Happy Friday y'all. In today's DTP we explore Washington's new defense, Oregon's most important player, Wazzu's bowl chances and OSU coach Mike Riley's feelings on early enrollees.
UW Defensive Review
The guys over at UW Dawg Pound took a look at the Washington defense yesterday, reviewing how things are playing out at each position so far.
One thing they touched on really stood out to us: they mentioned that players are saying the new coaches are "less animated, and more into taking the time to go in depth to explain how they want things."
We found this particularly interesting because in addition to being a dramatic change in style, it would appear it is a departure in philosophy by Steve Sarkisian. Though we haven't witnessed it first hand under the new defensive staff, we do know that Sark has applied much of what he learned under Pete Carroll while at USC to his own team at Washington. That includes high tempo, high energy, up-beat practices. They are a philosophical staple under Carroll, and had been under Sark as well.
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Kenjon Barner Oregon's "Most Important' Player?
ESPN's Ted Miller is going team-by-team and ranking the "most important' individual player for each squad in the conference. Miller defines "most important player" as "players who could swing a win total one way or the other, based on their living up to expectations. Or their absence."
While we agree Barner is critical to the Ducks' success in 2012, we tend to think the Duck's would be just fine without Barner. We feel De'Anthony Thomas would be able to carry the load if push came to shove. We think that Bryan Bennett and Marcus Mariota are probably more important for Oregon. You can't do much of what the Ducks like to do without a solid cog at the QB position. Just our two cents.
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WSU's Bowl Chances
Also from ESPN's Ted Miller, a recent interview on Seattle's 710ESPN radio. Miller discussed some topics relating to Washington State football, including discipline, the QB competition and more.
Notably, Miller tempered some of the more optimistic Cougar fan's enthusiasm, saying that he doesn't see them making a huge jump in the win-column because of some question marks up front and on defense, but does see them making a bowl this year - which is music to any Cougar fan's ears.
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Mike Riley Not A Fan Of Early Enrollees
Though he currently has one participating in spring practice, Oregon State head coach Mike Riley is not a fan of early enrollees.
The popularity of enrolling early has increased over the last decade or so, as true freshman have been becoming impact players at an increasing rate. It's always an interesting debate, and Riley's openness about the topic was refreshing.
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To join in on the discussion and find more great college football commentary and analysis, follow the Huskies at UW Dawg Pound, the Cougars at Coug Center, the Ducks at Addicted to Quack, and the Beavers at Building the Dam.