Game Preview: #20 Washington vs. Arizona State

By Kevin Calderhead

After a dismal loss at Husky Stadium against rival Oregon, Washington hopes to rebound against unranked Arizona State. On the other hand, the Sun Devils look to carry their momentum after a blowout win at home versus Colorado.

The Dawgs will face a high powered Arizona State offense, averaging 342 passing yards per game, led by quarterback Taylor Kelley. This may seem extremely concerning after the Washington secondary allowed 366 yards through the air against Marcus Mariota and the Oregon Ducks, however, Huskies’ safety Sean Parker says otherwise.

“We’re still confident,” said Parker. “We just gotta fix what we do. No matter who we play, it’s all about us and our preparation.”

Sean Parker needs to have a big game for the Huskies if they want to contain Taylor Kelley through the air.

The Seattle Times

Before last week, the Dawgs’ D had only allowed 146 passing yards per game, just two touchdowns and seven interceptions. I would expect this type of performance to resume this Saturday, as Taylor Kelley is no Marcus Mariota.

Despite all the negativity regarding the defense, it is a spot where UW holds a huge advantage this week against ASU. The 19.8 points per game allowed by Washington is 25^th best in the country. Conversely, the Sun Devils are allowing a whopping 27.2 points per game.

Unfortunately, as expected, the numbers don’t tell the whole story. Arizona State has the 2012 Pac-12 Defensive Player of the Year award winner in DT Will Sutton. Last year, he had 13 sacks, 23.5 tackles for a loss and three forced fumbles. If the Huskies O-line can contain him, the offense averaging nearly 250 yards on the ground and 280 yards passing should be able to run all over the Arizona State defense.

Will Sutton is a beast up front for the Sun Devils.

AZCentral.com

The last time Washington played at Sun Devil Stadium in 2009, Arizona State quarterback Danny Sullivan threw a game winning 50 yard touchdown with five seconds left on the clock. This is only the most recent of the Huskies’ woes in Tempe. The Dawgs haven’t won a game there since 2001, and the Sun Devils have won seven in a row facing Washington.

As discouraging as this is, these are two very different teams from the last time they faced off. The last matchup between the Huskies and Sun Devils was in 2010, which ASU won 24-14. Three seasons later, Arizona State comes in as three point favorites at home. This game is a must win for the Dawgs. They need to bounce back after two tough losses to #5 Stanford and #2 Oregon, both of which could have gone very differently if a couple aspects of the game changed.

A key for the Huskies is to score right out of the gates. The last two games, the Huskies didn’t really start scoring until the second half: 17 points after the break against Oregon and 21 in the last two quarters at Stanford. Both of these offensive explosions proved to be too little, too late. If UW can put up big numbers early in the game, it gives the whole team momentum and takes a whole lot of pressure off the defense to keep it close.

Another key is to limit the momentum changing mistakes. It seemed the Huskies were cruising against Oregon, until Bishop Sankey’s fumble. At Stanford, Ty Montgomery’s 99 yard return on the opening kickoff immediately gave Stanford the momentum.

If the Huskies perform as they are capable, they will win this game easily. My prediction is 31-17, Washington.

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Huskies Earn Second Victory Against a Top-Ten Opponent This Year

Coming into this game, Washington had lost three straight and had not looked good doing it. With the defense beaten up and the offense not coming close to its peak form of last year, UW fans were desperately hoping for a turnaround this week against undefeated Oregon State. In the first half, the fans got exactly what they had hoped for with dominant defense and solid offense.

Holding OSU to 110 yards in the first half, and two interceptions, the UW defense shut out the Beavers in the first. This stellar defense combined with Bishop Sankey’s powerful running, gave the Huskies a 10-0 lead heading into halftime. Sankey had over 60 yards and a touchdown in the first half and looked very strong running the ball, yet the offense couldn’t capitalize off of two turnovers. Part of the reason for this, was very questionable play calling by coach Sarkisian. Quarterback Keith Price barely threw the ball more than five yards downfield, and the passing game couldn’t get going.

Bishop Sankey pounded the ball in lieu to a 20-17 victory over the Beavers.

ESPN.com

One of the key sequences was when Washington had the ball and had what seemed to be a fumble recovery in the end zone for a touchdown, but it was reversed and it was 4^th and goal on the one. They responded to the tough call, and ended up scoring a Bishop Sankey touchdown after choosing to go for it on 4^th down. While Washington dominated the first half, the third quarter changed the game and momentum completely.

Oregon State jumped out to a quick start in the third quarter and on their first drive, went 83 yards in two plays, capped off by a 53 yard touchdown reception by Brandin Cooks on a bubble screen. This touchdown play was the one play in the game where Sean Parker was not on the field. The Washington offense could not respond, and punted back to the Beavers. This resulted in OSU moving down the field once again and tying the game up with a field goal. The Beavers and Huskies held even 10-10 heading into the fourth quarter.

Sean Mannion was mostly inefficient on the night, but did execute the bubble screen TD pass to Cooks.

AP Photos

The fourth quarter started off with some major excitement, when it seemed that Washington had an interception returned for a touchdown, but it was once again called back because of an unnecessary personal foul call that happened 25 yards away from the play. However, the Dawgs still retained the ball, but had to quickly punt it away, losing all momentum gained from the interception.

But once again, the Dawgs gained all the momentum back when the Huskies intercepted Oregon State quarterback, Sean Mannion, for the fourth time in the game. The Dawgs then drove down the field and aided by some key Keith Price passes, capped off the drive with a Bishop Sankey touchdown run. The poor play by Mannion, led to Oregon State switching quarterbacks to backup Cody Vaz, who had played well earlier in the season, when having to replace Mannion due to injury. He moved the offense down the field completing five of six passes including a 29 yard touchdown pass to tight end Connor Hamlett that tied the game at 17 with just five minutes to go.

The Huskies calmly got the ball back and methodically moved the offense down the field into Oregon State territory. This drive was highlighted by an incredible catch by Kasen Williams and a personal foul penalty that moved Washington into the red zone. A few plays later, with another interesting play call that lead to a fourth down, the Huskies kicked a field goal to give them a three point lead with 1:20 left in the game.

Keith Price was very efficient on the night. He wasn't stellar, but wasn't bad either.

Otto Greule Jr/Getty Images North America

When OSU got the ball back, they started fast, completing back to back passes for first downs, but then their drive stalled. Cody Vaz threw back to back incompletions, to bring up third down, where he was then sacked for a loss of four yards. To compound the problem, the Beavers made a bone-head mistake, and got a delay of game penalty, to make it 4^th and 19. With an incomplete pass down the middle and one Husky kneel down later, the Huskies had captured a 20-17 victory against a top-ten team.
           
The story of the game was red zone production, as coming in Washington had been terrible in red zone offense, while Oregon State was very efficient. UW scored two red zone touchdowns, while OSU didn’t score any, and threw a first half interception while in the red zone. Red zone efficiency was a big key to the game tonight, and Washington won that battle, as well as the turnover battle, which made up for the fact that they were outgained 427-293 by OSU. If the Huskies want any chance at winning all of their remaining four games, they must win the turnover battle and keep up the good red zone efficiency. This was a great bounce-back win for the Dawgs, and should help them get back on track. The Dawgs face a motivated Cal team on the road at 6 pm on Friday on ESPN2. We’ll see if the Dawgs can convert their success at home on the road and pull off a solid victory at Memorial Stadium.

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Jackson Safon

Big Game Preview: USC Trojans vs. Washington Huskies

When I think of the USC Trojans, I think of the most talented team overall in the country. A team filled with future NFL players, the Trojans have some real superstars. With only one loss this season, many fans would consider this to be a great accomplishment for their team, but too much of the Trojan fan base, and many other fans around the country, the Trojans have had a disappointing season thus far. The Trojans were expected to knock the SEC of the pedestal this year and win a national championship (I certainly thought they would), but with an early loss to Stanford, those hopes look grim at best. However, if the Trojans win out and accomplish this in a big way, I could see them still contending for a national championship. BUT first, these Trojans have to get by the stingy and scrappy Washington Huskies. Here's my positional preview on the big game between the Trojans and Dawgs.

Offense
QB- Trojans- Matt Barkley is a surefire, top-ten, first round NFL draft pick this year. Probably even top five. He has all the tools you want in a QB and just gets the job done. Keith Price is a solid QB as well, but nobody matches up to the level of Matt Barkley in the conference, maybe even the nation (besides you, of course, Geno Smith). The Dawgs D will have a tough time, to say the least, with Barkley. Key Player: All-Around superstar Matt Barkley

Matt Barkley looks to lead the Trojans past the Huskies on Saturday.

Ezra Shaw/Getty Images



RB- Huskies- This may come as a surprise to some people. You may ask how Silas Redd and Curtis McNeal aren't more skilled than little old Bishop Sankey, but in my opinion, Sankey is the back of the future for the Dawgs. He has had three straight 100-yard rushing games and even though one of those games was against Portland State, Sankey has proved his worth to the Husky offense with other great performances against Oregon and Stanford. With Keith Price struggling, Sankey is a precious commodity. Key Player: Little, but tough, Bishop Sankey

WR- Trojans- I mean what more can be said about Robert Woods and Marqise Lee. I've stated in previous posts that the Huskies won't face many teams with a better receiver than Kasen Williams, but the Trojans have two of those guys in Woods and Lee. Both, like Barkley, are surefire, first round NFL talent and when both are eligble (Woods after this year, Lee in two years) you can be sure they will have huge impacts on their NFL teams. There is only one Desmond Trufant on the Huskies, but two superstars on the Trojans. Trufant can only cover one. Good luck, Dez. Key Player: Trackstar Marqise Lee

Marqise Lee makes a leeping catch against ASU. You could see this happen again Saturday.

Norm Hall/Getty Images North America

TE- Huskies- ASJ got dinged up last week against the Ducks and that's the only reason why the Dawgs hold a slight advantage over the Trojans in this position battle, rather than a large advantage. The Trojans have two formidable tight ends in Xavier Grimble and Randall Telfer, but they don't match the size and skill of ASJ. If he is healthy, look for ASJ to be a key factor in this game. He could mean the difference between a win and a loss. Key Player: Bully on the playground, Austin Seferian-Jenkins

Austin Seferian-Jenkins' play will be key to a Huskies victory.

http://dailyuw.com/news/2011/sep/29/football-notebook/

OL- Trojans- With Khaled Holmes back and feeling 100%, the Trojans line will be led by an All-Conference caliber player in Holmes. Both lines, the Dawgs and the Trojans, have senior leaders at center, but more of the skill being on the Trojans side. The Huskies line has been getting better and better as more chemistry and experience have improved the entire line's skill. However, I still think that the consistency and skill of the Trojan line out matches the young UW line. Key Player: DJ Khaled Holmes

Overall Offense- Trojans- The Huskies offense has been disspointing this year, to say the least. Not to say that the Trojans offense has been all that people thought it would be, but they still have one of the best attacks in the country, even if they only mustered up 14 points against Stanford. They will look to shred the Dawgs defense with Barkley, Woods and Lee and find their way back on the path to the national championship. Key Player: Trackstar Marqise Lee

Defense
DL-Trojans- The Trojans have got some big boys up front. Lead by the sudden emergence of Morgan Breslin, the Trojans defensive line has been solid all year. I think they may get a little over hyped and it will show in the fact that the Dawgs offensive line will finally be able to protect Keith Price. The Dawgs have Josh Shirley and Danny Shelton, but that doesn't match the skill of the entire Trojan line. Key Player: Big man with the speed, Morgan Breslin

LB- Huskies- This year, Travis Feeney has been a huge surprise for the Dawgs, along with Thomas Tutogi. Both of these strong, quick young guys have been all over the field recently, after not even being considered as players who would have a big role in games this season. One of the reasons why the Dawgs were able to stuff up the run against Stanford was because of this linebacking crew. USC's backers aren't as skilled as our Dawgs' core. Key Player: The tarantula, Travis Feeney

DB- Huskies- With the surge of the stellar play of Desmond Trufant, not many secondaries will be as skilled as the Huskies. The trio of Trufant, Shaq Thompson, and Sean Parker have lots of skill between themselves and will attempt to contain Robert Woods and Marqise Lee Saturday. I think this will be a very tall task, but in the end, in my opinion, the secondary will be able to contain these superstar receivers. It could all depend on the play of Matt Barkley, but who knows, maybe Shaq will make a great INT just like last week and effect the game tremendously. Shaq will need to be on his game Saturday for the Dawgs to have a chance. Key Player: The five star, Shaq Thompson

Shaq Thompson will look to be a force on defense to slow down Marqise Lee and Robert Woods.

Photo by Saskia Capell

Overall Defense- Huskies- I truly think that the Dawgs have the advantage on the defensive side of the ball. While the Dawgs have a solid pass rush which may not be as skilled as the Trojans, the Dawgs have a better linebacking core and group of defensive backs than the Trojans and that is where the Dawgs will have the edge. However, if the Dawgs want any chance at a win, the secondary will have to be on their game. Key Player: The five star, Shaq Thompson

I really have gone back and forth with this pick. I've constantly said to myself a couple of things: The Trojans just had a bye week, but the Dawgs beat Stanford and the Trojans didn't! Hey maybe the Dawgs will pull it off! I mean the Dawgs do play amazing at home and are almost unbeatable, but the Trojans have one of the best offenses in the country... In the end, my prediction is that the Dawgs will come through with a victory. Keith Price will find his groove and with a balanced rushing attack of Bishop Sankey, look for this offense to be clicking on all cylinders come Saturday. The defense will be motivated by the huge crowd and will support the offense in drastic ways. Dawgs win it, 30-24.

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Marshall

Big Game Preview: Washington Huskies vs. Oregon Ducks

The past eight years have been terrible for me. Whenever the O shows up on the schedule every year, I get fired up and am optimistic that this year could be the year the Huskies beat the Ducks. But time after time, the Ducks have just dominated the Dawgs, beating them by more than 17 each of the past eight victories. These are all well known facts about the Huskies and Ducks intense rivalry, but what may be unknown to some of you, are the position by position breakdowns of each team. Here is a look at which team has an edge at each position:

Offense 
QB- Huskies- Keith Price has all the potential in the world. He just needs some time to pass the ball. Overall he has more experience and has better overall skills than the freshman Mariota. Key Player: KP17

RB- Ducks- This is what these stupid Ducks are known for. Their ground game. At times it seems unstoppable and that's a fair assessment of the RB corps. DAT and Kenjon Barner are some speedy college kids. Key Player: Kenjon Barner

WR- Huskies- Again, as I have stated in the past, Kasen is most likely better than any of the opposing teams WR's. He is by far better than anybody that the Ducks have. The closest skill to Kasen on the Ducks at the WR position is possibly, maybe, could be, Josh Huff. He's always injured though. Key Player: Kasen Williams

Kasen Williams could have a huge impact on this game, but only if KP17 is on his game.

AP Photo/Ted S. Warren

TE- Huskies- ASJ is a first round NFL talent, and everybody knows that. The last time I checked, there wasn't anything close to first round talent at the TE position for the Ducks. After all, how many players do they even have in the NFL? Key Player: Austin Seferian-Jenkins

OL- Ducks- The Huskies have been four lineman down for most of the season. That is a huge reason why our offense has been mediocre at best. The Ducks have a perfect offensive line to fit their scheme and that is why they win this position battle. Key Player: Nick Cody

Overall Offense- Ducks- Their just too quick and speedy. However, if the big three show up (KP17, ASJ and Kasen), look for the Huskies offense to be firing on all cylinders. Key Player: The X-factor, De'Anthony Thomas

DAT could run for over 150 yards, but first he has to get by Justin Wilcox's defense.

Nike

Defense
DL- Ducks- This defensive line is scary. Probably the best in the PAC-12, with the exception of Star Lotulei at Utah, and it will be on full display four four quarters. Look for them to put up Seahawk-esque numbers in the sack department. The Dawgs' line is solid, but can't match the firepower of these big boys. Key Player: Dion Jordan

LB- Ducks- The Huskies LB core has been playing fantastically the past couple of games. With the emergence of Thomas Tutogi, the Dawgs look like they have a solid core for years to come. However, this core can't beat the skill and experience of the Ducks. Seniors Kiko Alonso and Michael Clay (seems like he has been around forever) lead the talented crew in to battle. Key Player: Kiko Alonso

DB- Huskies- Even with the emergence of sophomore Ifor Ekpre-Olomu, the Ducks' secondary doesn't have the skill and experience that the Huskies have. The loss of John Boyett was a huge loss for the Ducks, let me repeat HUGE. He was a senior leader and likely would have made the defense one of the best in the nation. The Huskies have a future NFL-er in Desmond Trufant, as well as Shaq Thompson, and Justin Wilcox will use these two stars in as many ways as possible. Key Player: Desmond Trufant

Overall Defense- Push- Both of these now stellar defenses have proved themselves this year, the Huskies more-so. The Ducks definitely have the edge up front and in the linebacking crew, but the Huskies aren't far behind in skill in both of these positions. However, I think what makes this a push is the improved Huskies secondary under Keith Hayward and Justin Wilcox.

I'm always tempted to pick the Huskies over the Ducks and this can account to my passionate hate of Oregon. However, just like in sports, you can't let your head and attitude get the best of you. The Ducks are still the superior team in this match-up. You just can't deny the facts. Although I think the Huskies will win next year at home against the Ducks, the Dawgs will face a tough team in Autzen Stadium this year. My pick is the Ducks winning 41-24. I just don't see the upset, but hey, these kinds of upsets have hapenned before. Just not that often.

Thanks for reading and follow us on Twitter @seasportssoup! Keep checking back for more updates.

Marshall

PhotoBlog- UW vs. Stanford

Here's a few pictures from the game last night at CenturyLink:

The Biggest Four Days in Husky Sports- 9/27- 9/30

There's been some amazing four day stretches in Washington Huskies history. Say that weekend when we got a feeble 8 commitments for football. Or that other time when we won the PAC-10 tournament by going all cold blooded (Gus Johnson should announce every Huskies game by the way). There's been some amazing four day stretches throughout all Husky sports. However, the four day stretch from September 27th to September 30th could prove to be a historic one, maybe one of the most historic we have ever seen on Montlake. Here's why these four days might be the best you have ever experienced.

First up, the good ol' Stanford Cardinal roll into town. Fresh off their huge upset of USC, the Cardinal have a showdown scheduled with the Huskies, prime time on ESPN, Thursday the 27th. The atmosphere should be vibrant at CenturyLink, with the blackout theme in full effect, as the Huskies try to knock off a top-ten opponent at home. Remember, the first time they faced a top-ten opponent this year it wasn't pretty, but that was against a proven title contending team. The Cardinal haven't proved much yet, as they narrowly pulled out the win against San Jose State in their opener, 20-17. This will be their first road test of the season and it will be a tough one to start out with. This time around, the Dawgs will be ready for a top tier opponent and coming off their bye week fresh and ready for the challenge, I think the Huskies will prove they are a top-25 caliber team. Who knows, if they win, it could prove to be the turning point in their season, but if they lose, everyone will be sourly disappointed. Husky Nation has marked this game on the schedule ever since last year, as a game where a statement could be made to not only the PAC-12, but to the nation and if the Dawgs fail to do so, expect many to view the season as a disappointment. However, on this day, not just the game will be important. Another crucial aspect that the Huskies must ace on this Thursday, is from the recruiting side of the game. So far I know that Dane Crane and Conor O'Brien will be there, the two Santa Margarita (Calif.) standouts, and am suspecting that Budda Baker, Myles Jack and Sean Constantine will be joining them. It is a must for the Dawgs to impress these big time athletes and I think they will accomplish that. I see the Dawgs winning 31-27 in a thriller. I will be posting a photo blog of the game as well, as I will be in attendance in all black. However, this four day stretch is not only crucial for the football team, it is crucial for the basketball team as well.

Starting on Friday the 28th, four crucial basketball commits will be arriving on campus at UW. Those four are Aaron Gordon, Kyle Washington, Darin Johnson and Nigel Williams-Goss. Many have viewed the 2013 class as a breakout class that could get the Dawgs to the final four. However with Jabari Bird already off the board, it is even more crucial that Romar pulls out at least one or two of these players on their official visits, besides Williams-Goss, who is already committed. Some consider Gordon as the top player in the nation and it is publicly known that he has favored UW at times, though he has recently stated all his final schools are even. He is Lorenzo Romar's top priority and the key to the 2013 class. Also visiting on the weekend will be 6'9" forward Kyle Washington out of Minnesota (attends school in New Hampshire). He's down to three schools, NC State, Ohio State, and the Dawgs (not Baylor anymore as they have a plethora of forwards in the program now). Romar has not been able to recruit big men well lately, but I think Kyle Washington will change that. Washington and Gordon would match up very well together in the front court for the Dawgs. The two guards visiting on the weekend are Darin Johnson as well as NWG. Darin is a solid defensive player, think Justin Holiday type, and NWG is a winner, point guard and an exceptional defender as well. These two guards will be the perfect complement to the offensive powerhouses of Gordon and Washington. Just think of these four playing on the same court at UW. WOW. It is crucial UW locks up at least one of these guys, if not all three. If Romar doesn't get it done, the 2013 season might not be looking like a great one. However, with Isaac Hamilton and the Robinson brothers still out there, it is not a do or die situation for the Dawgs. Being said, it is still a very crucial weekend.

96 hours seems like a long period of time, but the four days will fly past. Over this time period, a season could be made and a team could create a bright future for themselves or the exact opposite can occur. The season could be lost and the future could look dull, not only for the football team, but for the basketball team as well. I have confidence that Romar and Sark can get it done, but it will be a tough challenge. Isn't that what Huskies are made for though, tough challenges? I have faith in my Dawgs.

Thanks for reading and Go Dawgs!

 

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Marshall

 



Big Game Preview: UW Huskies @ LSU Tigers

National exposure. Program changer. Recruiting impact. Top 25. Unbelievable. Amazing. Crazy. Almost impossible. Those are phrases and words that come to my mind when I think about one of the biggest games of the season and the Sark era. Every true Husky fan will be watching the game tomorrow, prime time on ESPN. Get your hot dogs, burgers, chips and salsa because it could be a long game, but thrilling as well.

The Vegas line on the game currently has UW losing by 24 points. That's truly absurd. The Huskies have proven themselves over the past two years and Coach Sark and KP17 won't let that happen. If the Dawgs lose, it'll be by less than 24. I'll bet you that. Players will step up with Callier, Riva and Chrichton out and will shock many viewers. In fact, it's time for the whole team to step it up. It's a statement game. It's time for a W. A big old fat one. Here's a preview of what will be on the field tomorrow night in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

Following, are positions on each side of the ball and which team I think has the edge in each position.

DT-- LSU-- Montgomery and his boys will just obliterate our depleted line.
DE-- LSU-- The line is just to big and even though Shirley has been impressive for the Dawgs, the Tigers are just to good.
LB-- LSU-- These linebackers have experience in the SEC. Ours? Not a lot of experience, even in the PAC-12.
DB's-- UW-- Desmond Trufant was absolutely ballin in the SDSU game and showed he is truly the best defensive player on the team. Add Shaq Thompson and James Sample, along with Glenn and Shamburger, with Trufant, and then you've got a solid secondary. The loss of Tyrann Matthieu will prove to be to crucial for LSU.
ST-- LSU-- Having a former rugby player on your team as a punter, always helps. All-American punter could keep the Huskies in their own end of the field.
OL-- LSU-- Even with their starting LT out for the game, LSU still has a ton of big boys up front who can protect Zach Mettenberger.
QB-- UW-- Keith Price will be why the Huskies win if they do. He will have to be on point tomorrow and is definitely more experienced and more skilled than Mettenberger.
RB-- LSU-- The Tigers have three solid running backs who lead their offensive attack. With Callier out, UW will be hurting.
TE-- UW-- ASJ will be key. He is KP17's safety net and will have to do a little of everything in this game to help the team win. Basically has to be the Huskies savior besides a guy named Keith.
WR-- UW-- With Kasen Williams on the team, you always have one better wide receiver than the other teams best wideout. The kid is a baller and will be the big play threat that the Tigers will have to keep their eye on.

All this being said, I will stick to my previous prediction, but also will add a couple of points in UW's favor, as well as LSU's. I say 31-20 LSU takes it. However if the Dawgs can contain LSU's monster line, they could pull off a victory and it will rise them to be a national powerhouse. They will be circled on everyone's schedule and will be feared by many. There could be an upset brewing. Everyone watch out for these hungry Dawgs... I have faith in my boys.

Marshall

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Death Valley- Previewing the Huskies First Six Games

The Huskies 2012 football team is up against a tall task, taller than any task Sark and his boys have faced in his four year tenure. Four of their first six opponents are ranked inside the top 21 teams in college football. A tall task for any team if you ask me. The Huskies have always setup their first games playing A, B, and C caliber teams so they can ease into the season and be ready for Pac-12 play. This year they are doing the same thing, playing their B game first against San Diego St., then the A game against the third ranked LSU Tigers in Death Valley and finally the C game against Portland State. After the trio of games and a needed bye week, the Huskies head into Pac-12 play. Usually the beginning of league play isn't to hard for the Dawgs, but this year they open up Pac-12 play against the three best teams in the league, the 21st ranked Stanford Cardinal, 5th ranked Oregon Ducks and finally against the number 1 team in the nation, the USC Trojans.

AP Photo/The Daily Herald, Jennifer Buchanan

The first game of the season shouldn't be to hard for a BCS conference team as these teams look to keep a clean record early on in the season. The Huskies should have an easy time with the Aztecs of San Diego State and should be 1-0 heading into one of their toughest matchups in Sark's era. Even though Tyrann Matthieu was kicked off the team this week for drug use, LSU still poses a huge threat to the Huskies. However, I think this game could be closer than most people think. With an already clear improvement within the defense in practices this early fall, the Huskies will have the tenacity to compete with a solid LSU offense. I think if the defense can contain the LSU offense throughout the entire game, limiting them to less than 30 points, the UW offense will be able to muster up 30 or more points. However, my biggest concern is the LSU defensive line. They are just too big and strong for our unstable O Line and KP17 could be finding his knee problems re-occurring during the game, due to all the times he will be sacked. In the end the LSU defense will prove to be to much to overcome for the Huskies offense and the LSU Tigers will secure a 30-17 victory over the Huskies.

After a tough loss in Death Valley, the Huskies will easily rebound against the Portland State Vikings and flex their muscles. They will head into their first bye week with a 2-1 record. During the bye week, the Huskies will rest up and mentally prepare for a grueling three week schedule, arguably a harder three week stretch than any other team in the nation. First up is the Stanford Cardinal, at home. The loss of Andrew Luck will prove to be to crucial for the Cardinal this season. The Cardinal defense has also been sub par in the past and their cornerbacks wont be fast and strong enough to cover and keep up with Kasen, James Johnson and Austin Seferian-Jenkins. Keith Price will absolutely shred their defense and on the other hand our improved defense will hold the Cardinal below 20 points. This will be a nice upset victory for the Dawgs, beating the Cardinal 31-20.

Heading into their fifth game of the season the Dawgs will be sittin' pretty at 3-1. However, they will run into a road block. A huge one at that. The stinkin' Oregon Ducks. The team any UW fan hates the most. Their fans are cocky and obnoxious and the only reason they are good is because of a rich Uncle they have named Phil. That being said, they are one of the best teams in the nation and the loss of Darron Thomas will help them to say the least. I never thought he was that good. I don't know why there was so much hoop-la surrounding such a mediocre quarterback when you have an even more talented one waiting in the wings. That would be Bryan Bennett. The kid placed in Oregon's offense will keep the UW defense on their heels and the Huskies won't know what hit them. Oregon will put a plethora of points up on the board and will do it FAST as well. KP17 should lead the offense to some nice scoring drives against a tough Oregon defense and put up plenty of points, but in a shootout, Oregon usually comes out victorious. In a battle of the offenses, Oregon wins it 45-31.

Following two tough, bone-wrenching games, all the Huskies have to do is come home and play the best team in the country: USC. Sounds easy right? The Trojans are my pick to win the national championship this year, but their toughest game of the year will come on August 13 at Century Link Field. Even though the Huskies will be beat up, they will pick themselves up when the Trojans come to town, just like they have in the past. Matt Barkley will win the Heisman this year, but I think the task at hand on this day will be insurmountable. The coaching staff will get the Huskies FIRED UP for this game against the Trojans and the defense will have their best performance all year, forcing turnovers left and right. The offense will be its usual self and will put up a solid amount of points on the board against a great defense. I'm predicting Sean Parker and Kasen Williams will have their biggest games all year against the Trojans. The fans will rush the field after this one and Sark will keep his streak of victories over USC at home alive. The Huskies will wreak havoc in front of many fans and recruits and will upset the Trojans with the final score being 24-14.

In my opinion, after those first six games and because of the experience they will gain of playing such good teams so early, the Huskies will remain unbeaten for the final six games on the schedule, bringing their season win loss total to 10-2. I know this is going out on a limb here, but the Huskies new defense should prepare the team for a big year and will help them out more than any other year in the Sark era. The offense will have a banner year, even better than last year with KP17, Kasen and ASJ leading the way. I feel like Sark's fourth year will prove to be a special one, showing his new coaching hires were the best moves he's made yet.

From a high school student's perspective, you hope the Huskies can upset all the big name teams, but you know that's not going to happen. You hope to see under a head coach's fourth year, vast improvement within the team and that's what I think you get in 2012. I'm already looking forward to next years recruiting class as well as it should be a top-20 class. The Huskies will surprise many people this year. I feel a Rose Bowl berth in the making sometime in the near future. Maybe not this year, but in 2013, the whole country better watch out for the Washington Huskies.

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Marshall