>
<p>I figured that I would have to make room for Coach Pete somewhere on this list. Why not #2?</p>
<p>Let's face it, being a 2-time Bear Bryant award winner makes you a lock to show up on any kind of ranked list of coaches. His 100 career wins and his ridiculous .847 win percentage are all the statistical proof that you need to prove that Chris Petersen is an elite level performer in his profession.</p>
<p>But the numbers don't impress Chris Petersen and, as such, they shouldn't impress you. Instead, focus on who Chris Petersen is and how he leads. Everything about it is true, unique and authentic.</p>
<p>In the copycat world of college football coaching, how rare is it to have a coach that everyone can agree is an authentic leader?</p>
<p>In his short time in Seattle, Petersen has changed everything about program. Playing style, recruiting processes, relationship management, the emphasis on grades, the valuation of character, the restoration of predictability to Signing Day ... Everything is new and everything is authentic.</p>
<p>So what if he doesn't open practices? So what if he says "Awesome" and "I really do" to often? So what if he doesn't know how to use Twitter? So what if he still wears pleats in his khakis? Chris Petersen is the man and he's #2 on our top 5 list.</p>
<h4>1. Jimmy Lake, Defensive Backs Coach</h4>
<p><b>Pros</b>: Knows how to drive a speed boat and a Big Bertha; Looks like a younger version of Lou Gossett Jr.</p>
<p><b>Cons</b>: Doesn't care how he hurts the offense by "borrowing" their players; Isn't related to Lou Gossett Jr.</p>
<p>Jimmy Lake tops our first annual list of top 5 Husky coaches because he's just so ... damn ... cool. If you see him on the street, your first thought is "hey, that guy might be a UFC fighter". Then you talk to him and think "hey, that guy might be a Rhodes scholar". Then you see go out on the boat with him and you think "hey, that guy is a hell of a wake boarder". And then he takes you to his house for a little backyard grillin' and you think "hey, that guy is the next Emeril". Then you see what magic he worked in the UW secondary with a bunch of true freshman, a converted WR and a walk-on and you think "hey, that guy can coach".</p>
<p>Jimmy Lake gives new meaning to the famous Stewart Scott catch-phrase "as cool as the other side of the pillow". My wife specifically asked if they've made a "Jimmy Lake Calendar" yet. He's a great coach, a great mentor, a great interview and a great role model. Apparently, chicks dig him. I also hear that he might be a pretty decent duffer. That's good enough to top our 2015 list of top UW coaches.</p>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UW?src=hash">#UW</a> DB <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/bbq2015?src=hash">#bbq2015</a> Good eats and Good times - We Found out who has a jumpshot and video game skills . <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Dawglife?src=hash">#Dawglife</a> <a href="http://t.co/SdHc2s0CzB">pic.twitter.com/SdHc2s0CzB</a></p>
— Jimmy Lake (@coachlakeudub) <a href="https://twitter.com/coachlakeudub/status/618989585180131329">July 9, 2015</a>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Had a great time with my Unity group going to Ivaars for dinner! These offensive and defensive lineman eat a ton! <a href="http://t.co/OqpM2SEu2j">pic.twitter.com/OqpM2SEu2j</a></p>
— Jimmy Lake (@coachlakeudub) <a href="https://twitter.com/coachlakeudub/status/498694932886872064">August 11, 2014</a>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">ICYMI, for <a href="https://twitter.com/coachlakeudub">@coachlakeudub</a> progress is a process for <a href="https://twitter.com/UW_Football">@UW_Football</a>’s young secondary <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UDUB?src=hash">#UDUB</a> <a href="http://t.co/NQzv0xub9H">http://t.co/NQzv0xub9H</a> <a href="http://t.co/lVLbNNjb8M">pic.twitter.com/lVLbNNjb8M</a></p>
— Mason Kelley (@masonkelley12) <a href="https://twitter.com/masonkelley12/status/512642696482000896">September 18, 2014</a>
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https://www.uwdawgpound.com/2015/7/14/8955459/offseason-lists-counting-down-uws-top-coachesChris Landon2015-07-08T13:00:03-07:002015-07-08T13:00:03-07:00Lists: Where are UW's Upsets in 2015?
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<figcaption>JoJo Mathis is looking for a few upsets in 2015. What about you? | Steven Bisig-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>The dawg days of the football offseason continue. It's list time.</p> <p>The <a target="_blank" href="http://www.uwdawgpound.com/2012/11/1/3587900/the-gekko-files">Gekko Files series is underway </a>in the UWDP right now. When pulling them together, I typically invest about three to four hours per team previewed in order to assemble the insights required to pull together the 3,000 words I write on each team. While we all jones for a little football during this time of year, this research is the ultimate tease.</p>
<p>In short, this is the time of year where I really ache for the return of football.</p>
<p>If you read the Gekko Files, you know that I like to get into each team's schedules as part of the analysis. I always look at things like the number of home games, the placement of the BYE, the conference teams missed and the set up for potential upsets.</p>
<p>Upsets, in particular, is one aspect of the sport that Husky fans have had little opportunity to participate over the past decade. Despite being the underdog in more than half of the games that they've played in over the course of that decade, the Huskies have precious few real upset wins to cling on to. You've got the <a target="_blank" href="http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/recap?gameId=303640264">Holiday Bowl win over Nebraska</a>, the pair of USC wins in Sark years 1 and 2, <a target="_blank" href="http://scores.espn.go.com/ncf/recap?gameId=322710264">the Stanford game at Qwest</a> and ...</p>
<p>Despite having had several opportunities (LSU x2, Oklahoma, Nebraska, lots of games versus Oregon and Stanford, etc), the Huskies are notorious for failing to compete in games where they show up as moderate to significant underdogs. This lack of competitiveness is, perhaps, the biggest stain on the record of Steve Sarkisian and was the one factor that made many Husky fans excited about the hiring of established giant-killer Chris Petersen.</p>
<p>But Petersen failed to deliver even a single victory against a ranked team in his first year at UW. In fact, Petersen took the Sarkisian problem and made it worse by not registering even a single victory against a team with a winning record in 2014.</p>
<p>What's up with that? Is this a curse? Has the ghost of Ty Willingham overtaken the program and cast a pall over the players and coaches who are working so hard to return the Dawgs to former glory? Can Chris Petersen find a way to actually crack the code and start winning games that people expect him to lose in a way that resembles what he achieved at Boise State?</p>
<p>Whether or not the Huskies can evolve into the kind of tough and scrappy team that is capable of pulling off the occasional upset remains to be seen. One thing is certain: the expectations are very low for Peteresen's Huskies in 2015. <a target="_blank" href="http://athlonsports.com/college-football/bovada-releases-2015-college-football-overunder-win-totalshttp://athlonsports.com/college-football/bovada-releases-2015-college-football-overunder-win-totals">Bovada has tagged UW's projected win total at 4 </a>which ties them for a last place projection in all of the PAC12. UW will be underdogs in most of the games that they play in this season.</p>
<p>All of this begs the question: Where are the most likely upsets on UW's schedule in 2015? This sounds like a great topic for an offseason list.</p>
<h4>5. @ ASU (November 14)</h4>
<p>While everybody talks about the 11 straight losses to Oregon, the streak against Arizona State is nearly as bad. The Huskies have lost nine straight and 10 of the last 12 to a Sun Devil team that has been mostly mediocre over that period of time. The Huskies will travel to Tempe this year in a game that they will most likely be a big underdog in.</p>
<p>I don't think that this is the year that Husky fans should expect an ASU upset. We don't play well in the desert and will be taking on ASU towards the end of the year where the lack of a midseason BYE and attrition are likely to be taking its highest toll. In addition, UW doesn't match up well versus the Sun Devils. The blitzing, high-pressure ASU defense is the perfect kryptonite for a young offense with a questionable offensive line. While I think that the streak may give a bit of extra motivation to UW's players, this isn't my favorite upset possibility on the schedule.</p>
<h4>4. @ Stanford (October 24)</h4>
<p>Many people will argue that if ever there were a Stanford team vulnerable to an upset, the 2015 version of the Cardinal would be that team. After all, they are replacing all of their defensive linemen, most of their defensive starters and key playmakers at offensive skill positions. Why shouldn't the Huskies be able to go into Palo Alto and win their first time on the road against Stanford since 2007?</p>
<p>It's possible. The Huskies do match up against Stanford a little better than they might against a team like Stanford. However, Stanford's offense projects as a possible "breakout" unit in 2015 as it will be led by a senior multi-year starter in <span>Kevin Hogan</span> and features a bright young playmaker in <span>Christian McCaffrey</span>. Still, UW may be able catch a few breaks and keep this game a close one. The bad news is that this is the last stop on a gauntlet that features Cal, USC, and Oregon in consecutive weeks before them. It might be too much to expect UW to be able to get up for this game and to go into it fully healthy.</p>
<h4>3. @ USC (October 8th)</h4>
<p>I'm sure many UW fans have this particular game circled as the best upset opportunity on the schedule. The Trojans will enter the season as a dark horse candidate to go to the College Football Playoffs by a lot of pundits. They are sure to be big favorites in the first match-up between these two teams since Steve Sarkisian made his defection down to Los Angeles.</p>
<p>There are a lot of reasons to be optimistic about the Dawgs here. First, they have a history of upsetting USC (twice under Sark). There is a huge emotional connection between Sark and many current players. The actual matchup - especially UW's secondary versus the USC passing attack - seems to offer some nice opportunities for the Huskies. The fact that UW's staff will have extra time to prepare due to the fact that this is a Thursday night game seems to be an ingredient in any upset. The Thursday night timing may also neutralize the home crowd a bit.</p>
<p>All of this seems to play in UW's favor. I don't think that this is the most likely upset on the schedule mainly because USC's defense projects as a difficult task for a young UW offense to overcome. I'm also not enamored with the matchup of UW's young defensive line against that emerging USC offensive line. Nevertheless, I'm not discounting this one. Given that this is early in that gauntlet I described above and that UW gets a little extra time to prepare, I could see this one being interesting.</p>
<h4>2. vs Oregon (October 17)</h4>
<p>yada yada yada yada ... "eleven straight blowouts" ... yada yada yada yada ... "insufferable Oregon fans" ... yada yada yada yada ... "not a rivalry anymore".</p>
<p>We've had this discussion each year for the past several. The talking points and points of debate are identical every time. Let's not mince words here: Oregon is the better team. The far better team. They've been the far better team for more than a decade. The record proves it. There is no reason to believe that UW has a chance to beat them in 2015.</p>
<p>But that, my friends, is exactly when upsets occur.</p>
<p>UW doesn't match up particularly well against Oregon just based on what we know now. The key here is that we don't know as much about Oregon as we normally do and these projected matchups are informed as much by expectation as they are by insight. The Oregon QB situation is totally up in the air now that <a target="_blank" href="http://www.addictedtoquack.com/2015/7/6/8903357/vernon-adams-admitted-to-oregon">EWU transfer Vernon Adams has officially registered for classes</a>. The defensive secondary is going through a bit of an overhaul. Their defensive line is a question mark given the loss of some key pieces and an inconsistent 2014. The offensive line is being rebuilt. There are legit questions with the Ducks in 2015.</p>
<p>Of course, there is talent galore to build upon in Eugene. That's why they'll be picked to win the PAC and should be heavy favorites at UW. I still like this as an upset possibility for a few reasons. First, it's in Seattle. Second, it's relatively early in the season when you would hope attrition hasn't yet settled in on the Dawgs. Third, the end of the <span>Marcus Mariota</span> era seems like the right time to finally strike back. Finally, its Oregon. It's time. Petersen has beat this version of the Ducks twice. It can happen. 2015 seems like a great time for it to happen.</p>
<h4>1. @ Boise State (September 4)</h4>
<p>The best opportunity for the Huskies to score an upset in 2015, in my mind, is their first game at Boise State. Before the Boise fans visiting this blog get all crazy on me, keep in mind that I'm not actually <i>predicting an upset</i>. I'm simply stating that I see this as the game with the most upset potential from the UW point of view.</p>
<p>My logic follows a few different tracks. First, UW's short history (3 games) against BSU has always involved UW playing very well including the Huskies <a target="_blank" href="http://scores.espn.go.com/ncf/recap?gameId=332430264">handing Chris Petersen the worst loss of his career </a>when he visited Montlake a few years ago. Second, the first game of the year allows an experienced coaching staff ample opportunity to prepare for a familiar foe. I get that this advantage works both ways, but the experience and familiarity factors both favor Chris Petersen and his staff in this regard. Third, the first game of a season is always when things can go most haywire for a heavy favorite, especially for a team that is breaking in a new offensive backfield. Keep in mind that Boise was a 7.5 point favorite going into Seattle two seasons ago.</p>
<p>Finally, we can't ignore the emotional significance of Chris Petersen's return to Boise. This isn't a normal game for anybody and while I tend to discount the value of these kinds of things during a game, I certainly recognize the value of them as a motivating factor in preparing beforehand. Layer in the fact that the Husky players will have had three to four months of hearing about<a target="_blank" href="http://www.seattletimes.com/sports/uw-husky-football/huskies-an-early-underdog-for-season-opener-at-boise-state/"> how they are "double digit underdogs" going into Boise</a> and you have the makings for what could be an electrically charged Husky team going into Week 1. As such, I could see UW making this one as interesting as any other upset opportunity they have on their schedule.</p>
https://www.uwdawgpound.com/2015/7/8/8905335/offseason-lists-upsets-on-the-uw-football-scheduleChris Landon2015-06-10T16:00:02-07:002015-06-10T16:00:02-07:00Lists: Top Lessons for UW By Way of Tony Soprano
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<p>Only in the offseason could we tie the Sopranos to UW Football. Enjoy.</p> <p>On January 10, 1999, HBO ran a pilot of a show that would go on to become, perhaps, <a target="_blank" href="http://entertainment.time.com/2013/06/03/the-sopranos-named-best-written-tv-show-ever/">the greatest drama ever produced for television</a>. In the first scene of the first episode of "The Sopranos", the world is introduced to Tony Soprano. The iconic character is a narcissistic Mafioso type who is rising into power in the New Jersey Mob. In one of the sweetest shots in the entire series, Tony was quite literally "born" to world in this opening picture:</p>
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<p class="caption">Tony Soprano is born to the world in 1999.</p>
<p>Tony was a unique character for television in that he was a true anti-hero. Although often defined by the vile ruthlessness he would portray in implementing his own definition of justice, what really compelled the audience - and changed the face of television as an art form - was the complexity of the character as portrayed by the late James Gandolfini. Audiences were drawn to the character not just because of his audacity, but because of the struggle that Soprano had in coming to grips with his own morality. He was a man who constantly got whatever he wanted, and yet could never break free of the delusion that the world was working against him. His struggles with his own self-pity and his inability to come to terms with his own hypocrisy were every bit as compelling as the drama associated with the various plots laid out throughout the series.</p>
<p>So, what does this have to do with UW Football? Frankly, not a single thing.</p>
<p>But, this is the offseason and I'm always looking for another subject upon which to base a list. So, in honor of David Chase, James Gandolfini and the greatest television series ever produced, I give you my <u>Top Lessons UW Football Can Learn from The Sopranos.</u></p>
<h4>1. Commitment and Loyalty Trumps Talent...</h4>
<p>Throughout the series, Tony was challenged by his suspicions about the loyalties of those on his team, including his closest advisors. Characters were constantly being vetted as possible federal informants and the escalation of mistrust between Tony and his own wife became the primary plot line for an entire season. The culmination of the story line that led Tony to murder his own nephew, Christopher, was the ultimate statement on the "value" (paranoia?) that Tony placed on commitment to the family. The preposterousness of the entire series was that the those who were most loyal to Tony were those with the least "talent" to do their jobs. Some were idiots (just about every "soldier"), some were slobs (Big Pussy, Bacala), and some were eccentric wrecks (Paulie Walnuts).</p>
<p>In our recent Pro and Con piece, <a target="_blank" href="http://www.uwdawgpound.com/2015/6/9/8737865/the-pro-and-the-con-debating-chris-petersens-recruitment-strategies">we debated Chris Petersen's recruiting style</a>. We discussed what it meant to be an OKG and how that plays out on the recruiting trail. The ultimate lesson here for UW is that you can have success (a la Tony Soprano) by starting first with a core of committed and loyal players who both set the tone for the rest of the team and provide leadership when the captain isn't present on the scene. If those players have exceptional talent (think <span>Danny Shelton</span> and how important his buy-in to Chris Petersen's system was in influencing guys like <span>Elijah Qualls</span> and JoJo Mathis), that's all the better. But loyalty and commitment must come first if the culture is to take root.</p>
<h4>2. ...But Talent is Important</h4>
<p>Let's face it, Tony would never had been able to take over the northern NJ crime family or to ward off multiple threats from the Lupertazzi's had he not had access to talent that played key roles. Whether it was Ralph Cifiretto and his shrewd business techniques keeping the money flowing in from the Esplanade, the empathy of Bobby Bacala keeping Uncle Junior ... and later Tony's sister Janice ...on a leash, the diplomacy skills of Silvio keeping the troops in-line or the violent capabilities of Christopher taking care of certain threats in a way that only Michael Corleone could fully appreciate, Tony did develop and surround himself with a diverse set of able talent.</p>
<p>As UW continues down its growth trajectory, a balance must be struck between the romantic notions of an OKG and the abilities of the talent to have an impact in the game. While it would be great to have a team full of guys like <span>Jeff Lindquist</span>, <span>DiAndre Campbell</span>, <span>Andrew Hudson</span> an <span>John Timu</span>, we also have to make room for the upside talents who bring a more differentiated set of skills to the table even before Chris Petersen's "development machine" begins to take hold. Think about the impact that guys like Napolean Kaufmann, Reggie Williams, Corey Dillon and <span>Shaq Thompson</span> have had on the program in their eras. Those guys were not two-star recruits that were developed from scratch. They were exceptional talents whose capabilities were amplified by going through the program.</p>
<h4>3. You Can't Control Every Variable, So Control Those That You Can</h4>
<p>In the series, Tony and his crew were constantly forced to deal with situations that were explicitly outside of their control. Whether it was the heat being turned on by the Feds, the release of certain unsavory characters from "the can" or the tactics employed by rivals, Tony's business and his well-being were constantly being affected by variables that he had no influence over. But, Tony - who (surprisingly) was<a target="_blank" href="http://www.history.com/topics/the-art-of-war"> a fan of Sun Tzu</a> - was always able to adjust to the curveballs thrown at him. Whether it was threatening a juror, negotiating a settlement or whacking his own cousin, Tony showed a certain relentlessness about adjusting to the situation on the ground, even as his displays of self-pity became insufferable.</p>
<p>The lesson here is pretty obvious. No matter how good your strategy is, victory isn't achieved until you've been kicked in the nuts and gotten back up. Chris Petersen, having coached at a perennial underdog school, knows the importance of resilience better than most coaches <a target="_blank" href="http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/recap?gameId=270010201">(see the </a><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/fiesta-bowl">Fiesta Bowl</a>, 2007). It starts with a belief in yourselves and your system. It extends to a certain degree of toughness and grit that is born from a commitment to stick with it no matter the situation. It gets ingrained when success is achieved and the players get the positive reinforcement of seeing goals get met. UW doesn't have that mental makeup as a team yet. Since even before Ty Willingham took over as coach, we've seen this team struggle with adversity. We've even seen a few instances of players flat-out quitting. This is, perhaps, Chris Petersen's greatest challenge in rebuilding the UW program.</p>
<h4>4. Don't Ever Stop Being Vigilant</h4>
<p>Early in the series, <a target="_blank" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=APQ8Z_UyEak">Tony survives an attempted hit orchestrated by Junior</a>. Already a paranoid character, Tony's sense of self-preservation skyrockets from that point forward. While it was somewhat frustrating - and occasionally comical - to see the lengths that Tony would go to save himself (even going so far as to sacrifice some of his closest relationships), one cannot argue with the results that Tony achieved. He survived multiple attempts on his life, several attempts at prosecution and many challenges by rivals on his authority as Boss. Tony was nothing if not prepared and he always had a plan.</p>
<p>There are many parallels that can be made between Tony and Chris Petersen when it comes to an appreciation for the details that go into preparation. While Tony was always preparing to survive the next threat, Petersen is driving home the importance of preparing to succeed. But it's not just a tag line. It's a philosophy that focuses on diving deep into the details and being meticulous about getting things right. It takes a high level of focus and vigilance to stay rooted in the minutiae - and it doesn't matter if you are a football coach, a player, or a blog reader. In fact, I wonder how many of you that have clicked on this article have already skipped past this part and moved on to the comments.</p>
<h4>5. Enjoy the Ride</h4>
<p><b>SPOILER ALERT</b>: Do not proceed if you don't want know how the series ended.</p>
<p>Many people who watched the Sopranos were frustrated by the series finale. The <a target="_blank" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rnT7nYbCSvM">famous "fade to black</a>" left a lot of questions unanswered for viewers who were expecting loose ends to get tied up. If you are one of those people, I have some news for you. Tony Soprano dies in the last scene.</p>
<p>The mechanics of how the scene was constructed and how it is that we know Tony gets whacked can be debated in the comments below. However, I want to highlight an interesting sidenote from that scene that I think resonates. Just before the scene ends, Tony is reminded by his son, A.J., of something that he said in the finale of season 1. I don't recall the exact line, but it is something along the lines of "sometimes you have to remember the times that were good". It's a completely ironic sentiment given how Tony obsessed on all the negatives in his life. But, in that scene, you see a connection between Tony and his son that is authentic and good. And you realize that just before Tony gets popped, the last thing on his mind is the good that he has in his family, as flawed as they may be.</p>
<p> <figure class="e-image">
<img alt="Tony Soprano's final scene." data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/LWgI2lLEUzD8c_geRg6NvJG5GMU=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/3779830/The-Sopranos-final-scene.0.jpg">
</figure>
</p>
<p class="caption">Tony Soprano's final scene.</p>
<p>The imagery of the last scene has an important parallel in our little world of college football. Success is not guaranteed. No UW fan who went through the high of 1991 could foresee the low of 2008. Players who come into the program know that the there is a shelf-life associated with their football careers. If they happen to get through it injury-free, it could be as much as five years. Or less. We often hear players talk about how "it went by so fast".<br> So the lesson is this: Enjoy the ride. You don't know when it will evolve, change, or end. Hold on to every opportunity that is provided and savor the moments of success when they come - whether it is an unexpected win in a big game or the pride in the flawless execution of a drill. There is a lot good out there. Grab it all.</p>
https://www.uwdawgpound.com/2015/6/10/8761107/offseason-lists-top-lessons-chris-petersen-can-learn-from-tony-sopranoChris Landon2015-06-04T09:00:02-07:002015-06-04T09:00:02-07:00Lists: Best Fan Experiences In the Pac 12
<figure>
<img alt="Does Oregon have the best overall fan experience in the Pac 12?" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/u6UafQGsvu9nmsKGvNfzyJtb5sM=/0x0:5088x3392/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/46451546/usa-today-8149847.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Does Oregon have the best overall fan experience in the Pac 12? | Scott Olmos-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>It's the offseason and I have a lot of lists to do.</p> <p>Our friends over at Coug Center took the initiative earlier this week <a href="http://www.cougcenter.com/2015/5/30/8690413/wsu-cougars-pac-12-stadiums-college-football" target="_blank">to put out a ranking of Pac 12 stadiums</a>. It's a good read and definitely worth a look. When I read it, however, I struggled to understand from what point of view the author was establishing the criteria for ranking.</p>
<p>The truth is that there are a number of dimensions that fans will arbitrarily point out when debating the best place to take in a game. For some, the venue is the most important consideration with some of the newest - such as Husky Stadium and Autzen Stadium - being the most impressive. For others, it might be the gameday experience that takes into account the various happenings and customs organized by the home team. Oregon and Utah would both fare well against that criteria. For others still, it might be the beauty of the setting for the stadium ... or the coolness of the campus ... or the activities and options available pre and post game off of campus.</p>
<p>I decided to go ahead and put together my own ranking given the variety of criteria that fans use when debating the "best stadium". Since this is about more than just the structure itself, let's call it a ranking of the overall fan experience by Pac 12 team.</p>
<p>To make this somewhat objective, I've established five criteria that I think summarize the full fan experience. The ranking of each criterion is on a scale of 1-5 and the overall ranking simply the sum of the category rankings. The total fan experience is then ranked accordingly. One important caveat - and point of debate - is that each category is evenly weighted thus assuming that the typical fan values each equally. Of course, we know that this is a false assumption as each fan has things about the experience that they value more highly, but at least this should make for a decent debate.</p>
<p>Here are the criteria:</p>
<ul>
<li>Venue (V): Includes the facility and all of the amenities that come with it</li>
<li>Setting (S): The surrounding environment that the stadium occupies as it contributes to the ambiance of the in-stadium experience</li>
<li>Campus (C): The beauty, history and richness of the campus visit experience for both alums and visitors</li>
<li>Extra-Campus (EC): The diversity and quality of options for pre and post game revelry on and off campus</li>
<li>Gameday (G): Includes all of the in-game traditions, in-stadium activities and tailgating that contribute to the overall gameday experience</li>
</ul>
<p>In the interest of full disclosure, I cannot claim that I've seen a game in each Pac 12 stadium. I've not been to Utah, Colorado, or the Coliseum. I have, however, been to every Pac 12 city and stepped foot on every campus. I should also note that it has been some time since I visited some stadiums - including Martin, Reser and Autzen. Still, this is just for fun and designed to encourage some discussion. So I shall continue.</p>
<h4>T1. Husky Stadium</h4>
<table border="2" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="1" align="left">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td><b>Husky Stadium</b></td>
<td>Washington</td>
<td>V: 5</td>
<td>S: 5</td>
<td>C 4</td>
<td>EC: 5</td>
<td>G: 2</td>
<td><b><i>Total: 21</i></b></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p> </p>
<p> <figure class="e-image">
<img alt=" " data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/ipe5VOkVOawlVm0tLo8O_2u-Wa4=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/3751756/Husky-Stadium-To-Print.0.jpg">
</figure>
</p>
<p>I didn't go into this exercise thinking that UW would finish on top. However, I'm perfectly aware that I have a built in bias and I'm not terribly surprised. With the grand opening of the new facilities a few years ago, UW has an unparalleled venue for football. The location on Lake Washington coupled with the architectural considerations that ensure everybody in the stadium can take in the beauty of the natural surroundings are matched by very few locations across the country. The big drawback for UW right now is the game day experience. Tailgating is just "ok" relative to a lot of other Pac 12 locations and, as we've discussed here many times, the Athletic Department still has a lot of work to do in terms of getting the gameday experience back to the levels that they once were.</p>
<h4>T1. Folsom Field</h4>
<table border="2" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="1" align="left">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td><b>Folsom Field</b></td>
<td>Colorado</td>
<td>V: 3</td>
<td>S: 5</td>
<td>C: 4</td>
<td>EC: 5</td>
<td>G: 4</td>
<td><b><i>Total: 21</i></b></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p> <figure class="e-image">
<img alt=" " data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/HmO2S-4_m_rgF0NOR9eeJGcadgo=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/3747988/o.0.jpg">
</figure>
</p>
<p>Unlike Husky Stadium which scored very high on a few dimensions and really low on another, Colorado boasts strong scores across just about every dimension. You can see what an amazing setting Folsom Field is settled into and, let's face it, you can't beat a visit to Boulder as a road trip. The venue itself is a little bit dated, but there are no obstructed view seats and the bowl is pretty close to the field. As far as gameday experiences go, Colorado may not be winning a bunch of games, but they still have Ralphie.</p>
<p><iframe frameborder="0" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/e668mvKLmHU" height="315" width="415"></iframe></p>
<h4>3. California Memorial Stadium</h4>
<table border="2" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="1" align="left">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td><b>Memorial Stadium</b></td>
<td>California</td>
<td>V: 5</td>
<td>S: 4</td>
<td>C: 4</td>
<td>EC: 4</td>
<td>G: 3</td>
<td><b><i>Total: 20</i></b></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p>In 2012, California reopened the California Memorial Stadium following the completion of a $320M renovation and addition of a $155M student athletics center. Compared to UW's $280M renovation completed around the same time period, the price tag for this project was stunning. While Cal has had a hard time paying the bills for this project, one can't argue with the results. The new stadium has great site lines, modern amenities and a great playing surface (though one would presume they could have gone with grass given the environment). On the flip side, there isn't anything particularly distinct about the venue itself nor does anything really stand out as "special" during the gameday experience. Still, the campus is fantastic and the Berkeley setting is a great place to be before and after games.</p>
<h4>T4. Autzen Stadium</h4>
<table border="2" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="1" align="left">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td><b>Autzen Stadium</b></td>
<td>Oregon</td>
<td>V: 5</td>
<td>S: 2</td>
<td>C: 2</td>
<td>EC: 4</td>
<td>G: 5</td>
<td><b><i>Total: 18</i></b></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p> <figure class="e-image">
<img alt=" " data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/iIMNtMIPSxbONfr-uH5WcBy-NuI=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/3748200/Autzen-Stadium-Eugene-Oregon.0.jpg">
</figure>
</p>
<p>Make no bones about it, Autzen Stadium from a facility perspective is the cream of the crop in the PAC 12. Layer in an electric and crazed gameday experience fueled by a decade of on-the-field success and you have the makings for one of the best game environments not just in the PAC but in all of college football. On the flips side, you can't escape the fact that to attend the game, you have to travel to a town that was once officially known as "Skinner's Mudhole". Consider also that Oregon doesn't exactly boast a historic or particularly beautiful campus. As such, the overall fan experience suffers.</p>
<h4>T4. Rice-Eccles Stadium</h4>
<table border="2" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="1" align="left">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td><b>Rice-Eccles Stadium</b></td>
<td>Utah</td>
<td>V: 3</td>
<td>S: 5</td>
<td>C: 3</td>
<td>EC: 3</td>
<td>G: 4</td>
<td><b><i>Total: 18</i></b></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p> </p>
<p> <figure class="e-image">
<img alt=" " data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/8jgYFDScm5c7qNaj-UTH5Z_mrdA=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/3751762/homecoming-pano2.0.jpg">
</figure>
</p>
<p>If you haven't been to Utah, you should go. Seeing a game there is definitely on my list. The setting is beautiful, the student section is crazy, the venue is accommodating enough and, despite not being quite as diverse as some other Pac 12 settings, Salt Lake has a lot to offer between the mountains and the microbreweries.</p>
<h4>T4. The Coliseum</h4>
<table border="2" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="1" align="left">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td><b>The Coliseum</b></td>
<td>USC</td>
<td>V: 2</td>
<td>S: 3</td>
<td>C: 4</td>
<td>EC: 4</td>
<td>G: 5</td>
<td><b><i>Total: 18</i></b></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p>The LA Memorial Coliseum is a legendary venue - both for college football and other major events (sports, concerts, etc). Located in the heart of downtown LA, there is no shortage of things to do in and around the facility. But, like a lot of legendary buildings, the venue itself is pretty run-down and lacking in some of the modern amenities. That said, there are some great traditions (despite that horrible fight song) that make the overall gameday experience a great one.</p>
<h4>T7. The Rose Bowl</h4>
<table border="2" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="1" align="left">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td><b>The Rose Bowl</b></td>
<td>UCLA</td>
<td>V: 4</td>
<td>S: 5</td>
<td>C: 1</td>
<td>EC: 4</td>
<td>G: 3</td>
<td><b><i>Total: 17</i></b></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p>I imagine that there will be some controversy surrounding this ranking. I think it is important to note, however, that this exercise includes the full fan experience and the Rose Bowl, as iconic as it is, can't escape two important facts: it's outdatedness and its lack of a connection to the UCLA campus. The former is compensated by the fact that the Rose Bowl is still the friggin' Rose Bowl. So, OK. But the fact that the stadium is not only not on campus but is, in fact, in a different town, puts a major crimp on the overall fan experience. UCLA has a wonderful campus - truly one of the two or three best in all of the PAC 12. The fact that it isn't incorporated into the gameday experience is an unfortunate circumstance that keeps UCLA from having a truly elite overall fan experience.</p>
<h4>T7. Stanford Stadium</h4>
<table border="2" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="1" align="left">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td><b>Stanford Stadium</b></td>
<td>Stanford</td>
<td>V: 3</td>
<td>S: 4</td>
<td>C: 5</td>
<td>EC: 4</td>
<td>G: 1</td>
<td><b><i>Total: 17</i></b></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p>Like the Rose Bowl being ranked lower than expected, I suspect that some people will find this ranking greater than expected. I can't blame you if you do. On a pure assessment of the stadium and gameday experience, Stanford probably ranks at the bottom of the PAC. However, their overall fan experience rating gets buoyed by one of the most iconic campuses in the world and all of the options that one has when they visit the Palo Alto area for a road trip.</p>
<p> <figure class="e-image">
<img alt="Stanford's iconic campus" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/ILy8Ce4bJa6ciGfm53ukvj8GxRg=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/3751768/intro_about.0.jpg">
</figure>
</p>
<p class="caption">Stanford's iconic campus</p>
<h4>9. Martin Stadium</h4>
<table border="2" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="1" align="left">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td><b>Martin Stadium</b></td>
<td>Washington State</td>
<td>V: 4</td>
<td>S: 2</td>
<td>C: 3</td>
<td>EC: 3</td>
<td>G: 4</td>
<td><b><i>Total: 16</i></b></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p> </p>
<p> <figure class="e-image">
<img alt=" " data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/JMs1QL4mQrB0Z-Pa6AlxOBRIjsU=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/3751766/wsu-martin-night.0.jpg">
</figure>
</p>
<p>The folks at WSU get a lot of credit for one of the better gameday environments (if you happen to be a hometown fan) in the PAC and for having a nice venue to host games in. However, there really isn't anything visit-worthy on campus nor does the Pullman environment offer the same diversity of pre and post game options that some other PAC 12 towns offer. If this ranking were just about what happens in the stadium, WSU would rank much higher on this list. Taking everything together drops them down a bit.</p>
<h4>10. Sun Devil Stadium</h4>
<table border="2" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="1" align="left">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td><b>Sun Devil Stadium</b></td>
<td>Arizona State</td>
<td>V: 1</td>
<td>S: 4</td>
<td>C: 3</td>
<td>EC: 4</td>
<td>G: 3</td>
<td><b><i>Total: 15</i></b></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p>I just have to admit this now - visiting Tempe is one of my favorite road trips. I enjoy the setting in the desert, I like the activities around Tempe both before and after the game (golf, restaurants, hiking), I enjoy the ... errrr .... <i>talents </i>that the fans display during gameday and I've appreciated the access and activities that the program provides to fans. That said, the current stadium (which is about to undergo a major facelift) is a true monstrosity. Once the venue situation is addressed, I expect ASU will have one of the better overall fan experiences in the Pac 12.</p>
<p> <figure class="e-image">
<img alt=" " data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/aF4DIT_iZEtja8H5GVWp_FannPw=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/3748118/6ArizonaStateFans.0.jpeg">
</figure>
</p>
<h4>11. Reser Stadium</h4>
<table border="2" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="1" align="left">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td><b>Reser Stadium</b></td>
<td>Oregon State</td>
<td>V: 2</td>
<td>S: 4</td>
<td>C: 2</td>
<td>EC: 2</td>
<td>G: 3</td>
<td><b><i>Total: 13</i></b></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p> <figure class="e-image">
<img alt=" " data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/dkISyDfa-N0404ZUBEeNdmw_MTc=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/3748160/Oregonstatebeavers-reserstadium.0.jpg">
</figure>
</p>
<p>I'm not a huge fan of the Reser Stadium experience. I've been there a few times over the years and, other than the outcomes of the games themselves, there wasn't much about any of the rest of the experience that really jumps out. The venue itself is relatively small but, for some reason, everybody feels like they are way off of the field. The setting is quite nice and purists would appreciate the fact that the stadium is integrated pretty well with the OSU campus. I also do appreciate the energy level that the fans bring to the game and I have always thought OSU had a pretty energetic band and a good, old-fashioned cheer / mascot program. But I can't really think of anything that jumps out as unique to the Oregon State experience.</p>
<h4>12. Arizona Stadium</h4>
<table border="2" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="1" align="left">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td><b>Arizona Stadium</b></td>
<td>Arizona</td>
<td>V: 1</td>
<td>S: 4</td>
<td>C: 3</td>
<td>EC: 2</td>
<td>G: 1</td>
<td><b><i>Total: 11</i></b></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p> </p>
<p>I'm having a hard time finding anything nice to say about Arizona Stadium, so I'll go easy here. I do enjoy Tucson - particularly the variety of activities available to you off campus. Beyond that, I'm not really sure what stands out as truly unique in the Wildcat fan experience. Well, except for their recent tradition of beating Oregon.</p>
<p> <figure class="e-image">
<img alt=" " data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/ddHFQ8eCXufbseKmcidi2fElJd4=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/3751784/141002.RJK_.EMG_.FBS_.ArizonaOregon.1443.0.jpg">
</figure>
</p>
<h4>Final Rankings</h4>
<p>Here are your final summarized rankings. Let us know what you agree and disagree with in the comments thread.</p>
<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="694">
<colgroup> <col width="142"> <col width="14"> <col width="127"> <col width="64" span="3"> <col width="86"> <col width="69"> <col width="23"> <col width="41"> </colgroup>
<tbody>
<tr height="20">
<td height="20" width="142">Stadium</td>
<td width="14"></td>
<td width="127">Team</td>
<td width="64">Venue</td>
<td width="64">Setting</td>
<td width="64">Campus</td>
<td width="86">Extra-Campus</td>
<td width="69">Gameday</td>
<td width="23"></td>
<td width="41">Total</td>
</tr>
<tr height="21">
<td height="21">Husky Stadium</td>
<td></td>
<td>Washington</td>
<td align="right">5</td>
<td align="right">5</td>
<td align="right">4</td>
<td align="right">5</td>
<td align="right">2</td>
<td></td>
<td align="right">21</td>
</tr>
<tr height="21">
<td height="21">Folsom Field</td>
<td></td>
<td>Colorado</td>
<td align="right">3</td>
<td align="right">5</td>
<td align="right">4</td>
<td align="right">5</td>
<td align="right">4</td>
<td></td>
<td align="right">21</td>
</tr>
<tr height="21">
<td height="21">Memorial Stadium</td>
<td></td>
<td>California</td>
<td align="right">5</td>
<td align="right">4</td>
<td align="right">4</td>
<td align="right">4</td>
<td align="right">3</td>
<td></td>
<td align="right">20</td>
</tr>
<tr height="21">
<td height="21">The Coliseum</td>
<td></td>
<td>USC</td>
<td align="right">2</td>
<td align="right">3</td>
<td align="right">4</td>
<td align="right">4</td>
<td align="right">5</td>
<td></td>
<td align="right">18</td>
</tr>
<tr height="21">
<td height="21">Rice-Eccles Stadium</td>
<td></td>
<td>Utah</td>
<td align="right">3</td>
<td align="right">5</td>
<td align="right">3</td>
<td align="right">3</td>
<td align="right">4</td>
<td></td>
<td align="right">18</td>
</tr>
<tr height="21">
<td height="21">Autzen Stadium</td>
<td></td>
<td>Oregon</td>
<td align="right">5</td>
<td align="right">2</td>
<td align="right">2</td>
<td align="right">4</td>
<td align="right">5</td>
<td></td>
<td align="right">18</td>
</tr>
<tr height="21">
<td height="21">Stanford Stadium</td>
<td></td>
<td>Stanford</td>
<td align="right">3</td>
<td align="right">4</td>
<td align="right">5</td>
<td align="right">4</td>
<td align="right">1</td>
<td></td>
<td align="right">17</td>
</tr>
<tr height="21">
<td height="21">The Rose Bowl</td>
<td></td>
<td>UCLA</td>
<td align="right">4</td>
<td align="right">5</td>
<td align="right">1</td>
<td align="right">4</td>
<td align="right">3</td>
<td></td>
<td align="right">17</td>
</tr>
<tr height="21">
<td height="21">Martin Stadium</td>
<td></td>
<td>Washington State</td>
<td align="right">4</td>
<td align="right">2</td>
<td align="right">3</td>
<td align="right">3</td>
<td align="right">4</td>
<td></td>
<td align="right">16</td>
</tr>
<tr height="21">
<td height="21">Sun Devil Stadium</td>
<td></td>
<td>ASU</td>
<td align="right">1</td>
<td align="right">4</td>
<td align="right">3</td>
<td align="right">4</td>
<td align="right">3</td>
<td></td>
<td align="right">15</td>
</tr>
<tr height="21">
<td height="21">Reser Stadium</td>
<td></td>
<td>Oregon State</td>
<td align="right">2</td>
<td align="right">4</td>
<td align="right">2</td>
<td align="right">2</td>
<td align="right">3</td>
<td></td>
<td align="right">13</td>
</tr>
<tr height="21">
<td height="21">Arizona Stadium</td>
<td></td>
<td>Arizona</td>
<td align="right">1</td>
<td align="right">4</td>
<td align="right">3</td>
<td align="right">2</td>
<td align="right">1</td>
<td></td>
<td align="right">11</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
https://www.uwdawgpound.com/2015/6/4/8704471/lists-ranking-the-fan-experience-for-each-pac-12-football-teamChris Landon2015-06-01T14:00:03-07:002015-06-01T14:00:03-07:00Lists: UW Football's Most Important Stats For 2015
<figure>
<img alt="QBs and WRs are going to be putting up critical stats for UW in 2015." src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/4CDoBhFtsFi4HuRH_4c-tlwSiHw=/53x0:4250x2798/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/46443294/GettyImages-461089434.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>QBs and WRs are going to be putting up critical stats for UW in 2015. | Christian Petersen/Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Not all stats are created equally. We count down the most important metrics for the Huskies in 2015.</p> <p>Much has been debated in this space concerning the prospects for UW Football in 2015. No matter where you fall in that debate, there are a few unequivocal truths about this football team that must be acknowledged. The most obvious being that Chris Petersen has on his hands a very young football team. On his recent interview with Brock and Salk, <a href="http://mynorthwest.com/category/pod_player_sports/?a=9987853&p=1007&n=Brock%20and%20Salk" target="_blank">Petersen discussed the challenges that being young present</a> to a staff that prides itself on building a strategy around developing players.</p>
<p>Other challenges facing this team going into 2015 include the lack of continuity on the offensive line, the replacement of defensive front seven starters that produced most of UW's turnovers and sacks in 2014, an uncertain situation at QB, and a WR corps that includes just four players who played in a game a year ago. None of these challenges ensure that UW is destined for doom and gloom in the season ahead, but they certainly provide for an agenda that the coaching staff must pay attention as they make their preparations.</p>
<p>That agenda got me thinking about the in-season metrics that would best show progress, or a lack thereof, against those challenges once the team takes the field in the fall. I know that stats, in particular those of the "advanced" variety, often can spool up this forum like no other subject. Still, thinking ahead about the metrics that we can pay attention to in order to assess how well UW is doing in managing the challenges that we can all agree exist sounds like a great subject for an Offseason List. So, I present my top 5 most important UW Football stats (of the non-advanced variety) to monitor in 2015.</p>
<h4>5. Turnover Margin</h4>
<p>You are no doubt thinking, "Thank you, Captain Obvious" given that TO Margin is a vital metric to every team every season.</p>
<p>Of course, you would be correct. There is a very high correlation between success in this metric and Wins/Losses. UW ranked third in the PAC12 a year ago in total TO margin and second in TOs forced (Oregon was first in both categories), with 16 fumbles gained (2nd) and 13 interceptions gained (3-way tie for 2nd).</p>
<p>I won't insult your intelligence by claiming it is "extra important" for UW. But I would make a few points of elaboration.</p>
<p>First, UW seniors in 2014 recorded 7 of 13 interceptions and 11 of 18 forced fumbles. That is a huge amount of playmaking that has to be replaced defensively, not to mention a certain amount of luck (16 of 18 fumble recoveries) that must be compensated for.</p>
<p>Second, just imagine for a moment how poorly UW's season could have gone in 2014 if it hadn't generated all of those extra possessions through that turnover margin advantage. Many of the same factors that plagued UW last season (we'll get to those in a moment) project to be issues in 2015. Thus, turnover margin will prove to be just as critical a metric going forward.</p>
<h4>4. Receptions by Wide Receivers</h4>
<p>The dearth of experienced Wide Receivers on the 2015 roster is a critical issue for UW that must be addressed. Unfortunately, Chris Petersen's options for doing so are limited to pretty much a single option: develop your players. UW desperately needs three to four young players to emerge as factors alongside the reliable <span>Jaydon Mickens</span> if the UW offense is going to even match last year's humble production levels, much less exceed it.</p>
<p>To "emerge as factors" doesn't only mean catching passes. UW's offense can't function at all if its receivers don't perform other vital roles such as blocking down on the perimeter, taking CBs off the line by winning their 1:1 battles at the snap and drawing safety attention through detailed and effective route running. All that said, let's not sugar-coat this. These guys must also catch passes. Last season, UW receivers caught a paltry 159 receptions with 96 of those being made by players that are no longer on the roster.</p>
<p>I toyed with the idea of including Yards Per Attempt in this spot. It's a vital metric that measures both risk-taking and pass game productivity. However, I think UW receivers must be specific factors in 2015. Jonathan Smith and his quarterback can't just rely on dump-offs to Running Backs and safety-valves to Tight Ends if they are going to stretch defenses and create room for the running game. A few receiving playmakers must emerge. The only way for that to happen is to make a concerted effort to complete passes to them.</p>
<h4>3. Red Zone TD %</h4>
<p>Last season, UW tied for last place (with Colorado and Utah) in trips inside an opponent's red zone with 45. Let that soak in for a second. Tied for last with a couple of the worst offensive teams in not just the Pac, but the nation. The good news was that UW was quite efficient (believe it or not) in scoring in the red zone. Their 89% was good for third in the PAC. Unfortunately, their 53% TD percentage was 11th in the conference and an order of magnitude worse than USC's PAC 12 leading 76% (damn you, Sark).</p>
<p>It is not unreasonable to expect UW to again struggle getting the ball into an opponent's red zone in 2015. There are not any emerging factors in play for this offense that scream "turnaround" when it comes to consistently moving the chains between the 20s. Therefore, UW must have upper-tier PAC 12 productivity in TD conversion performance when they get inside the opponent's 20.</p>
<p>The pressure will be all on Jonathan Smith to develop his play-calling strategy, to coach / prepare his QB to succeed in tight spaces, and to focus on developing reliable red zone targets (hello <span>Darrell Daniels</span>, <span>Lavon Coleman</span> and <span>Brayden Lenius</span>) who have the physical skills to make tough plays in tight quarters. Relying on scoring TDs from outside of 20 yards, as this offense did last year, simply won't cut it in 2015. This is particularly true given the season-ending injury to John Ross.</p>
<h4>2. QB Sacks Against</h4>
<p>The replacement of six senior offensive linemen from a season ago is a monumental task for Husky offensive line coach Chris Strausser. Many have argued that the crew from last year "wasn't that good" and, therefore, the nature of that task shouldn't be that difficult. I find that argument pretty absurd, but I am on record as saying that I think this offensive line can be pretty serviceable if the upperclassmen currently penciled-in to start can stay healthy.</p>
<p>"Serviceable" is the key phrase here. Of those upperclassmen, none currently project as an NFL caliber talent or, for that matter, an all-conference contender. One could argue that was the case a season ago, even with guys like <span>Micah Hatchie</span> and <span>Colin Tanigawa</span> included in the debate. Even still, UW managed to achieve just 2 sacks allowed per game. That was good for third best in the PAC 12 - better than some upper tier teams like Oregon, USC and Arizona.</p>
<p>Pass blocking and sack prevention are not the sole domains of the offensive line, but it certainly starts there. For UW to have a chance to move the ball, this new offensive line simply must give its QB a chance to stay on his feet and to make his progressions. If they can stay in that same 2 per game range, then that would be a good sign that this new unit is coming together fairly well.</p>
<h4>1. Points per Possession</h4>
<p>This is the pudding in which Husky fans will find the proof. Unlike other teams in the PAC, the Huskies don't have an established superstar or a fool-proof scheme to rely upon in putting points up on the board. The Dawgs are going to have to cobble together scoring from all angles if they are to keep pace with the better teams in the PAC. They are going to have to hit on a few explosive plays, create special teams points, exploit the talents of a few two-way players, ride the hot-hand, convert some defensive TDs and achieve sustained levels of unexpected efficiency against good teams in order to generate scores throughout the season.</p>
<p>It won't be easy for fans to endure. But, on the flip side, it won't be predictable for opponents.</p>
<p>Since I do not expect UW to be an offensive juggernaut in a league with several, the Dawgs are going to have to crush the points per possession metric. I don't think that focusing on any other points related metric - such as run game efficiency, passing efficiency, explosive plays or scoring prevention - is going to apply to a team that doesn't have a defining identity. Points per possession is the only one that we can rely upon to measure how well that UW is doing in "pulling out all the stops" in order to succeed.</p>
https://www.uwdawgpound.com/2015/6/1/8694169/offseason-lists-counting-down-uw-footballs-most-important-stats-in-2015Chris Landon2015-05-27T08:20:02-07:002015-05-27T08:20:02-07:00Lists: Top 100 With 100 Days To Go
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/qt2k6q03wc0aGlzjdxU-7iZZE2w=/0x45:300x245/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/46397972/100_DAYS_300x300.0.0.jpg" />
</figure>
<p>The mother of all offseason lists as we enter into the 100 day countdown to kickoff.</p> <p>The day has finally arrived, my friends.</p>
<p>Yup, that's right. We are officially on the clock. 100 days to go to Husky Gameday.</p>
<p>100 days may feel like it is so far out there that it isn't even worth acknowledging. Have heart, I say! 100 days is an important milestone in what are the dog - or shall we say <i>dawg </i>- days of the football offseason. From this point forward, the days until kickoff will be counted in only double digits. I know, right? YAY!</p>
<p>While you may not be as excited as I am on this important occasion, I invite you to nevertheless enjoy my ode to 100 days. For your pleasure, I 've constructed my top 100 list of all things UW football that I cannot wait for.</p>
<p>That's right .. a <i>Top 100</i>. This is the mother of all Offseason Lists, so enjoy them and check in with some of your own list items in the comment threads below.</p>
<h4>Top 100 Things We Can't Wait For from UW Football in 2015</h4>
<p>100. "Hello Dawg Fans"</p>
<p><iframe frameborder="0" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/UrHA9ydqHvE?rel=0" height="315" width="420"></iframe></p>
<p>99. How Pete Kwiatkowski changes his defense to create pressure on the quarterback</p>
<p>98. Jaydon Mickens's leadership ... and his midriff jersey. In whatever order.</p>
<p> <figure class="e-image">
<img alt=" " data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/FlNPPpTYtYS8KOXTwZMwvJ3I4lc=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/3728554/185991166.0.0.jpg">
</figure>
</p>
<p>97. The Wall of Beef: <span>Vita Vea</span> , <span>Greg Gaines</span> and Elijah Qualls in a game on the same snap</p>
<p>96. More fanposts from HowlingHusky on the strategic value of pooch punts</p>
<p>95. Whether or not elite WR recruits like Tyler Vaughns, Simi Fehoko or Javon McKinley will pick the UW cap</p>
<p>94. Resenting the banishment of the Huskies to all those late Saturday night time slots</p>
<p>93. Jonathan Smith's evolution as both a QB coach and an offensive playcaller</p>
<p>92. Watching Chris Petersen put Mike Leach squarely on the hot seat after a dominating Apple Cup</p>
<p>91. Hearing the first siren of the season</p>
<p><iframe frameborder="0" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/3sRD14h9ha4?rel=0" height="315" width="420"></iframe></p>
<p>90. Crappy cellular service while at the game ... because we all ought to be paying attention</p>
<p>89. Hitting up the best dive bar in the world - the Duchess - and grabbing a cold one with my friends</p>
<p>88. Landing our next QB recruit (hello Max Gilliam?)</p>
<p>87. The first display of Austin Joyner's tantalizing athleticism</p>
<p>86. Siosifa Tufunga's snaps</p>
<p>85. Seeing what UW personalities I happen to run into at the RAM</p>
<p>84. The offense's pace of play continuing to be faster than USC's much to Crazi's chagrin</p>
<p>83. Out-Stanfording Stanford. #PhysicalDawgs</p>
<p>82. Flipping an Oregon commit. Any of them.</p>
<p>81. New uniform combinations and the old guys around here losing their minds over them</p>
<p>80. <span>Darrell Daniels</span>. Unleashed.</p>
<p>79. The first opportunity that we get to compare Chico McClatcher to <span>De'Anthony Thomas</span></p>
<p>78. The emergence of the kicking game as a weapon</p>
<p>77. The debut of <span>Kevin King</span> and that 6'3" frame at CB</p>
<p>76. Chris Petersen's signature win as a coach for the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.uwdawgpound.com/">Washington Huskies</a></p>
<p>75. #Drop50 ... or, <a href="http://www.dailycal.org/2014/10/11/time-drop-drop50/" target="_blank">shall we say #Drop7</a>?</p>
<p>74. A redshirt and Scout Team Player of the Year campaign for Jake Browning</p>
<p>73. The inevitable rumors sure to surround Todd Graham after another decent year in Tempe</p>
<p>72. Watching the Duck fanbase implode when their undefeated season ultimately gets unrailed</p>
<p> <figure class="e-image">
<img alt=" " data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/zf0OrrBNg2mw_0pJxCCiKxVGbuU=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/3728632/intro8.0.jpg">
</figure>
</p>
<p>71. How much his hair style adds to Ellijah Qualls's measured height</p>
<p> <figure class="e-image">
<img alt=" " data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/ACZTlQsr1mpCbk0_Vo1Y7nTJCZw=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/3728652/YHQUZGRGPZICIQV.20130727194315.0.jpg">
</figure>
</p>
<p>70. More Husky camp videos <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCyTiy1J0SA5gnOLC0or_OIQ" target="_blank">produced by the best sports media group</a> in the businesss</p>
<p>69. Kirk's recruiting reports</p>
<p>68. <span>Travis Feeney</span> playing so fast that his hair literally catches on fire</p>
<p>67. Avoiding any suspensions or booting of key players (ahem, <span>Marcus Peters</span>) from the team</p>
<p>66. <span>Jake Eldrenkamp</span> protecting the blindside ... and doing it well</p>
<p>65. Game day open threads and all of the good times that ensue</p>
<p>64. Trying to get a ride on Jimmy Lake's boat when I visit town</p>
<p> </p>
<blockquote lang="en" class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Victory Lap <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/GoDawgs?src=hash">#GoDawgs</a> <a href="http://t.co/wEJZnrACCb">pic.twitter.com/wEJZnrACCb</a></p>
— Jimmy Lake (@coachlakeudub) <a href="https://twitter.com/coachlakeudub/status/510969432928051200">September 14, 2014</a>
</blockquote>
<p>
<script charset="utf-8" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script>
</p>
<p> </p>
<p>63. More <a href="http://www.seattletimes.com/sports/uw-husky-football/uw-football-chris-petersen-taking-the-lead-in-safer-tackling-techniques/" target="_blank">Seahawks and Huskies collaboration</a></p>
<p>62. A first glimpse at Benning Potoa'e at Defensive End</p>
<p>61. Watching Chris Petersen outcoach Steve Sarkisian in the Coliseum</p>
<p>60. Letters from OneWoodWacker to Chris Petersen highlighting local talent he'd like to see recruited</p>
<p>59. Waiting to see what class Chris Petersen next jumps in on as a guest lecturer</p>
<p>58. Seeing Cory Littleton make a surprise run against an all-conference campaign</p>
<p> <figure class="e-image">
<img alt=" " data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/T4ea9J1jla5OeVy8dwpaSWDNdK0=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/3729026/185638801.0.0.jpg">
</figure>
</p>
<p>57. Kickoffs that go out of the endzone.</p>
<p>56. Darren Gardenhire continuing his spring-time pick-fest</p>
<p>55. Seeing Brent Pease smile</p>
<p> <figure class="e-image">
<img alt=" " data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/Z3ftdLNC1a-xROOIp84EkZiPg-c=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/3728812/maxresdefault.0.jpg">
</figure>
</p>
<p>54. The development of <span>Dante Pettis</span> and <span>Brayden Lenius</span> as go-to receivers</p>
<p>53. A role be defined for the enticing Jamon Dotson</p>
<p>52. Ditto that for Kieshawn Bierria</p>
<p>51. Figuring out what Ezekiel Turner can do when given the opportunity</p>
<p>50. Seeing what role <span>David Ajamu</span> establishes for himself</p>
<p>49. A huge upset somewhere on the schedule</p>
<p>48. Another season's worth of Jeff Choate interviews</p>
<p>47. Talking about a player that nobody is talking about: <span>Jaylen Johnson</span></p>
<p>46. Celebrating KJ Carta-Samuels's first career TD pass ... whenever that happens</p>
<p>45. Carousing at the Big Time</p>
<p> </p>
<blockquote lang="en" class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Cask Conditioned Dry Hopped Icculus!!!!! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Cask?src=hash">#Cask</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Icculus?src=hash">#Icculus</a> <a href="http://t.co/ORkgQDLKL3">pic.twitter.com/ORkgQDLKL3</a></p>
— Big Time Brewery (@BigTimeBrewery) <a href="https://twitter.com/BigTimeBrewery/status/595381714823712768">May 5, 2015</a>
</blockquote>
<p>
<script charset="utf-8" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script>
</p>
<p> </p>
<p>44. Reacquainting myself <a href="https://www.youtube.com/user/TNTCaple" target="_blank">with Christian Caple's YouTube channel</a></p>
<p>43. The end of the discussion on how easy it is to replace receivers on a college roster</p>
<p>42. Taking my kids on a stroll around Green Lake before gameday</p>
<p> <figure class="e-image">
<img alt=" " data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/ErZLlk4EpNgdYhUp_JgNy5su0Bc=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/3729008/greenLake.0.jpg">
</figure>
</p>
<p>41. Writing my next bitch-fest article about the Pac 12 Network not being on DirecTV</p>
<p>40. Counting how many blog flags I acquire for being "too negative" by the time of the BSU kickoff</p>
<p>39. Sailgating</p>
<p> <figure class="e-image">
<img alt=" " data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/ksq8zQrKehAECgtmZzm-C9Iw4q0=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/3728824/260_111229_1109031507_P1130236.0.JPG">
</figure>
</p>
<p>38. Lear Pilot begining his transformation back from excessive optimist to hardened cynic</p>
<p>37. Not missing Lou Holtz on ESPN broadcasts</p>
<p>36. The emergence of <span>Sidney Jones</span> as an elite Pac 12 shutdown corner</p>
<p>35. Observing UW finally pass the "eyeball test"</p>
<p>34. Listening to an unnamed Husky sports media personality continue to say inappropriate things about UW co-eds and create awkward moments with his co-hosts on the air</p>
<p>33. The welcoming of new writers and contributors to the ‘Pound</p>
<p>32. Walking across campus and stopping to take in the full glory of the Fountain and the Mountain as I turn off of Red Square</p>
<p> <figure class="e-image">
<img alt=" " data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/65bpuo7N5qZOF2Mnu6takEvjp1U=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/3730276/5cb57f203550cc1c148c493e9eaa44c1.0.jpg">
</figure>
</p>
<p>31. <span>Budda Baker</span>: 3-way player</p>
<p> </p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Budda can juggle too? <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MultiSportAthlete?src=hash">#MultiSportAthlete</a> <a href="http://t.co/L5PHgURJsd">pic.twitter.com/L5PHgURJsd</a></p>
— Washington Huskies (@UWAthletics) <a href="https://twitter.com/UWAthletics/status/601229955783995392">May 21, 2015</a>
</blockquote>
<p>
<script src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</p>
<p> </p>
<p>30. Discovering what position JoJo Mathis ends up playing</p>
<p> <figure class="e-image">
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<p>29. Sampling a little bit of Northlake Tavern Pizza</p>
<p>28. The comeback of <span>Shane Brostek</span></p>
<p>27. Watching Will Dissly become the next "2-star" darling of the ESPN Pac 12 Blog</p>
<p>26. Listening to Gus Johnson broadcast a game and googling "Cold-Blooded" just for the fun of it</p>
<p><iframe frameborder="0" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/OEGP6nBiub8?rel=0" height="315" width="420"></iframe></p>
<p>25. Seeing John Ross lead from the sideline and dreaming about what 2016 will be like</p>
<p>24. Watching how the offense first responds to adversity</p>
<p>23. The inevitable decline of UCLA without <span>Brett Hundley</span> at the helm</p>
<p>22. Raise the Woof</p>
<p>21. Azeem Victor's first blown-up tailback</p>
<p>20. <a href="http://blog.thenewstribune.com/uwsports/2015/02/26/chris-petersen-talks-marcus-peters-qb-situation-and-return-to-boise-state-on-kjr/" target="_blank">Chris Petersen's return to Boise State</a></p>
<p>19. Setting UWDP blog records for hits and unique visitors</p>
<p>18. Watching Dexter Charles become a dominant Guard</p>
<p>17. Laying a $1M Internet bet with Brad on who will score UW's first Pick-6 on the season (I'm going with <span>Scott Lawyer</span>)</p>
<p>16. (speaking of bets) Seeing the resolution to HowlingHusky and OWW's famous wager</p>
<p>15. Seeing how this team bounces back from its first tough loss of the season</p>
<p>14. Tailgating with some of my UWDP brethren on whichever weekend I make it to Montlake</p>
<p>13. End of game clock management</p>
<p>12. Randall's gameday "by the numbers" pieces</p>
<p>11. Seeing who emerges as UW's sack leader</p>
<p>10. More Husky Honks</p>
<p>9. Surpassing both Addicted to Quack and Coug Center on blog traffic ratings</p>
<p>8. Hitting up the UW Bookstore for another years' worth birthday and Christmas presents</p>
<p>7. <span>Dwayne Washington</span> zipping past linebackers in the open field</p>
<p>6. <span>Lavon Coleman</span> bulldozing linebackers in the open field</p>
<p>5. The end of the Oregon win streak on a glorious day at Husky Stadium</p>
<p>4. <span>Deontae Cooper</span>: leading and inspiring</p>
<p> </p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">This Dream I Have Requires Hard Work && Perseverance</p>
— Deontae Cooper (@DCoop_32) <a href="https://twitter.com/DCoop_32/status/596051176845479937">May 6, 2015</a>
</blockquote>
<p>
<script src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</p>
<p> </p>
<p>3. Husky legends</p>
<p>2. Greeting Jeff Lindquist as our starting QB - a true Dawg who has earned a shot</p>
<p>1. Shocking the world</p>
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https://www.uwdawgpound.com/2015/5/27/8660483/100-things-we-cant-wait-to-see-when-uw-kicks-off-100-days-from-nowChris Landon2015-05-21T09:00:03-07:002015-05-21T09:00:03-07:00Lists: Remembering St. Helens and UW Disasters
<figure>
<img alt="Tyrone Willinham proved to be UW's "Captain Disaster" during his reign as head coach." src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/cWZBLL1H_b8NVdaQwQp1dfJ0ku0=/15x112:2527x1787/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/46370970/GettyImages-83130606.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Tyrone Willinham proved to be UW's "Captain Disaster" during his reign as head coach. | Gregory Shamus/Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Mount St. Helens erupted in a chaotic flurry of smoke, lava and ash 35 years ago this week. It was an epic meltdown the likes of which have been equaled by UW football many times over. </p> <p>I was seven years old on that fateful day. Old enough to know that somewhere close to me, lives were being lost and unthinkable damage was being exacted. Young enough to not fully grasp the tragedy of the situation or to anticipate the symbolic metaphors that could one day be drawn between the greatest natural disaster ever to strike the Pacific Northwest and the greatest calamities to ever befall our beloved UW football program.</p>
<p>The day is still etched in my mind. It was May 18, 1980. I was living with my family in a typical, suburban, middle-class house just off of the train tracks running through Vancouver, Wash. My father—God bless him—fancied himself a survivalist in the days leading up to the inevitable eruption. I suppose anybody with a Swiss Army knife, a garage full of still water bottled in one-gallon plastic jugs and a year's supply of D-cell batteries to power the wireless would qualify.</p>
<p>I don't recall the exact time, but we felt the precursor quake hit before it was time for school. It wasn't dramatic—certainly not comparable to the Loma Prieta quake that I had the pleasure of experiencing in 1989. But it made an impression. Of course, the whole world was on red alert and we knew that what we were feeling under our feet was simply an echo of the natural ruination that would soon be happening about 45 minutes away from our domicile. We knew school was going to be cancelled—yay!—and we hunkered down, radio on, as mother nature did the rest.</p>
<p>It all happened sometime before lunch. It wasn't dramatic. We didn't hear the boom, but we could see a sudden change in the air above us. As the smoke—and ash ... a whole lot of friggin' ash ... filled the sky all around us, I was filled with both a sense of fear and a feeling of discomposure—a unique combination of emotions that I've rarely experienced together.</p>
<p>I don't have to tell you how that story turned out. The eruption of Mount St. Helens turned out to be one of the most significant natural disasters to ever strike U.S. soil. Economists estimate that the total economic burden of the blast exceeded $1 billion, not to mention the destruction of countless miles of roads, railway and protected national preserves. Species that once existed on this earth were eradicated. 200 homes were destroyed. 59 human beings lost their lives.</p>
<p>The St. Helens eruption is a thread in the fabric of the story that makes up the Pacific Northwest. We all have a version to tell—whether they be of the "eye-witness" variety or if they simply involve the collection and selling off of ash to companies that would turn it into trinkets. I do not wish to trivialize any of it. But, like St. Helens, UW football is also part of that fabric. And this is a sports blog.</p>
<p>So, in honor of the greatest natural disaster to ever occur in the little corner of the globe that we occupy, I present to you my newest offseason list—the worst "disasters" to have struck UW football in the modern era.</p>
<h4>7. Suddenly Seniors</h4>
<p>Thanks to Tyrone Willingham for introducing Husky fans to this now-infamous phrase. In one fell swoop of football coach villainy, Willingham achieved two distinct outcomes. First, he stripped away any remaining romantic feelings that some fans may have held towards the sanctity of the program-student athlete relationship. Second, he provided yet more evidence of how horrible a hire he was for our program.</p>
<h4>6. One Game, Two National Championships Lost</h4>
<p>"The National Championship is dead," said Don James. Truer words are rarely spoken.</p>
<p>I don't recall the exact date—but it was October 1990. A late UCLA field goal had given the Bruins an upset victory over the Huskies at Husky Stadium on a day where just about everything that could go wrong did go wrong for the Dawgs.</p>
<p>The second blemish on Don James' record in the 1990 season not only cost UW a national championship then, it also bled into 1991. Had the UW defeated UCLA that day everything was set up for them to be a shoo-in for the 1990 title <i>and</i> they would have opened 1991 as the #1 team in the nation. Then they would have held that spot from start to finish and laid claim to a second uncontested National Championship. As it was, the door was cracked open for the Miami Hurricanes, and the '91 title was split. UW would not see those heights again.</p>
<h4>5. Jerramy Stevens</h4>
<p>I'm going to go out on a limb here and presume that this requires no further explanation.</p>
<h4>4. The Magnificent Nevada Wolfpack</h4>
<p>It figures that it would take a former Husky at the helm to hand the Huskies one of the most significant losses in program history. Flashback to October 2003. A still ranked but underachieving Husky football team under the guidance of interim head coach Keith Gilbertson was sitting at 3–2 and hosting Chris Tormey and his upstart Nevada Wolfpack. The Huskies were enormous favorites against a foe that they had only faced one time in their entire history: a 1903 game that ended in UW's favor by a score of 2–0.</p>
<p>What would happen that day would become, in my opinion, the true turning point in the downfall of the UW football program. The loss to Nevada on that day, by a not-so-subtle score of 28-17, was more significant than anything else that would befall the Huskies as they embarked on a decade of mediocrity. Sorry Duckfans, this was even worse than "The Pick."</p>
<p>Nevada dominated the Huskies at Husky Stadium. Their quarterback hit just about every pass he wanted on his way to a three-TD day. Their special teams blocked two field goals. Their defense sacked Cody Pickett eight times. Let me repeat that. <b>EIGHT TIMES! </b>It was a pure disaster that let the world know with no uncertainty that UW football as they had once known it was no more.</p>
<h4>3. the <i>L.A. Times</i> ... and all that ensued</h4>
<p>I try to keep these <i>Offseason List </i>pieces around 1,500 words and I can already tell that I'm racing past that goal. As such, I will keep my commentary on the role that the <i>Los Angeles Times</i> played in the demise of the greatest head football coach that the University of Washington has ever seen limited to a quote from one of the most brilliant but forgotten movies of our era: <i>Johnny Dangerously</i>.</p>
<blockquote>
<p><i>I would like to direct this to the distinguished members of the panel: You lousy cork-soakers. You have violated my farging rights. Dis somanumbatching country was founded so that the liberties of common patriotic citizens like me could not be taken away by a bunch of fargin iceholes... like yourselves. --Roman Maroni</i></p>
</blockquote>
<p>The snow-job perpetuated by the <i>L.A. Times</i> and then acted upon by the traitorous bastards of the Pac-12 and the heads of campuses at USC, Oregon and ... yes ... Washington goes down as one of the darkest marks in the history of UW athletics. If you'd like to read the full story,<a href="http://4malamute.com/tabloid.html" target="_blank"> I can't recommend Malamute's legendary blog write up heartily enough</a>. This is a story every Husky fan needs to know.</p>
<h4>2. Ty Williingham and the O-fer</h4>
<p>Ty Willingham led UW to an 0–12 record in his lame duck season of 2008. You may have heard. It was horrible. Beyond that, I don't remember much. Thank God for the humble blessing of short memories.</p>
<h4>1. Curtis Williams</h4>
<p>I was in Palo Alto that day. Mother Nature was not cooperating. We had torrential rainfall the likes of which would make a Washingtonian blush. People were scavenging garbage liners to use as makeshift ponchos. Not surprisingly, most of those folks were rooting for the purple and gold (because, let's face it, the wine-and-brie crowd at a typical Stanford game doesn't appreciate the feel of Mother Nature on their collective face).</p>
<p>In most respects, Oct. 28, 2000, was a brilliant day for UW football. Marcus Tuiasosopo was at the helm and led his Huskies to an important win in the most impossible of conditions. It was Husky football in Husky conditions. Everything was going fine ... until that moment. A ridiculously unspectacular moment at that. Stanford receiver Kerry Carter had just caught a pass and was turning to move the ball upfield. Williams did what he had done countless times before: He put himself into a tackling position with his head aiming for Carter's numbers. Carter braced for the impact by lowering his own helmet. The helmet-to-helmet collision was not particularly memorable, but the impact was catastrophic. It looked so innocuous that some Stanford fans were booing, thinking that Williams must be faking.</p>
<p>It was no joke. Williams ended up fracturing the top-two levels of his cervical spine, which would in turn damage his spinal cord at its highest point. He would lay on the field completely motionless for nearly 20 minutes before paramedics would take him to the Stanford Medical Center. His teammates would end up not celebrating the win that they had earned, instead opting to join their fallen teammate in a vigil at the hospital following the game. Like us, they waited.</p>
<p>You all know how it would end. Curtis Williams suffered devastating injuries that would leave him completely paralyzed, and two years later, he left this earth as a direct result of those injuries. Like so many other kids who came through the program during that period, Curtis Williams wasn't a perfect role model. But the conclusion to his story is not one that any human being deserves, and certainly registers as the greatest tragedy in the modern era of UW football.</p>
https://www.uwdawgpound.com/2015/5/21/8627591/offseason-lists-commemorating-a-natural-disaster-with-uw-footballChris Landon2015-05-15T14:00:03-07:002015-05-15T14:00:03-07:00Lists: Top Questions Lingering for UW Football
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<img alt="How far away is UW from answering their QB question?" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/sKtLtE_hnimyGrDujn3Yc7YL1pM=/0x147:3105x2217/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/46340516/GettyImages-179484649.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>How far away is UW from answering their QB question? | Otto Greule Jr/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>Chris Petersen and crew got some good work in during UW's Spring Football. But not every question got an answer. </p> <p>Earlier this week, we counted down <a href="http://www.uwdawgpound.com/2015/5/13/8590895/offseason-lists-key-questions-found-answers-in-washingtons-spring-camp" target="_blank">the top 5 questions</a> that Chris Petersen and his Huskies seemed to have answered during their productive 2015 Spring Football camp. Among those things, we noted the emergence of a surprisingly cohesive offensive line, the escalation of <span>Jake Eldrenkamp</span> at left tackle and the identification of some future stars in the defensive front seven.</p>
<p>But not <i>every question</i> that UW fans had going into the spring resulted in a definitive answer. In fact, it is safe to say that some questions that we didn't even know we had were raised and left unanswered. In today's offseason list, we look at all of those questions - the new ones and old ones alike - that will remain open as we trudge on through the summer and into fall.</p>
<h4>1. It All Starts With the QB</h4>
<p>You have to go a little ways back in UW history to find a time when there was such a lack of clarity at the QB position going into a summer time offseason. <span>Keith Price</span> wasn't a sure thing going into the spring of 2011, but he pretty much was coming out of it. Even last season, there was a definite sense that <span>Cyler Miles</span> was still "the guy" after a pretty lackluster spring battle between <span>Troy Williams</span> and <span>Jeff Lindquist</span> in Chris Petersen's first spring with UW. Looking further back, you probably have to go all the way to 2004 and the short-lived Casey Paus era to find a time when there was so much uncertainty for the Huskies going into a fall.</p>
<p>There are a couple of ways to look at the results of this QB competition. First of all, we can all probably agree that Jake Browning is destined for a redshirt assuming the health of both Lindquist and KJ Carta-Samuels holds up. Browning definitely showed his upside at various moments throughout camp. But concerns about his grasp of the offense and his overall conditioning were somewhat validated. The lack of arm strength he exhibited as the camp wore on gave credence to the opinion that he'd benefit from a year of prep and conditioning.</p>
<p>Beyond that, we are left with nothing but points to debate. On one hand, you could argue that the competition between Lindquist and Samuels was neck-and-neck resulting in an elevation of both of their all-around games and feeding the motivation of both to continue to push themselves throughout the summer. The flip side could support the argument that neither player really played at a high enough level to seize control of the job and that both had too many moments of sloppiness and inconsistency with interceptions, in particular, being a red flag for each. However you'd like to interpret the results, it is clear that QB is the top unanswered question going into the fall.</p>
<h4>2. The D-Line rotation is far from set</h4>
<p>One of the bigger surprises in the camp was the move of the presumed heir apparent to <span>Andrew Hudson</span> over to the BUCK position. JoJo Mathis was viewed prior to the spring as a breakout defensive line candidate given how well he flashed in his limited snaps in 2014. His move to BUCK looks like it will be a brilliant fit, but it does disrupt and limit DC Pete Kwiatkowski's options when it comes to constructing a defensive line rotation going into the fall.</p>
<p>The biggest question that Mathis's move raises is whether or not there is an implication here that sees the presumed backfill for DT Danny Shelton, <span>Elijah Qualls</span>, moving to more of a 3T role a la <span>Evan Hudson</span>, going forward. If so, the follow up questions coming from that just start to roll:</p>
<ul>
<li><span>Are both (or either) of our redshirt freshmen in <span>Vita Vea</span> and <span>Greg Gaines</span> ready to take on that NT role?</span></li>
<li><span>Did either of the upperclassmen ends in Jarret Finau or <span>Damion Turpin</span>, players who up to now have contributed very little, somehow distinguish themselves this spring?</span></li>
<li><span>Where will <span>Will Dissly</span> ultimately play and is now considered an every down starter?</span></li>
<li><span>Should we assume that incoming true freshman like Benning Potoa'e and Jason Scrempos are destined to burn redshirts and to be in the rotation?</span></li>
</ul>
<p>There is talent here to be sure and options for filling out a rotation. But there is also a ton of youth here and growing pains to endure no matter how it all works out.</p>
<h4>3. Four receivers walked into a stadium ...</h4>
<p>We've been going around on the issue of the receiving corps in several of our other comment threads. However, I don't think that it can be argued that there is a position group in a greater state of chaos anywhere on the roster than UW's receivers. The injury to presumed starter <span>John Ross</span> leaves UW with just four scholarship guys in place going into the summer. To put that number in perspective, both Cal and WSU list four receivers <i>as starters</i> in their weekly depth charts during the season.</p>
<p>The implications that come along with this dearth of receivers are numerous and raise a ton of questions that will take some time to answer:</p>
<ul>
<li><span>Will pass-catching TEs like <span>Joshua Perkins</span> and <span>Darrell Daniels</span> be asked to play more on the outside?</span></li>
<li><span>Are either of <span>Dante Pettis</span> or <span>Brayden Lenius</span> - both of whom are true sophomores - developing fast enough to be an effective starter (as one or both is sure to become)?</span></li>
<li><span>Will UW really have to play all four incoming freshmen?</span></li>
<li><span>Are there walk-ons, perhaps players like <span>Drew Before</span>, who will have to play in the rotation?</span></li>
</ul>
<p>This is not a good situation for Chris Petersen and one that is definitely going to have to drive changes in both offensive playcalling and role assignment. It may even eventually drive some future position changes - especially if there is any kind of attrition due to injury. Guys like <span>Budda Baker</span>, <span>Jomon Dotson</span> and Daniels may very well see themselves working out as receivers just to ensure that there is enough depth to run the offense in case of an emergency. This is definitely a situation to watch in the fall.</p>
<h4>4. We can all get a kick out of this</h4>
<p>Not surprisngly, there was very little chatter about the three kicking specialists during this past spring. Punter Koree Durkee, PK Cameron Van Winkle and PK Tristan Vizcaino all have relevant experience under their belts with Durkee and Van Winkle both carrying the added distinction of being upper classmen. But that experience hasn't translated into overwhelming success so far into the Chris Petersen era.</p>
<p>For UW to have any success given the projected struggles that we should all expect from this team offensively in 2015, it will be critical for the Huskies to be able to flip the field and to score when drives stall outside of red zone. It doesn't take a huge leap in imagination to envision the kicking game quite literally deciding the outcomes of two to three games (or more!) for UW in 2015. Can our punting can be consistent? Can our kickoffs can translate into touchbacks? Can our ability to consistently hit FGs from 45 yards out can be established? These are all critical questions still unanswered.</p>
<h4>5. The upper class kids are alright</h4>
<p>A lot of Husky fans don't want to hear this, but with only 27 scholarship players listed as juniors or seniors, UW is clearly one of the youngest rosters in all of the Pac 12. We are right there with Colorado and Oregon State amongst not just the least experienced in the Pac, but also in the nation.</p>
<p>If UW is going to put together a bowl campaign, they are obviously going to have to get outrageous contributions from the talented young players who are poised to play key roles. But young players going against the grown men who are showing up on other teams are bound to get beat on occasion, even before their inevitable mental mistakes are accounted for.</p>
<p>There are a number of UW upper classmen who have yet to distinguish themselves who simply must step up and make meaningful contributions in 2015. Top of mind for me are guys like Lindquist, Finau, WR Marvin Hall, OL Shane Brostek, DT Taniela Tupou and LB Psalm Wooching. We don't need them to be stars, but we do need them each to step up, some of them as starters, and fill key roles for this team. Their contributions will help to balance the scales against older, more physically developed opponents and, importantly, help us to continue the process of red shirting as much of the young talent as we can afford. Whether or not these veterans can serve those roles remains to be seen.</p>
<p>I'm sure that there are more questions that you have and would like to discuss. Join the conversation below and let us talk about them.</p>
https://www.uwdawgpound.com/2015/5/15/8611557/lists-questions-left-unanswered-following-uw-spring-campChris Landon