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!

 

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

 

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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Sea-Fence: The Key to the Seahawk's Season

Offense brings fans, but defense wins championships. The saying every athlete knows of that plays a team sport. This saying has to be the motto for the Seahawks this year as the defense should challenge to be the best in the league. With the offense coming along, especially with a new quarterback, the defense should carry the team this year and it will be crucial that they do. If the defense under-performs, the season is not going to be pretty. They have huge expectations put on them and rightfully so. I mean, they were the first defense taken in four out of my five fantasy football drafts. Here's what we'll see from the Sea-Fence this year.

Picture by The Seattle Times

DEFENSIVE LINE- The big boys up front should prove to be one of the strongest parts of the Seahawk's defense. This year I expect them to allow the least rushing yards in the league as they have two huge 300 pounders in Red Bryant and Alan Branch. Red Bryant has proven to be a steal thus far in his career as he was a late round draft pick out of Texas A&M. He signed a new 5 year $35-million deal this offseason and should be around for a long time. Bryant takes up a ton of space and lets no running back by him, especially with Alan Branch and Jason Jones next to him. Speaking of Branch and Jones, they were both great signings. Both were signed off of mediocre seasons for a low amount of money and both have proven thus far in their Seahawks career that they were solid signings. The anchor of the defensive tackles is Brandon Mebane. The third year player out of Cal signed a new contract last year and he will display why he got that contract with his continuing solid play this year. The defensive tackles are huge, but quick as well. That's why they're so good. Next we move to the ends, as well as the Leo spot. Chris Clemons has been the best trade acquisition in the John Schneider era, besides the Lynch trade, and has been the best and most consistent Seahawks player on the defensive side of the ball since he was acquired. He is a sack monster and gets to the quarterback quickly and often. He will provide that much needed pass rush, as well as the 15th pick in the NFL Draft. Bruce Irvin was drafted to sack opposing quarterbacks. Irvin was second in the nation in sacks in 2010 at West Virginia and mostly went unnoticed because of his off the field issues. In the Leo spot, Irvin has looked a little shaky this preseason, but turned it on this past week in the fourth game. He had multiple sacks and caused numerous fumbles. Given, these were against second and third stringers, but he still showed he could perform. Our defensive line will be a huge part of our defense this year, and one the best parts of our defense. The group: Bryant, Branch, Mebane, Jones, Clemons, and Irvin.

LINEBACKERS- The linebacking core this year is weaker than the usual Seahawk's core. In past years the 'Hawks have had excellent linebackers such as Lofa Tatupu and David Hawthorne, but they are long gone. This year a rookie will be the play caller of the defense. That would be Bobby Wagner out of Utah State. He is a playmaker in his spot and tackles everything he sees. I think he will pan out to be one of the best MLB's in the NFL once he receives more coaching. Around Wagner are OLB's Leroy Hill and K.J. Wright. Leroy Hill is a proven veteran and has proven every year that he is a solid starter, despite his off the field issues. He should have a solid season. K.J. Wright, in his second year, has moved to OLB because of the drafting of Wagner and his ability to play the OLB position. I think he will surprise many this year, kind of like Hawthorne did last year with his play. The linebacking core is the weakest part of our defense, but it's still a strong position with lots of talent. Just shows how good our defense is. The group: Hill, Wagner and Wright. 

DEFENSIVE BACKS- The strongest part of the Sea-Fence, is easily the defensive backs. With two pro bowlers from the 2011 season and an emergence of two late round draft picks, this group is the best in the NFL. Earl Thomas leads this group and was the 14th overall pick in the 2010 Draft. The pro-bowler has been a playmaker ever since his debut, and will look to improve his already impressive track record. Once again, another steal by Pete Carroll and John Schneider, Brandon Browner will continue his resurgence and will go to another pro bowl. He was he biggest surprise of the Seahawks last year and I think with his improved confidence he will perform even better than last year. Earl Thomas' partner in the secondary, Kam Chancellor, has lived up to his nickname. Kam-Bam has been destroying all receivers and backs that have come his way since he was drafted along with Thomas in 2010. Chancellor has been a pleasant surprise along with cornerback, Richard Sherman. Sherman was drafted out of Stanford in the 7th round last year and nobody thought much of him except for the Seahawks. Mid-Season he took over the starting job and that's the only reason he didn't make the pro-bowl: he didn't get to display his talent for an entire season. Sherman will display that talent this season and will make the pro-bowl, as well as the rest of the Seahawks secondary. I expect a banner year from the secondary and for all four to come out as pro-bowlers after the season. The Group: Sherman, Chancellor, Thomas and Browner.

The constant theme around the Seahawks' defensive personnel is surprise. Many players have been lowly thought of coming out of free agency or the NFL Draft, but all of them have surprised people with their true talent. That's what makes this defensive group so special. They have an underdog type of mentality that motors them and fuels them to play harder, faster and stronger. The Sea-Fence will be crucial to all of the Seahawks success this year. If the Sea-Fence holds strong and keps the underdog mentality, look for a banner year from the Seattle Seahawks.

Thanks for reading and follow us on twitter @seasportssoup. Keep checking for updates!

Marshall

Michael Saunders and The Mariners Success

When the baseball season started, it was believed that The Mariners were in for a tough year and it was supposed to be a learning experience. The Marinerswere supposed to improve but many thought that we were in for another 90 loss season. It looked that way on July 13 right after the all-star break when they were sitting at 36-52 and again heading for an abysmal season. Improvement was the key for the season and many fans wanted to be at .500 when the season came to an end. At 36-52 the mariners were on track for another 90 loss season and hope was disappearing. People began to question Eric Wedge and Jack Zduriencik. That is ridiculous to question them since we were told at the beginning of the year that it was going to be a streaky team. This team is different than the past teams that have struggled, and it is because this team is young. In fact, it is the 3rd youngest team in baseball so it is expected for this team to struggle at times. Young players are very streaky and if many are struggling on this young team then they will lose. Until they become more consistent, we will see a very streaky team that will have lows and highs. We are seeing the highs being put together right now as the Mariners are sitting at 59-64 and only 7.5 out of the wild card. In the middle of July no one would have thought that the Mariners could put together a record like that, and be anywhere close to the wild card. We are beginning to see something this month that we have not really seen since 2001 (2009 does not count for me). We are seeing a consistent team, we usually see a consistently bad team but this one is turning into a consistently good team. They have won 13 of their last 14 at home and have gone 23-12 since July 13. They are winning as a young team and that can be very hard to do and especially without a veteran “bopper” in the middle of thelineup. The pitching has been fantastic again and that has been consistent, but it is the hitting that is being surprisingly consistent. Not only on the road but at home too, at the dreaded Safeco Field. The hitters are no longer afraid of the fences and one of the hitters that has done a full 360 is Michael Saunders.



Last year Michael Saunders started the year on the team but was horrific throughout the year and was eventually sent down but his line looked like this. He had a .149 average with 2 HR and 8RBI, 56 SO to 11 BB in 58 games. He looked downright awful and it was believed by many that he was done and had no future with the Mariners. Another prospect down the drain was the general thought. Then something magical happened over the winter, he decided to reshape his swing so it would be shorter and quicker and rebound mentally so he could have the confidence to be a MLB outfielder. With the 2 HR last night he brought histotal to 13 with 41 RBI’s on the year, his defense has been stellar and for awhile he was batting in the .270’s. He went through a 2-38 slump but once again bounced back recently to bring his average back up to .248. Although the average is not amazing he brings back hope to a team that has never won a World Series. He is one of the pieces to the puzzle for The Mariners and has been shining all of this year. This year has brought hope back to Mariners fans and if they can be more consistent, next year could be a playoff year.

Thanks for reading and follow us on twitter @seasportssoup. Check back for more updates.

Lukie

Short, But Tall in Many Ways: Russell Wilson

Most people standing at five feet, eleven inches tall in American society, 5'10 5/8" to be exact, are considered to be above the average height of a person. Apparently, that's not Russell Wilson. Most college quarterbacks who put up numbers that lead a team to the Rose Bowl are considered icons and future NFL stars. Well, that's not Russell Wilson either, according to the critics. After three years at North Carolina State University, Russel Wilson transferred to Wisconsin for his senior year of college football. It put the Badgers in championship consideration right away. After a very successful regular season in which Wilson put up All-American numbers and threw 33 touchdowns and only 4 interceptions, the Badgers reached the Rose Bowl. The Badgers played the Ducks tight the whole way, but the Ducks prevailed in the end. Wilson was also a very skilled baseball player, but chose to go the football path and entered the 2012 NFL draft.

Many panelists and critics dogged Wilson for his height leading up to the draft, but many also added that if he had the height he'd be the 3rd QB taken overall because he had the intangibles and skills, just not the height. They slated him as a late 3rd round pick at best. But there was that one team that had the confidence to select the QB everyone had written off. That team was the Seattle Seahawks. It was one of their best picks of the draft, if not the best.

Russell Wilson was immediately thrown into the fire as a rookie in his first NFL season. The Seahawks had previously signed Matt Flynn, but had no starting QB set in stone. Thus prevailed an ongoing QB competition (see previous blog entry for more details). So far, Wilson has put up big numbers, much like his college stats, in the Seahawks first two preseason games. In both games, he has played the entire second half against second, third and fourth teamers. Even though he's playing against lower level guys, he's still put up huge numbers. Tomorrow, Pete Carroll will announce who will start vs. the Kansas City Chiefs this week. Here's why I think it should be big Russ Wilson.

You can't teach heart. That's what Russell Wilson has along with a lot of other overlooked skills. One of the best things that Wilson brings to the team is his heart. One trait that Flynn doesn't bring and Wilson does is his ability to extend plays. Extending plays is the key to finding the wide open receivers and big plays as well as avoiding sacks, both which the Hawks crucially need as assets in their offense. Flynn has had his chance with the first teamers his first two games in the preseason. It's time for Russell Wilson to have his shot and for us to see what he can do. People could argue that starting a new quarterback 2 weeks before the regular season would mess up the chemistry, but that's not what it will do at all. Starting Russell Wilson vs. the Chiefs will give us our winner of the QB competition. Earlier I said Flynn would win, simply because of his contract and his experience, but Wilson has a chance to take the job right out of Flynn's hands this week. The key to Russell being able to do that is showing his height factor should be considered a non-factor, his skills are as good as RGIII's, and showing the big heart of his. I think Russell can do it, but only if he gets the chance.

As a high schooler, you wanna see everyone given a fair chance. If Pete starts Russell, it'll give me a sense of fairness within the organization. If he doesn't, I will always wonder what could of been if Wilson did start the third week of the preseason because you surely can't be having QB competitions when you're trying to build chemistry and win games in the regular season. The QB competition needs to be decided by the end of this week. C'mon Pete, ditch those indecisive ways and pick the best gunslinger you got, but give everyone a fair shot. Russell Wilson will show you what's he's got.

Thanks for reading and 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