SB Nation Seattle: All Posts by Nikil Selvamhttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/48997/seattle-fave.png2011-11-22T18:56:05-08:00https://seattle.sbnation.com/authors/nikil-selvam/rss2011-11-22T18:56:05-08:002011-11-22T18:56:05-08:00Apple Cup 2011: Keith Price, Marshall Lobbestael Provide Interesting Quarterback Subplots To Rivalry Game
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<p>Saturday's Apple Cup will feature the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/teams/washington-huskies">Washington Huskies</a> and <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/teams/washington-st-cougars">Washington St. Cougars</a> in a state rivalry game that will have have players, students and alumni on both sides fired up. Beyond this, the game will also feature two interesting subplots involving starting quarterbacks <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/86098/keith-price">Keith Price</a> and <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/9723/marshall-lobbestael">Marshall Lobbestael</a>.</p>
<p>On Saturday, Price will have the opportunity to break the Husky touchdown passing record set by Cody Pickett at 28 back in 2001. Price currently has 26 touchdowns on the season and needs only three more to set the new school record. He has cooled off since a sizzling early-season stretch that saw him toss 21 touchdowns through Washington's first six games, but Price could replicate his early season three- or four-touchdown performances in this wild rivalry game and emerge as a new record holder.</p>
<p>Lobbestael, meanwhile, will play his final regular season game with the Cougars as a senior. The last time Lobbestael saw the field, he proceeded to get benched early on in WSU's game against the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/teams/arizona-st-sun-devils">Arizona St. Sun Devils</a>. Freshman <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/114012/connor-halliday">Connor Halliday</a> took over at quarterback and threw for an impressive 494 yards and four touchdowns. Saturday's game gives Lobbestael a chance to rewrite the final chapter of his Cougar career and end it on a positive note.</p>
<p><b>For more on the Huskies, check out </b><a href="http://www.uwdawgpound.com/"><b><i>UW Dawg Pound</i></b></a><b><i>. For more on the </i></b><b><i>Washington</i></b><b><i> </i></b><b><i>State</i></b><b><i> Cougars, visit <a href="http://www.cougcenter.com/">CougCenter</a>.</i></b></p>
https://seattle.sbnation.com/washington-huskies/2011/11/22/2581943/apple-cup-2011-washington-huskies-washington-state-wsu-cougars-keith-price-marshall-lobbestaelNikil Selvam2011-11-22T18:26:12-08:002011-11-22T18:26:12-08:00Hawaii Point Shaving Allegation Makes Strange End Of Washington-Hawaii Football Game Even More Interesting
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<p>Remember the strange two-point defensive conversion off of a blocked kick at the end of the Washington-Hawaii game this season? That play just got even stranger with the recent allegation of point-shaving against the Hawaii Warriors.</p> <p>The University of Hawaii football team is being investigated for point shaving following an anonymous tip from a team players. The allegation adds further intrigue to the peculiar end of the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/teams/washington-huskies">Washington Huskies</a>-<a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/teams/hawaii-warriors">Hawaii Warriors</a> game back in Week Two of the college football season.</p>
<p>The Huskies were favored by four points entering the contest and ended up winning the game by eight points, 40-32. The final meaningful sequence of the game, however, featured a block on an extra point by Hawaii's kicker <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/136935/kenton-chun">Kenton Chun</a> that was returned for a two-point defensive conversion by <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/89462/desmond-trufant">Desmond Trufant</a>.</p>
<p>The play itself- a blocked PAT that leads to a two-point defensive conversion- is rare in football. The sequence becomes even more interesting in light of the current Hawaii investigation.</p>
<p>Information about the alleged point-shaving and which games that it may have occurred in have not been disclosed yet. <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/2011/11/22/2581746/hawaii-football-point-shaving-investigation">SB Nation</a>, however, points out the peculiarity of Hawaii's entire play this season with help from VegasInsider.com:</p>
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<p>According to <a href="http://www.vegasinsider.com/college-football/teams/team-page.cfm/team/hawaii-manoa"><b>VegasInsider.com</b></a>, they're 3-7-1 against the spread this season. To put that into perspective, <a href="http://www.vegasinsider.com/college-football/against-the-spread/"><b>only three teams in the entire nation</b></a> (Florida Atlantic, Maryland and Central Michigan) have won fewer games against the spread all year. </p>
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https://seattle.sbnation.com/washington-huskies/2011/11/22/2581873/hawaii-warriors-point-shaving-allegation-ncaa-investigation-washington-huskies-2011-desmond-trufantNikil Selvam2011-11-21T20:25:20-08:002011-11-21T20:25:20-08:00LaMichael James Named Doak Walker Award Finalist
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<p><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/teams/oregon-ducks">Oregon Ducks</a> running back <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/37388/lamichael-james">LaMichael James</a> was named a Doak Walker Award finalist on Monday, <a href="http://espn.go.com/blog/pac12/post/_/id/30170/pac-12-finalists-for-major-awards">according to an ESPN report</a>. The award, which is presented to the best running back in the country each year, has been a college football staple 1990. James won the award last year and could become the first repeat winner since <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/9961/darren-mcfadden">Darren McFadden</a> (2006-2007).</p>
<p>James' numbers are down slightly from last year's totals of 1,731 yards and 21 touchdowns. He has missed two games this season but has still recorded impressive totals of 1,285 yards and 13 touchdowns. While his overall stats are down from a year ago, he has proven to be a much more efficient runner this season (7.4 yards per carry in 2011 vs. 5.9 yards per carry in 2010).</p>
<p>The other two finalists are Wisconsin's <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/77778/montee-ball">Montee Ball</a> and Alabama's <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/78256/trent-richardson">Trent Richardson</a>. Ball has recorded 1,466 yards and 25 touchdowns this season while Richardson has recorded 1,380 yards and 20 touchdowns. The winner will be announced live via The Home Depot College Football Awards, which will be broadcast on ESPN on Dec. 8<sup>th</sup>. </p>
https://seattle.sbnation.com/2011/11/21/2579711/oregon-ducks-lamichael-james-doak-walker-award-finalist-trent-richardson-montee-ball-repeatNikil Selvam2011-11-21T18:29:16-08:002011-11-21T18:29:16-08:00Connor Halliday Injury Update: WSU QB Leaves Intensive Care Unit After Suffering Lacerated Liver
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<p><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/teams/washington-st-cougars">Washington St. Cougars</a> quarterback <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/114012/connor-halliday">Connor Halliday</a> suffered a lacerated liver during Saturday's 30-27 overtime loss to the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/teams/utah-utes">Utah Utes</a> and was placed in the Intensive Care Unit at a Pullman hospital afterwards. The team announced on Monday that Halliday has been released from the ICU but will stay at the hospital overnight.</p>
<p>Halliday will not be able to participate in Saturday's Apple Cup against the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/teams/washington-huskies">Washington Huskies</a>, but his release from the ICU is welcome news. The young freshman handled quarterback duties for two straight games and posted respectable totals of 784 passing yards, six touchdowns and four interceptions.</p>
<p>Washington State reported that Halliday remains in stable condition following Saturday's injury. The Cougars play rival Washington this weekend and look to avenge last season's 35-28 loss to the Huskies. The Apple Bowl will be held at Washington this year, where the Cougars and Huskies have split the last two meetings.</p>
<p><b><i>For more on the Washington State Cougars, visit <a href="http://www.cougcenter.com/">CougCenter</a>.</i></b></p>
https://seattle.sbnation.com/washington-st-cougars/2011/11/21/2579473/connor-halliday-injury-update-wsu-football-lacerated-liver-washington-huskies-apple-cupNikil Selvam2011-11-21T18:05:01-08:002011-11-21T18:05:01-08:00Connor Halliday Injury Update: WSU QB Out For Apple Cup With Lacerated Liver
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<p>Washington State QB Connnor Halliday suffered a lacerated liver and will not play in the Apple Cup.</p>
https://seattle.sbnation.com/washington-st-cougars/2011/11/21/2579426/washington-state-qb-connor-halliday-suffers-lacerated-liver-againstNikil SelvamErnie Pomin2011-11-20T08:00:42-08:002011-11-20T08:00:42-08:00Seahawks Vs. Rams: Time, TV Schedule, Radio And More
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<p>The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.fieldgulls.com/">Seattle Seahawks</a> face off against the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/st-louis-rams">St. Louis Rams</a> in the first meeting of the season between these two NFC West teams. Both squads posted wins last week and both will look for their first winning streaks of the year on Sunday. </p>
<p>Seattle beat the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.baltimorebeatdown.com/">Baltimore Ravens</a> 22-17 at home last weekend to snap a three-game losing streak. Receivers Sidney Rice and <span>Doug Baldwin</span> sustained head injuries last week but should play in this game.</p>
<p>Following is TV and radio information for Sunday's game:</p>
<p><b>Game Date/Time:</b> Sunday, November 20; 1:05 p.m. PT</p>
<p><b>Location:</b> Edward Jones Dome; St. Louis, Missouri</p>
<p><b>Records:</b> Seahawks ( 3-6); Rams (2-7)</p>
<p><b>TV:</b> FOX. Announcers: Chris Myers, Tim Ryan, Jaime Maggio</p>
<p><b>Radio: </b>710 ESPN Radio & 97.3 FM. Announcers: Steve Raible (play-by-play); Warren Moon (commentary); Jen Mueller (sideline)</p>
<p><b>Betting Line:</b> <a href="http://oddsshark.com/nfl/odds">According to OddsShark</a>, the Seahawks are three-point favorites.</p>
<p>Online Coverage: Check out <a href="http://www.fieldgulls.com/">Field Gulls </a>for all of your Seahawks news. Hope on over to <a href="http://www.turfshowtimes.com/">Turf Toe Times</a> for more news on the Rams.</p>
https://seattle.sbnation.com/seattle-seahawks/2011/11/20/2574050/seattle-swahawks-st-louis-rams-tv-radio-schedule-oddsNikil Selvam2011-11-19T16:41:36-08:002011-11-19T16:41:36-08:00Washington State Vs. Utah Score Update: Cougars And Utes All Tied Up At 10-10 Heading Into Fourth Quarter
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<p>The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/teams/washington-st-cougars">Washington St. Cougars</a> and <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/teams/utah-utes">Utah Utes</a> continued their streaky play in the third quarter of Saturday's game as the two sides notched one field goal each. The Cougars and Utes are tied 10-10 heading into the game's final quarter.</p>
<p>Utah received the kickoff to begin the second half but fumbled the ball away on the second play from scrimmage to return possession to the Cougars. The Utes fumbled again later on in the third quarter, and Washington State took advantage with a 20-yard field goal by <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/114027/andrew-furney">Andrew Furney</a>. The Utes countered with a 33-yard field goal by Coleman Petersen on their following drive, tying the game at 10-10.</p>
<p>Utah begins the fourth quarter with possession at the Cougar 28-yard line. The Utes are in position to put points on the board early in the fourth quarter: neither team has had much success in generating offense this season, and the team that scores a touchdown first in this final period could ultimately emerge victorious in this Pac-12 battle. </p>
https://seattle.sbnation.com/2011/11/19/2574343/washington-state-wsu-cougars-utah-utes-score-update-fourth-quarterNikil Selvam2011-11-19T15:43:07-08:002011-11-19T15:43:07-08:00Washington State Vs. Utah Score Update: Cougars And Utes Score Late, Enter Halftime Tied 7-7
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<p>The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/teams/washington-st-cougars">Washington St. Cougars</a> and <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/teams/utah-utes">Utah Utes</a> came alive offensively in the final two minutes of the second quarter to break a scoreless game open. Though quarterback <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/114012/connor-halliday">Connor Halliday</a> tossed another interception in the second period to bring his first half total to three picks, he also tossed a touchdown pass to pull his Cougars into a 7-7 tie at halftime.</p>
<p>The majority of the second quarter played out the same way that the first quarter did: not much movement on offense followed by lots of punts. The two squads combined for five more punts in the second quarter after punting five times in the first quarter as well.</p>
<p>The Utes finally broke out of their offensive slump with under two minutes left on a fake play. Punter <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/38387/sean-sellwood">Sean Sellwood</a> came out on the field on 4<sup>th</sup>-and-9. Sellwood faked the punt and instead tossed the ball to <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/38376/luke-matthews">Luke Matthews</a>, who proceeded to take the ball 49 yards down the field for a score.</p>
<p>Halilday responded by leading Washington State 77 yards down the field for the Cougars' first score. Halliday completed four passes of 14, 24 and 28 yards to quickly storm down the field, and he capped off the drive with a six-yard touchdown pass to <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/114044/marquess-wilson">Marquess Wilson</a> with 0:33 left in the game's opening half.</p>
<p>The two teams enter halftime tied 7-7. Utah will receive the kickoff to start the second half.</p>
https://seattle.sbnation.com/2011/11/19/2574251/washington-state-wsu-cougars-utah-utes-halftime-connor-halliday-marquess-wilson-sean-sellwoodNikil Selvam2011-11-19T14:53:30-08:002011-11-19T14:53:30-08:00Washington State Vs. Utah Score Update: Connor Halliday Throws Two Picks In First Quarter, Teams Tied 0-0
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<p>The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/teams/washington-st-cougars">Washington St. Cougars</a> look to build on last week's impressive 37-27 win over the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/teams/arizona-st-sun-devils">Arizona St. Sun Devils</a> with a victory over the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/teams/utah-utes">Utah Utes</a> at home. Through one quarter, the Cougars are on the right rack and lead 7-0.</p>
<p>The Cougars received the game's opening kickoff but both teams struggled to piece together long offensive drives. Neither team marched further than 31 yards down the field on their opening possession, and the two sides followed up back-to-back punts with back-to-back three-and-outs.</p>
<p>Washington State created an opportunity when the Cougars received the ball back with 7:53 left in the period. The Cougars reached Utah's 35-yard line, but an interception of Washington State quarterback <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/114012/connor-halliday">Connor Halliday</a> by <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/136399/eric-rowe">Eric Rowe</a> gave the ball back to Utah and kept the game scoreless.</p>
<p><a href="http://On%20Washington%20State%E2%80%99s%20final%20possession%20of%20the%20quarter,%20Halliday%20threw%20another%20interception-%20this%20time%20to%20Brian%20Blechen-%20to%20give%20Utah%20favorable%20field%20position%20at%20the%20Utah%2039-yard%20line%20with%202:06%20left.%20The%20Cougars%20defense%20has%20stepped%20up,%20however,%20and%20the%20second%20quarter%20will%20open%20up%20with%20Utah%20pinned%20back%20near%20its%20own%2020-yard%20line."></a></p>
<p>On Washington State's final possession of the quarter, Halliday threw another interception- this time to <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/114714/brian-blechen">Brian Blechen</a>- to give Utah favorable field position at the Utah 39-yard line with 2:06 left. The Cougars defense has stepped up, however, and the second quarter will open up with Utah pinned back near its own 20-yard line.</p>
https://seattle.sbnation.com/2011/11/19/2574167/washington-state-wsu-cougars-utah-utes-score-update-first-quarter-connor-halliday-Nikil Selvam2011-11-16T19:24:04-08:002011-11-16T19:24:04-08:00Oregon Vs. USC: De’Anthony Thomas Reflects On Choosing Ducks, Almost Playing For Trojans
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<p>Freshman <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/136017/de-anthony-thomas" class="sbn-auto-link">De'Anthony Thomas</a> was all set to play for the <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/teams/usc-trojans" class="sbn-auto-link">USC Trojans</a> after making a commitment to the Trojans coaching staff during his junior year of high school. Things changed, however, and Thomas chose to play for the <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/teams/oregon-ducks" class="sbn-auto-link">Oregon Ducks</a> instead before signing day during his senior year, completing a change that moved the Crenshaw High School football star from his location in Southern California to much quieter Oregon.</p>
<p>On Saturday, Thomas will face off against the Trojans in a game that can only help remind him of his past decision. <a href="http://www.latimes.com/sports/la-sp-1117-deanthony-thomas-20111117,0,3486118,full.story">David Wharton of the LA Times relived Thomas' journey to becoming a Duck </a>with the young star himself. Asked about his choice, Thomas had this to say: "I just felt comfortable here. I was surprised."</p>
<p>After USC parted ways with running backs coach Todd McNair- Thomas' sole close contact on the coaching staff- Thomas began thinking about possibly playing elsewhere. His quest led him to reach out to Oregon, who at the time hadn't even considered recruiting Thomas due to his commitment to USC.</p>
<p>One visit later- which included time with Chip Kelly and the coaching staff, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/37379/darron-thomas" class="sbn-auto-link">Darron Thomas</a>, Lamichael James and his host Kenjon Barner- Thomas left feeling good about becoming a Duck.</p>
<p>Thomas has since become a rising star on Oregon's offense. He leads the Ducks in receiving with 423 yards on 27 receptions and is also tied for most touchdowns with James at 13.</p>
<p>Now he faces the team that he almost played for in a match-up that Oregon needs to win to keep its Pac-12 and BCS hopes alive. The next fitting chapter in his journey may be a big game against the very Trojans that he grew up watching in Southern California.</p>
https://seattle.sbnation.com/2011/11/16/2567932/oregon-ducks-usc-trojans-deanthony-thomas-crenshaw-lamichael-james-kenjon-barner-todd-mcnairNikil Selvam