SB Nation Seattle: All Posts by Ben Golliverhttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/48997/seattle-fave.png2010-10-11T14:00:53-07:00https://seattle.sbnation.com/authors/ben-golliver/rss2010-10-11T14:00:53-07:002010-10-11T14:00:53-07:00UW Vs. Oregon State: Game Week News And Notes
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<p>The mark of a good football team is consistency. The mark of the University of <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/teams/washington-huskies" class="sbn-auto-link">Washington Huskies</a>? Inconsistency, for sure.</p>
<p>One week after an <a target="_blank" href="http://seattle.sbnation.com/washington-huskies/2010/9/27/1715319/washington-huskies-usc-trojans-news-notes-injury-report-depth-chart">exciting road win over the USC Trojans</a>, the Huskies came home and <a target="_blank" href="http://seattle.sbnation.com/washington-huskies/2010/10/5/1733087/uw-asu-washington-arizona-state-college-football">rolled over against the Arizona State Sun Devils</a>, losing at Husky Stadium 24-14. It's on to the next one for the up and down Huskies, who are battling questions at every position, including quarterback, where they thought they had a steady veteran hand in early season Heisman hopeful Jake Locker. The Oregon State Beavers, <a target="_blank" href="http://seattle.sbnation.com/washington-st-cougars/2010/10/10/1741954/college-football-rankings-oregon-ducks-wasington-state-cougars-ap-poll?show_comments=true">ranked No. 24 in the AP Top 25</a>, visit Husky Stadium this weekend, as UW looks to get things back on track (again).</p>
<p>Here's what they are saying about UW's loss to Arizona State on Saturday.</p>
<p>Bob Condotta of the Seattle Times <a target="_blank" href="http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2013121630_apfbcarizonastwashington.html">writes</a>...</p>
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<p>"It's obviously a very disappointing loss," Sarkisian said.</p>
<p>In fact, it again puts UW at a critical point, dropping Washington's record to 2-3 overall in a season in which nothing less than a bowl game will be considered a success. UW has to win four of seven just to get to .500 - and now has four of seven on the road.</p>
<p>"It's a missed opportunity," Sarkisian said of the chance to get above .500 in a home game against a team that was picked ninth in the Pac-10 preseason media poll.</p>
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<p>Mike Baldwin of the Seattle PI <a target="_blank" href="http://blog.seattlepi.com/huskies/archives/224236.asp">writes</a>...</p>
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<p>Jake Locker, who was said to be feeling under the weather, was 23 for 38 passing, but most of his completions were for short yards. Locker averaged only 5.5 yards per pass attempt.</p>
<p>Locker was also shut down on the ground, as ASU easily read his option runs and stuffed him for little or no gain on his first four rushing attempts. Locker finished with just six yards rushing. As a whole, the offensive unit for Washington looked stale and our rhythm, save for <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/38714/chris-polk" class="sbn-auto-link">Chris Polk</a>. Polk rushed for 110 yards on 18 carries, but his efforts ended up being futile.</p>
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<p>John McGrath of the Tacoma News Tribune <a target="_blank" href="http://www.thenewstribune.com/2010/10/11/1377390/sorry-sarkisian-this-one-is-all.html#ixzz125LlhPDW">writes</a>...</p>
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<p>Locker's admirable tenacity was underscored by the post-game details of his Saturday-night fever. Something about Locker wasn't right against the Sun Devils, that much was suspected. Instead of exhorting teammates between plays, as he did at USC, Locker's sole priority was to consult the formation-cue chart attached to his left forearm.</p>
<p>In any case, news of his illness was as a surprise to everybody beyond the home sideline at Husky Stadium. He toughed it out during a demoralizing defeat. But with a little help from his head coach, Locker might've had the strength to muster the UW's second fourth-quarter comeback in two weeks.</p>
<p>"We lost the element of Jake running around there," Sarkisian said. "He'd run and he couldn't catch his breath back for the entire drive. I don't think we got 100 percent of him."</p>
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<p>Todd Milles writes there could be <a target="_blank" href="http://blog.thenewstribune.com/uwsports/#ixzz125LyZzLb">changes on the offensive line</a>...</p>
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<p><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/9678/gregory-christine" class="sbn-auto-link">Gregory Christine</a> started against Arizona State, was hit with a couple of offensive-holding infractions and, in general, played mediocre. He is still listed as a co-starter, along with <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/113921/colin-porter" class="sbn-auto-link">Colin Porter</a>, who did not play at all against the Sun Devils.</p>
<p>My guess: Porter will make a strong move this week. At worst, it should be a time-share position Saturday.</p>
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<p>Milles also points to a <a target="_blank" href="http://blog.thenewstribune.com/uwsports/2010/10/10/day-after-never-on-the-fence-sarkisian-goes-for-broke/#ixzz125MDPzRY">failed fake field goal as a turning point</a>.</p>
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<p>The result? A fake field-goal attempt by holder Cody Bruns, who took off down the left sideline and fooled nobody. Two ASU defenders were there waiting to tackle him for no gain.</p>
<p>Sarkisian's explanation after the game: "It was a run-pass option. We just got put in the predicament there in such an in-between stage. It was fourth and long, and you don't have a lot of great calls in your play sheet for that. With the weather and the pre-game kicks, I didn't feel good about kicking the field goal from there. It was something in the game plan that we liked, and that we thought if we had the opportunity. But (ASU) defended it well."</p>
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<p>John Berkowitz of SB Nation's UW Dawg Pound writes that <a target="_blank" href="http://www.uwdawgpound.com/2010/10/11/1742228/the-monday-morning-wash">Locker needed help</a>...</p>
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<p>Washington wins when they score thirty or more points per game. The defense while far from exceptional has played well enough to give the team a good chance to win in four of five games. This team wins when <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/9622/jake-locker">Jake Locker</a> has a good game. It can beat better teams when he has a great one.</p>
<p>It was evident early that Jake wasn't going to win the ASU game on his own. The coaches should have relied more on a power running game that featured the running of Polk and Callier and was led by the blocking of an extra tackle and FB <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/9665/austin-sylvester" class="sbn-auto-link">Austin Sylvester</a>.</p>
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<p>Alex from SeattleSportsNet.com is <a target="_blank" href="http://seattlesportsnet.com/2010/10/10/uninspired-by-washington/">frustrated by it all</a>...</p>
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<p>How uninspiring are the Huskies right now? Forget bad. Forget inconsistent. Forget boring. They are clearly all of those things. It's their absolute inability to inspire that should drive you up the wall.</p>
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<p>As for Oregon State, <a target="_blank" href="http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/huskyfootballblog/2013128369_sunday_night_news_and_notes.html">Bob Condotta notes</a> they lost a major weapon in James Rodgers due to injury.</p>
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<p>Looking back at Saturday, passing along the update on <strong>James Rodgers</strong>, and a little more. ...</p>
<p>--- First off, OSU coach <a href="http://cliffkirkpatrick.mvourtown.com/">Mike Riley announced tonight</a> that OSU's standout receiver Rodgers is out for Saturday's game at UW after injuring his knee yesterday against Arizona. Intriguingly, the story says OSU has already clarified that if Rodgers is out for the year he could likely redshirt this season and come back next season for one more year when his broter, Jacquizz, would also be a senior.</p>
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<p>Rodgers or not, Oregon State quarterback Ryan Katz was named Pac-10 Offensive Player of the Week, <a target="_blank" href="http://www.buildingthedam.com/2010/10/11/1745134/ryan-katz-pac-10-offensive-player-of-the-week">notes SB Nation's Building The Dam</a>.</p>
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<p>Oregon St. QB <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/37418/ryan-katz">Ryan Katz</a> was named the <a href="http://www.pac-10.org/News/tabid/863/Article/213859/katz-hagan-and-anger-named-pac-10-football-players-of-the-week.aspx" target="_blank">Pac-10 Offensive Player Of The Week</a> for his 30 of 42 passing day, which produced 2 touchdowns, and 393 yards (10th. most in Oregon St. history), along with his three rushing first downs.</p>
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<p><i>For everything Oregon State Beavers, head over to SB Nation's </i><a target="_blank" href="http://www.buildingthedam.com"><i>Building The Dam</i></a><i>.</i></p>
<p><i>For everything washington Huskies, head over to SB Nation's </i><a target="_blank" href="http://www.uwdawgpound.com"><i>UW Dawg Pound</i></a><i>.</i></p>
https://seattle.sbnation.com/2010/10/11/2322414/uw-vs-oregon-state-game-week-news-and-notesBen Golliver2010-10-11T14:00:53-07:002010-10-11T14:00:53-07:00Washington Wins After Oregon State Fails Two-Point Conversion In Double OT
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<p>The Huskies rebound in a big way from the disappointing Arizona State loss to hang on and beat the Beavers.
<em>For everything Huskies, head over to SB Nation's <a href="http://www.uwdawgpound.com" target="new">UW Dawg Pound</a>.</em></p>
https://seattle.sbnation.com/washington-huskies/2010/10/11/1745208/uw-huskies-oregon-state-beavers-college-footballBrian FloydBen Golliver2010-10-10T09:36:35-07:002010-10-10T09:36:35-07:00College Football Rankings, Week 7: Oregon Ducks No. 2 In Coaches Poll
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<p>Earlier we noted that the <a target="new" href="http://seattle.sbnation.com/washington-st-cougars/2010/10/10/1741954/college-football-rankings-oregon-ducks-wasington-state-cougars-ap-poll">Oregon Ducks jumped to No. 2 in the AP Top 25 poll</a> after <a target="new" href="http://seattle.sbnation.com/washington-st-cougars/2010/10/4/1730117/wsu-cougars-oregon-ducks-news-notes-injury-report-depth-chart">defeating the Washington State University Cougars</a> in Pullman on Saturday.</p>
<p>The Ducks are similarly ranked in this week’s edition of the <a target="_blank" href="https://go.redirectingat.com?id=66960X1516590&xs=1&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.usatoday.com%2Fsports%2Fcollege%2Ffootball%2Fusatpoll.htm&referrer=sbnation.com&sref=https%3A%2F%2Fseattle.sbnation.com%2Fwashington-st-cougars%2F2010%2F10%2F10%2F1742001%2Fcollege-football-rankings-week-7-oregon-ducks-no-2-in-coaches-poll" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener"><span class="caps">USA</span> Today Coaches Poll</a>, sitting No. 2 behind No. 1 Ohio State University.</p>
<p>The other Pac-10 teams to make the Coaches Poll are Stanford (5-1) at No. 15 and Arizona (4-1) at No. 20. Oregon State was listed in the "Also Receiving Votes" category.</p>
https://seattle.sbnation.com/washington-st-cougars/2010/10/10/1742001/college-football-rankings-week-7-oregon-ducks-no-2-in-coaches-pollBen Golliver2010-10-10T09:30:21-07:002010-10-10T09:30:21-07:00College Football Rankings, Week 7: Oregon Ducks Jump To No. 2 In AP Top 25 After Win Over WSU
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<p>Another week of losses, another week with no hope of sniffing the <a href="http://espn.go.com/college-football/rankings/_/poll/1" target="_blank">AP Top 25 College Football Poll</a> for both the <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/teams/washington-huskies">Washington Huskies</a> and the Washington State University Cougars. This week, the Cougars did play a part in the very top of the poll, however.</p>
<p>The <a target="_blank" href="http://seattle.sbnation.com/washington-st-cougars/2010/10/4/1730117/wsu-cougars-oregon-ducks-news-notes-injury-report-depth-chart">Oregon Ducks, by virtue of their 43-23 win over WSU in Pullman</a> and Alabama's 35-21 loss at South Carolina, have jumped from the No. 3 spot to the No. 2 spot in the poll. The Ducks are now 6-0 on the season and looking like strong contenders to make the BCS Championship game.</p>
<p>The Pac-10 conference has four teams in the AP Top 25 this week, thanks to newcomers Oregon State. Besides Oregon, Stanford (5-1) checks in at No. 14, Arizona (4-1) sits at No. 17 and Oregon State (3-2) slides in at No. 24. </p>
<p><a target="_blank" href="http://seattle.sbnation.com/washington-huskies/2010/10/5/1733087/uw-asu-washington-arizona-state-college-football" style="color: #c8181d !important; text-decoration: none !important; background-color: transparent;">Washington lost to Arizona State, 24-14, at Husky Stadium</a> and neither team is listed as receiving votes in the poll, much less in its Top 25. </p>
<p><i>For everything Huskies, head over to SB Nation's </i><a href="http://www.uwdawgpound.com/" target="_blank"><i>UW Dawg Pound</i></a><i>.</i></p>
<p><i>For everything Cougars, check out SB Nation's </i><a href="http://www.cougcenter.com/" target="_blank"><i>CougCenter</i></a><i>.</i></p>
https://seattle.sbnation.com/2010/10/10/2322355/college-football-rankings-week-7-oregon-ducks-jump-to-no-2-in-ap-topBen Golliver2010-10-10T09:30:21-07:002010-10-10T09:30:21-07:00College Football Rankings, Week 7: Oregon Ducks Jump To No. 2 In AP Top 25 After Win Over WSU
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<p>The University of Washington Huskies and the Washington State Cougars both lost and remained on the outside of the AP Top 25, but Oregon's win over WSU jumped them up to No. 2 on the list.</p>
https://seattle.sbnation.com/washington-st-cougars/2010/10/10/1741954/college-football-rankings-oregon-ducks-wasington-state-cougars-ap-pollBrian FloydBen Golliver2010-10-09T23:30:03-07:002010-10-09T23:30:03-07:00Washington Can't Get The Offense In Gear, Falls To ASU 24-14
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<p>Seattle, WA (<a href="http://www.sportsnetwork.com/merge/tsnform.aspx?c=sportsnetwork&page=cfoot/scores/final/recap.aspx?id=27884" target="_blank">Sports Network</a>) - <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/22657/steven-threet">Steven Threet</a> threw for a pair of touchdowns and ran for another, as the Arizona State Sun Devils topped the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/teams/washington-huskies">Washington Huskies</a>, 24-14, in a Pac-10 Conference clash at Husky Stadium.</p>
<p>Threet completed 21-of-34 pass attempts for 288 yards and an interception, helping ASU (3-3, 1-2) snap a three-game slide. <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/112760/mike-willie">Mike Willie</a> was his main target, finishing with five receptions for 96 yards and a score.</p>
<p><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/9622/jake-locker">Jake Locker</a> passed for 209 yards with one touchdown and an interception for Washington (2-3, 1-1), while also rushing for a touchdown. <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/38714/chris-polk">Chris Polk</a> ran for 110 yards on 18 carries for the Huskies, who were coming off a dramatic 32-31 win over than 18th-ranked USC.</p>
<p>ASU opened the game's scoring with a four-yard touchdown pass from Threet to <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/35231/gerell-robinson">Gerell Robinson</a> midway through the opening quarter.</p>
<p>The Huskies countered with a two-yard touchdown run by Locker.</p>
<p>ASU, though, had an answer of its own and with a second left in the opening quarter, Threet plunged one yard for a score.</p>
<p>A 20-yard touchdown pass from Threet to Willie accounted for the lone points of the second quarter, as ASU took a 21-7 lead to the break.</p>
<p>Following a scoreless third quarter, Locker hooked up with <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/9628/d-andre-goodwin">D'Andre Goodwin</a> on a 15-yard scoring strike less than a minute into the final period.</p>
<p>The Sun Devils gave themselves a bigger cushion when <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/8947/thomas-weber">Thomas Weber</a> hit a 22- yard field goal with 6:32 to go. The defense would keep Washington off the board the rest of the way, as ASU claimed the 24-14 victory.</p>
https://seattle.sbnation.com/washington-huskies/2010/10/9/1741560/washington-huskies-arizona-state-sun-devils-scoreBen Golliver2010-10-09T20:08:24-07:002010-10-09T20:08:24-07:00Cougars Hang Tough But Fall To Ducks, 43-23
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<p>Pullman, WA (<a href="http://www.sportsnetwork.com/merge/tsnform.aspx?c=sportsnetwork&page=cfoot/scores/final/recap.aspx?id=27901" target="_blank">Sports Network</a>) - <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/37388/lamichael-james">LaMichael James</a> carried the ball 25 times for 136 yards and two touchdowns and also added a receiving touchdown as third- ranked Oregon outlasted Washington State, 43-23.</p>
<p><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/37379/darron-thomas">Darron Thomas</a> completed 8-of-12 passes for 153 yards and a score before leaving with an apparent shoulder injury before <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/9128/nate-costa">Nate Costa</a> came on to go 13- for-15 for 151 yards and a touchdown for the Ducks (6-0, 3-0 Pac-10), who are off to their first 6-0 start since 2002.</p>
<p><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/19264/jeff-maehl">Jeff Maehl</a> made 10 catches for 119 yards and a score while James made two grabs for 87 yards for Oregon, which has won six of the last seven meetings and now leads the all-time series, 43-38-7.</p>
<p><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/78188/jeff-tuel">Jeff Tuel</a> connected on 25-of-40 throws for 245 yards and a touchdown while <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/38537/jared-karstetter">Jared Karstetter</a> caught 10 passes for 106 yards for the Cougars (1-5, 0-3), who have lost four straight games.</p>
<p>The Ducks scored on their first possession of the game, marching 80 yards on 13 plays in less than four minutes to take the lead on James' one-yard scoring run and <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/37406/dion-jordan">Dion Jordan</a>'s run for the two-point conversion.</p>
<p>James Montgomery's 26-yard scoring run capped an eight-play, 70-yard drive that pulled the Cougars to within 8-7 with 4 1/2 minutes to go in the opening quarter.</p>
<p><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/37392/kenjon-barner">Kenjon Barner</a> fumbled on the ensuing kickoff after a hard hit and the hosts recovered at the Ducks six-yard line. The sophomore running back was down on the field for almost 10 minutes before walking off under his own power. He was then taken by ambulance to a local hospital.</p>
<p><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/9751/logwone-mitz">Logwone Mitz</a> carried to the one on the first play and then plunged in to the end zone on the next play to give the Cougars a 14-8 advantage less than a minute later.</p>
<p>The Ducks regained the lead on an 84-yard catch and run by James with just under three minutes to go in the period. <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/85885/cliff-harris">Cliff Harris</a> then brought back a punt 67 yards for a touchdown that pushed the Ducks' advantage back to eight with 8:25 to go in the half.</p>
<p>The Cougars responded with an 11-play, 48-yard drive that was finished off by <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/38516/nico-grasu">Nico Grasu</a>'s 50-yard field goal that sliced the lead to 22-17.</p>
<p>James capped off the next drive with another one-yard scoring run to give the Ducks a 29-17 lead with just under 2 1/2 minutes remaining in the half. Costa stepped in for Thomas and directed the eight-play, 83-yard march.</p>
<p>The teams traded third quarter touchdowns, as Costa ran in from 18 yards away to extend the lead to 19 before Tuel tossed an 11-yard touchdown to <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/9822/daniel-blackledge">Daniel Blackledge</a> to make it 36-23 with just over 4 1/2 minutes remaining.</p>
<p>Costa connected with Maehl on a 34-yard scoring pass 3:15 into the final quarter to complete the scoring.</p>
<p>Game Notes</p>
<p>Oregon has allowed only 13 second half points this season and none in the fourth quarter...James has 13 100-yard rushing games in his career, one shy of the all-time record set by Jonathan Stewart from 2005-07. He has now run for 2,394 yards to pass Bobby Moore and Jeremiah Johnson to move into sixth place all-time on the Ducks list...James has scored in all five games this season and has 23 touchdowns in 18 career games. Five of his last 10 touchdowns have gone for 50 yards-or-more...Maehl has 132 career catches and moved past <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/9189/ed-dickson">Ed Dickson</a>, Bob Newland and Moore into seventh place on the Ducks' all-time list. He has caught a pass in 27 straight games...Costa's 13 completions were a career-high as were his 84 yards rushing...Harris has returned three punts for touchdowns in 2010, a Ducks single-season record...Mitz carried 15 times for 55 yards while Montgomery added 50 yards on 11 totes...Blackledge caught three passes for 27 yards while <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/114044/marquess-wilson">Marquess Wilson</a> hauled in four balls for 57 yards in defeat...Washington State has lost four of the last five games in Pullman to Oregon.</p>
https://seattle.sbnation.com/washington-st-cougars/2010/10/9/1741351/washington-state-cougars-oregon-ducks-scoreBen Golliver2010-10-09T09:24:30-07:002010-10-09T09:24:30-07:00PREVIEW: Washington State Cougars Host No. 3 Oregon Ducks On Saturay
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<p><a href="http://www.sportsnetwork.com/merge/tsnform.aspx?c=sportsnetwork&page=cfoot/scores/live/preview.aspx?id=27901" target="_blank">The Sports Network</a></p>
<p>GAME NOTES: The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/teams/oregon-ducks">Oregon Ducks</a> have climbed to the third position in the most recent AP poll, and they are heavily favored in this weekend's Pac-10 Conference clash with the Washington State Cougars.</p>
<p>The Ducks got off to a bit of a slow start against Stanford last weekend, but they eventually got in gear and cruised to a 52-31 win over a very strong football team. Oregon is now 5-0 overall, including 2-0 in Pac-10 action, and all five of their wins have come by double figures. The Ducks have been explosive, scoring no fewer than 42 points in any contest.</p>
<p>As for Washington State, it has suffered three consecutive losses to fall to 1-4 overall. The lone victory to date came by one point over Montana State, an FCS program, and the four losses have all come by double figures. Last weekend, the Cougars fell to UCLA on the road by a 42-28 final.</p>
<p>Oregon owns a 42-38-7 series edge over Washington State, which includes three straight wins over the Cougars.</p>
<p>The Ducks are racking up 56.6 ppg and 569.2 total ypg, staggering numbers that undoubtedly concern Washington State heading into this weekend's affair. The strength of the Oregon offense is the ground attack, which accounts for 331.0 ypg at a clip of 6.6 ypc. The offense has already scored 31 touchdowns, and 18 have come on the ground.</p>
<p><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/37388/lamichael-james">LaMichael James</a> is a legitimate Heisman candidate, as the explosive tailback has already rushed for 712 yards and seven touchdowns despite missing one of the club's two games. <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/37379/darron-thomas">Darron Thomas</a>, the team's quarterback, has played like a proven veteran, rushing for 219 yards and two scores while passing for 1,060 yards with 13 touchdowns and five interceptions. <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/19264/jeff-maehl">Jeff Maehl</a> has made 21 catches for 304 yards and four touchdowns.</p>
<p>The Ducks rolled up 626 total yards against Stanford last week, a truly exceptional performance. James rushed for 257 yards and three touchdowns on 31 carries, while Thomas added 117 yards and a score on the ground. As a passer, Thomas threw for 238 yards and three touchdowns, overshadowing a pair of interceptions.</p>
<p>"He is a leader every week," says James of Thomas. "When he throws a pick, he bounces back. The thing about him is that he is happier when someone else scores a touchdown than when he does."</p>
<p>Opponents are only managing 15.0 ppg against the Ducks, so while the offense gets all of the attention, the team's defense is obvious formidable as well. Oregon is yielding a mere 3.7 yards per rushing attempt and has posted 11 interceptions versus just five touchdown passes allowed. <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/85885/cliff-harris">Cliff Harris</a> has registered four of the 11 picks.</p>
<p>Stanford is one of the better offensive teams in the nation, so the Oregon defensive stats took a bit of a hit last week. The Ducks permitted 518 total yards and four touchdowns, as the defense spent over 33 minutes on the field. Fortunately, the level of competition isn't nearly as high this weekend.</p>
<p>"Our defense did a great job of making adjustments," said head coach Chip Kelly, whose Ducks blanked the Cardinal in the second half. "That's a really good football team (Stanford). They will be a force down the road."</p>
<p>Washington State is scoring 21.0 ppg while posting 339.4 total ypg through the first five outings of this campaign. The Cougars have been unsuccessful running the football, as they are averaging 86.0 ypg at a clip of 2.7 yards per carry. Of the 13 touchdowns scored by the offense, just four have come on the ground. Therefore, a great deal of pressure has fallen on the passing game.</p>
<p>Quarterback <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/78188/jeff-tuel">Jeff Tuel</a> has completed 57.0 percent of his passes for 1,233 yards with eight touchdowns and only four interceptions. Wide receiver <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/114044/marquess-wilson">Marquess Wilson</a> registered his third game of more than 100 receiving yards last week at UCLA (118 yards), making him just the second freshman wideout in school history to post multiple 100-yard games in a single season. Tuel completed 20- of-37 passes against UCLA for 311 yards and two scores with no picks.</p>
<p>"We fought and we played like a Pac-10 football team today," said head coach Paul Wulff. "We haven't done that before. It's a tribute to their mission for four quarters and their effort. So there was some growing up out there obviously. There were a lot of really good things that we can work on."</p>
<p>Defensively, the Cougars have struggled mightily, permitting 42.8 ppg and 509.8 total ypg to opponents. They have been consistently weak throughout the course of games, having permitted cumulative totals of 58, 55, 59 and 42 points in the four quarters of their games. Washington State is being victimized for 6.5 yards per rushing attempt and 12.2 yards per pass completion.</p>
<p>Last week, WSU permitted UCLA to make good on 8-of-14 third-down conversion attempts and hold the ball for nearly 35 minutes. The Cougars gave up 565 total yards and surrendered five rushing touchdowns.</p>
<p>There is no reason to expect anything other than a blowout by the Ducks. Oregon is far superior to Washington State in all aspects of the game.</p>
<p>Sports Network Predicted Outcome: Oregon 63, Washington State 14</p>
https://seattle.sbnation.com/washington-st-cougars/2010/10/9/1740414/preview-washington-state-cougars-host-no-3-oregon-ducks-on-saturayBen Golliver2010-10-09T09:21:23-07:002010-10-09T09:21:23-07:00PREVIEW: Washington Huskies Host Arizona State Sun Devils Saturday
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<p><a href="http://www.sportsnetwork.com/merge/tsnform.aspx?c=sportsnetwork&page=cfoot/scores/live/preview.aspx?id=27884" target="_blank">Sports Network</a></p>
<p>DATE & TIME: Saturday, October 9th, 7:00 p.m.</p>
<p>FACTS & STATS: Site: Husky Stadium (72,500) -- Seattle, Washington. Television: FSN-NW. Home Record: ASU 2-1, Washington 1-1. Away Record: ASU 0-2, Washington 1-1. Neutral Record: ASU 0-0, Washington 0-0. Conference Record: ASU 0-2, Washington 1-0. Series Record: Washington leads, 15-14.</p>
<p>GAME NOTES: The Arizona State Sun Devils will look to even up the all-time series against Washington this weekend when they head to Husky Stadium for a Pac-10 Conference clash.</p>
<p>Washington holds a slim 15-14 edge in the head-to-head series, although ASU notched a 24-17 victory on a touchdown pass in the final seconds when these teams met last year. The Sun Devils are seeking a seventh straight victory against Washington.</p>
<p>The Sun Devils are coming off their third straight loss last weekend, a 31-28 setback at Oregon State. They are in the midst of a three-game road trip that won't see them play another home game until October 30th, a span of 34 games. Next up following this tilt, ASU will have an off week and then hit the road again to face California on October 23rd.</p>
<p>Washington is coming off a dramatic 32-31 win over 18th-ranked USC thanks to <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/9630/erik-folk">Erik Folk</a>'s 32-yard field goal on the final play. In fact, it was the second straight year that Folk beat USC on a last-second field goal. The Huskies are looking to string together back-to-back victories for the first time this season.</p>
<p>Despite their win-loss record, the Sun Devils remain capable of picking up huge chunks of yardage on offense. Currently, they are posting 34.6 ppg and rank 9th nationally in passing offense (301.2 ypg) and 17th in total offense (468.8 ypg). Stephen Threet remains the top passer in the Pac-10 despite being bottled up by Oregon State last week, as he was held to 14-of-29 passing for 203 yards and a touchdown. He also threw three interceptions and was sacked six times. Freshman running back <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/112762/deantre-lewis">Deantre Lewis</a> went for 104 yards on the ground, marking his third straight game over the century mark. The last time an ASU running back went over 100 yards in three straight games was back in 2003. Look for the Sun Devils to continue mixing in Lewis to the game plan in order to keep the Huskies from pinning their ears back at Threet.</p>
<p>Defensively, ASU ranks in the middle of the Pac-10 in total defense (fifth) and scoring defense (seventh). Oregon and Oregon State have posted a combined 73 points on the Sun Devils over the last two weeks. Last week, they surrendered 416 yards against OSU, including 154 on the ground and two touchdowns by Beavers' running back <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/37413/jacquizz-rodgers">Jacquizz Rodgers</a>. Quarterback <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/37418/ryan-katz">Ryan Katz</a> notched 260 yards passing and two TDs against the ASU secondary. The Sun Devils have not generated many turnovers thus far, as they currently rank 117th in the nation in turnover margin (minus-1.4). Opposing quarterbacks have often had ample time to operate in the pocket, with ASU ranking 107th in the nation in sacks (1.00). Defensive coordinator Craig Bray must be cautious about when to dial up blitzes, as Huskies' quarterback <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/9622/jake-locker">Jake Locker</a> is one of the more sound decision-makers in the nation.</p>
<p>Locker threw for 310 yards and also ran for 110 last week at USC. It was the breakout game of the year so far for Locker, who is completing only 53.8 percent of his passes while averaging 234 passing yards per contest. He has thrown seven touchdowns and only two interceptions. Locker has developed nice chemistry with <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/38722/jermaine-kearse">Jermaine Kearse</a>, who is tallying 107.5 receiving yards per game, tops among Pac-10 wideouts. In the backfield, <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/38714/chris-polk">Chris Polk</a> has amassed 356 rushing yards and three scores on 66 carries (5.4 ypc). Once the Huskies get into the red zone, they have been ultra-efficient. In fact, they are one of only five FBS teams that has converted every red-zone opportunity on the season (13-for-13; eight TDs, five FGs).</p>
<p>The Washington defense has been a leaky unit, to say the least. Entering this bout, the Huskies are giving up 32.5 points per game and rank 107th in the nation in total defense (440.25 ypg). They've been particularly generous against the run, having allowed 234.75 yards per game to opposing ground games. Last week's effort against USC was not a dominant one by any means, though it was a marked improvement from the previous week in which the Huskies gave up 56 points against Nebraska. They held the Trojans to 186 passing yards, however the USC rushing attack racked up 298 yards (7.6 ypc) and four touchdowns as a team. The lone bright spot on that side of the ball has been senior linebacker <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/38735/mason-foster">Mason Foster</a>, who leads the Pac-10 with 12 tackles per game on the season.</p>
<p>Barring a vast improvement in a one-week timeframe, it's tough to imagine the Huskies keeping ASU's potent offense in check. But if the game remains close, keep an eye on special teams, as ASU ranks 10th in the nation in net punting and second in kickoff return average.</p>
<p>Sports Network Predicted Outcome: Arizona State 44, Washington 31</p>
https://seattle.sbnation.com/washington-huskies/2010/10/9/1740407/washington-huskies-arizona-state-sun-devils-football-previewBen Golliver2010-10-07T16:08:18-07:002010-10-07T16:08:18-07:00Tony Wroten Jr. Picks Washington: Recruitment Retrospective
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<p>Earlier this afternoon, class of 2011 basketball prospect <a target="_blank" href="http://seattle.sbnation.com/washington-huskies/2010/10/7/1737241/tony-wroten-jr-picks-washington-huskies-louisville-cardinals">Tony Wroten Jr. made it official by verbally committing</a> to the University of Washington at a press conference at Garfield High School.</p>
<p>It's been a long recruiting road for the brash Wroten, who worked his way back onto the national scene after a serious knee injury suffered during a high school football game. </p>
<p>Here's a quick look back at some of the highlights over the last few months of Tony Wroten Jr.'s basketball recruitment.</p>
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<li><span style="line-height: 16px; font-size: 12px; ">In August, Wroten's friend, <a target="_blank" href="http://seattle.sbnation.com/2010/9/6/1673604/hikeem-stewart-commits-uw-verbal-prospect-basketball">Hikeem Stewart, committed to the Huskies</a>. Stewart immediately said he would try to <a target="_blank" href="http://seattle.sbnation.com/2010/9/6/1673719/hikeem-stewart-verbal-commit-washington-tony-wroten-jabari-brown">bring Wroten with him to UW</a>.</span></li>
<li><span style="line-height: 16px; font-size: 12px; ">In early September, <a target="_blank" href="http://seattle.sbnation.com/2010/9/6/1673831/tony-wroten-commit-decision-announce">Wroten finally put a timetable on his decision</a> and, by deciding today, he did stick to that initial timetable. </span></li>
<li><span style="line-height: 16px; font-size: 12px; ">Soon after releasing the vague timetable, <a target="_blank" href="http://seattle.sbnation.com/2010/9/7/1674649/tony-wroten-list-college-basketball-recruit-seattle-commit">Wroten cut his list to five schools</a>, including Kentucky.</span></li>
<li><span style="line-height: 16px; font-size: 12px; ">Despite <a target="_blank" href="http://seattle.sbnation.com/2010/9/7/1675792/tony-wroten-recruiting-ranking-national-class-of-2011">not receiving love from the national rankings</a>, Wroten put together <a target="_blank" href="http://seattle.sbnation.com/2010/9/12/1684658/tony-wroten-jr-fall-league">highlight reel plays</a> during fall basketball.</span></li>
<li><span style="line-height: 16px; font-size: 12px; ">On Sept. 23, <a target="_blank" href="http://seattle.sbnation.com/washington-huskies/2010/9/23/1707584/tony-wroten-jr-college-announcement-louisville-kentucky-washington">Wroten chose the date and place for his announcement</a>: Oct. 7 at Garfield High School.</span></li>
<li><span style="line-height: 16px; font-size: 12px; ">On Sept 26, <a target="_blank" href="http://seattle.sbnation.com/washington-huskies/2010/9/26/1712890/tony-wroten-louisville-basketball-recruit-2011">Wroten visited Lousville</a>, considered one of the top favorites to land him, and he <a target="_blank" href="http://seattle.sbnation.com/washington-huskies/2010/9/28/1717021/tony-wroten-jr-basketball-recruiting-update-more-louisville-love">really enjoyed the trip</a>.</span></li>
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<span style="line-height: 16px; font-size: 12px; ">The next day, </span><span style="line-height: 16px; font-size: 12px; "><a target="_blank" href="http://seattle.sbnation.com/washington-huskies/2010/9/27/1716135/tony-wroten-recruiting-update-top-5-kentucky-washington-seattle-louisville-uconn-villanova">Wroten replaced the University of Kentucky with Seattle University</a></span><span style="line-height: 16px; font-size: 12px; "> on his final five list, apparently because John Calipari had stopped recruiting him. Shortly thereafter, he <a target="_blank" href="http://seattle.sbnation.com/washington-huskies/2010/9/29/1719379/tony-wroten-jr-basketball-recruiting-seattle-university-visit">enjoyed a visit with Seattle U</a>.</span>
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<li><span style="line-height: 16px; font-size: 12px; ">At the end of last month, word circulated that Wroten had narrowed his list of five schools down to a final two contenders: <a target="_blank" href="http://seattle.sbnation.com/washington-huskies/2010/9/30/1723843/tony-wroten-jr-list-cut-louisville-washington-basketball-recruiting-2011">Washington and Louisville</a>. Wroten said he was <a target="_blank" href="http://seattle.sbnation.com/washington-huskies/2010/10/2/1727110/tony-wroten-louisville-washington-50-50-basketball-recruiting">split 50/50</a> on the two schools.</span></li>
<li><span style="line-height: 16px; font-size: 12px; ">As announcement day approached, <a target="_blank" href="http://seattle.sbnation.com/washington-huskies/2010/10/6/1735638/tony-wroten-decision-commitment-jabari-brown-louisville-washington">Wroten teased fans in a live chat</a> but <a target="_blank" href="http://seattle.sbnation.com/washington-huskies/2010/10/7/1736680/tony-wroten-washington-huskies-louisville-cardinals-college-pick">analysts still believed he was likely to commit to the hometown Huskies</a>.</span></li>
<li><span style="line-height: 16px; font-size: 12px; ">Briefly, rumors circulated that <a target="_blank" href="http://seattle.sbnation.com/washington-huskies/2010/10/7/1736794/tony-wroten-jr-jabari-brown-commit-uw-recruits">Wroten and fellow class of 2011 guard Jabari Brown</a> might be a package deal to Washington, but <a target="_blank" href="http://seattle.sbnation.com/washington-huskies/2010/10/7/1737232/jabari-brown-picks-oregon-ducks-dana-altman">Brown chose Oregon</a> in a <a target="_blank" href="http://seattle.sbnation.com/washington-huskies/2010/10/7/1737298/video-jabari-brown-commits-oregon-ducks-dana-altman">live ESPNU broadcast</a>.</span></li>
<li><span style="line-height: 16px; font-size: 12px; ">Finally, on Oct. 7 and at Garfield High School as promised, <a target="_blank" href="http://seattle.sbnation.com/washington-huskies/2010/10/7/1737241/tony-wroten-jr-picks-washington-huskies-louisville-cardinals">Tony Wroten Jr. committed to Washington</a>.</span></li>
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<p><em>For more on UW basketball, check out SB Nation's <a href="http://www.uwdawgpound.com/" target="new">UW Dawg Pound</a>.</em></p>
https://seattle.sbnation.com/washington-huskies/2010/10/7/1737422/tony-wroten-picks-uw-washington-huskies-basketball-recruitBen Golliver