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

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!

 

Follow us on Twitter @seasportssoup! Keep checking back for updates!

 

Marshall

 



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.

Thanks for reading and follow us on twitter @seasportsoup. More to come soon and check for updates.

Marshall