SB Nation Seattle - Washington vs. Southern California: Huskies fall to .500 with tough loss to Trojanshttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/48997/seattle-fave.png2012-10-15T18:00:58-07:00http://seattle.sbnation.com/rss/stream/32581452012-10-15T18:00:58-07:002012-10-15T18:00:58-07:00Coach Sarkisian stands by Price despite turnovers
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<p>Huskies coach Steve Sarkisian had some words of support for his quarterback on his weekly press conference.</p> <p><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/teams/washington-huskies">Washington Huskies</a> coach Steve Sarkisian got behind his recently turnover plagued quarterback <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/86098/keith-price">Keith Price</a> <a href="http://seattletimes.com/html/huskyfootballblog/2019438426_steve_sarkisian_on_keith_price.html" target="_blank">on Monday, saying</a> he "thinks he's on the right path to get back to the kind of football that he's been playing."</p>
<p>Price struggled in last week's 24-14 home loss to the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/teams/usc-trojans">USC Trojans</a>. Price finished 20-for-28 for 198 yards and two touchdowns, but he also threw two interceptions and had two lost fumbles at inopportune times.</p>
<p><a href="http://seattletimes.com/html/huskyfootball/2019426524_huskyfootball14.html" target="_blank">Price was visibly upset</a> after the loss and shouldered the blame for it.</p>
<p>"There were plays where I just tried to do too much and it cost my team, and it cost my team a loss," he said.</p>
<p>His first fumbled was on a second-and-goal play from the 3-yard line with close to 11 minutes left in the fourth quarter and the Huskies down 24-14. His second fumble occurred on USC's 33-yard line with a shade over two minutes remaining and was the nail in the coffin of the Huskies last week.</p>
<p><a href="http://seattletimes.com/html/huskyfootballblog/2019438426_steve_sarkisian_on_keith_price.html" target="_blank">As Bob Condotta of the Seattle Times reports</a>, Price did a lot of good things in the game, but Sarkisian acknowledged that the more memorable plays will be the mistakes. He also said that Price has to have better ball security.</p>
<p>It wasn't all bad though. Sarkisian said he thought "there was a lot of the old Keith price that showed up."</p>
https://seattle.sbnation.com/washington-huskies/2012/10/15/3509296/coach-sarkisian-keith-price-is-on-right-the-right-pathPeter Woodbrook2012-10-13T19:42:42-07:002012-10-13T19:42:42-07:00Washington vs. USC final: Huskies lose 24-14
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<p>The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/teams/usc-trojans">USC Trojans</a> beat the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/teams/washington-huskies">Washington Huskies</a> on the road at CenturyLink Field, 24-14, behind a strong performance from the defense and star running back <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/114111/silas-redd">Silas Redd</a>.</p>
<p>After a quick field goal and touchdown off an interception, the Trojans got out to an early 10-0 lead over the Huskies and never looked back. Despite scoring zero points in the second half, USC's 24 first-half points proved to be more than enough to hold off the Huskies on Saturday night.</p>
<p>USC quarterback <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/78123/matt-barkley">Matt Barkley</a> did not have his average game, completing just 10 of 20 passes for 167 yards against the Huskies defense. While Barkley did throw for a touchdown, he was also picked off once, which led to points for Washington.</p>
<p>Instead it was Redd who paved the way for the offense, taking 26 carries for 155 yards and one touchdown. He was complemented on the ground by <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/38256/curtis-mcneal">Curtis McNeal</a>, who ran for 58 yards.</p>
<p>The victory gave the Trojans their third conference win and fifth victory on the season, while extending their winning streak to three games since falling to Stanford on the road.</p>
<p><b>Box Score Hero: </b>Running back Silas Redd led the way for the Trojans offense on Saturday night, rushing for 155 yards on the ground in 26 carries.</p>
<p><b>Rankings Ramifications: </b>The Trojans are already ranked No. 11 in the nation and this win on the road over a conference opponent could help the team move up in the rankings, but it will likely hinge on teams ahead of the polls losing their respective match up.</p>
<p><b>But Did They Cover? </b>The Trojans were unable to cover the 13-point spread on the road, but the Huskies were, as Washington lost by less than 13.</p>
<p><b>For More On This Game: </b>For more on Trojans football, visit <a href="http://conquestchronicles.com">USC blog Conquest Chronicles</a>, plus <a href="http://pacifictakes.com">Pac-12 blog Pacific Takes</a> and <a href="http://losangeles.sbnation.com">SB Nation Los Angeles</a>. For more on Huskies football, visit <a href="http://uwdawgpound.com">Washington blog UW Dawg Pound</a>, plus <a href="http://pacifictakes.com">Pac-12 blog Pacific Takes</a> and <a href="http://seattle.sbnation.com">SB Nation Seattle</a>.</p>
<p><b>Next Week's Schedule: </b>The Trojans will go back home and prepare to host the visiting <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/teams/colorado-buffaloes">Colorado Buffaloes</a>, while the Huskies will travel to Arizona Stadium to take on the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/teams/arizona-wildcats">Arizona Wildcats</a>.</p>
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<p>This story was <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/college-football/2012/10/13/3500026/washington-usc-2012-score-results">originally published on SB Nation.com</a>.</p>
https://seattle.sbnation.com/2012/10/13/3500082/washington-vs-usc-final-huskies-lose-24-14Ron Shah2012-10-13T18:40:04-07:002012-10-13T18:40:04-07:00Huskies cut deficit to 24-14 after 3 quarters
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<p>The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/teams/washington-huskies">Washington Huskies</a> cut into a 24-7 halftime deficit with some big plays, and they now trail the No. 11 <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/teams/usc-trojans">USC Trojans</a> 24-14 at the end of the third quarter.</p>
<p>The Huskies got back on the board with aggressive play-calling after blocking a 41-yard field goal attempt from USC's <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/136368/andre-heidari">Andre Heidari</a>. Immediately after the blocked field goal, <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/86098/keith-price">Keith Price</a> hit tight end <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/136484/austin-seferian-jenkins">Austin Seferian-Jenkins</a> up the sideline for a 34-yard gain. The next play was a 21-yard pass to <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/113898/diandre-campbell">DiAndre Campbell</a>, and then Seferian-Jenkins later capped the drive with a 29-yard touchdown reception.</p>
<p>After cutting it to 24-14, Washington began its next possession at the USC 46 after a 27-yard punt return from Cody Bruns. But the Huskies would gain only 17 yards on the possession, and failed to score when <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/161293/travis-coons">Travis Coons</a> missed a 45-yard field goal.</p>
<p>The Trojans were held to just 63 yards of offense in the quarter after tallying 233 yards in the first half, but the Trojans have still outgained Washington 296-198.</p>
https://seattle.sbnation.com/2012/10/13/3499926/washington-usc-score-update-keith-priceBrett Hein2012-10-13T17:39:55-07:002012-10-13T17:39:55-07:00Huskies in 24-7 hole to USC after blocked punt
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<p>The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/teams/washington-huskies">Washington Huskies</a> trail the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/teams/usc-trojans">USC Trojans</a> 24-7 at halftime after a special teams gaffe led to a USC touchdown.</p>
<p>Already trailing 17-7 and punting from their own 14-yard line, Washington failed to block USC's Anthony Brown, who then blocked <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/161293/travis-coons">Travis Coons</a>' punt and ran it in for a touchdown.</p>
<p>The 17-point deficit came after the Huskies made it a 10-7 game at the end of the first quarter with a touchdown pass from <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/86098/keith-price">Keith Price</a> to Kasen Williams. But a USC drive that extended into the second quarter would get the touchdown right back. On the fifth play of the second quarter, <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/78123/matt-barkley">Matt Barkley</a> threw an 18-yard touchdown pass to <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/113445/xavier-grimble">Xavier Grimble</a> to make it 17-7.</p>
<p>The Huskies managed just six total yards in the second quarter, as the Trojans are currently outgaining them 233-87. Price is 10-13 for 58 yards, while <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/136464/bishop-sankey">Bishop Sankey</a> has 14 rushing yards on five carries.</p>
<p>Barkley is 7-10 for 101 passing yards, while <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/114111/silas-redd">Silas Redd</a> has already totaled 108 rushing yards on 12 carries.</p>
https://seattle.sbnation.com/2012/10/13/3499736/washington-usc-score-update-keith-priceBrett Hein2012-10-13T16:59:16-07:002012-10-13T16:59:16-07:00Huskies trail USC 10-7 after 1st quarter
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<p>The Washington Huskies trail the No. 11 USC Trojans 10-7 despite an early turnover that put the Huskies in a hole.</p>
<p>On the first play after USC converted a 60-yard drive into a field goal, Keith Price was intercepted by Dion Bailey to give the Trojans a 34-yard field. Three plays later, Silas Redd punched in an 11-yard touchdown run to give USC a 10-0 lead.</p>
<p>The Huskies would return the favor late in the quarter, however. Marcus Peters intercepted Matt Barkley at the Washington 35-yard line to halt a Trojans drive, and the offense went to work. Price went 5-5 on the drive for 42 yards, and capped off an eight-play drive with a 17-yard touchdown pass to Kasen Williams.</p>
<p>Washington ended the first quarter with 81 yards of total offense, with Price posting 47 passing yards on seven completions. Price is also the Huskies' leading rusher with 19 yards on two carries. </p>
https://seattle.sbnation.com/2012/10/13/3499604/washington-usc-score-update-keith-priceBrett Hein2012-10-12T15:35:59-07:002012-10-12T15:35:59-07:00Pacific Takes previews the USC-Washington game
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<p>The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/teams/washington-huskies">Washington Huskies</a> will be facing off against their third straight ranked Pac-12 foe this Saturday when the <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/teams/usc-trojans" class="sbn-auto-link">USC Trojans</a> head up to Seattle this Saturday, and <a target="_blank" href="http://www.pacifictakes.com/2012/10/11/3476174/washington-huskies-vs-usc-trojans-football-2012-preview">Pacific Takes has your breakdown for what to expect.</a></p>
<p>In the preview, Jack Follman shares that Husky fans should be confident about the strength of their secondary, the lesser caliber of USC's offensive line compared to past opponents and the expected crowd noise. But when it comes to things that should worry the Washington faithful, lack of quarterback pressure should be at the forefront of their minds:</p>
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<p>"The Huskies just can't seem to get consistent pressure on quarterbacks and they may have been able to get away with it a little bit against the quarterbacks they have faced thus far in Seattle, but <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/78123/matt-barkley" class="sbn-auto-link">Matt Barkley</a> will absolutely torch them if they can't get pressure on him. Also, the Huskies will not likely be able to generate pressure with blitzing defensive backs as they will have their hands full with (WRs Marqise) Lee and (Robert) Woods."</p>
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<p>Follman goes on to share that he expects the Trojans to win 38-20 even though he does like the way the Huskies match up against USC. For the full look at the extensive preview before Saturday's game at 7:00 p.m. ET on FOX television, <a target="_blank" href="http://www.pacifictakes.com/2012/10/11/3476174/washington-huskies-vs-usc-trojans-football-2012-preview">click here.</a></p>
https://seattle.sbnation.com/2012/10/12/3495540/washington-usc-tv-schedule-game-timeCody Ulm2012-10-12T13:13:16-07:002012-10-12T13:13:16-07:00Washington worried about USC RB Silas Redd
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<p>The running back position looked to be one of USC's biggest flaws heading to the season, but the transfer of <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/114111/silas-redd" class="sbn-auto-link">Silas Redd</a> into the program has provided the Trojans with a huge boost throughout the first five games, <a target="_blank" href="http://seattletimes.com/html/huskyfootball/2019408974_huskyfootball12.html">according to Percy Allen of the Seattle Times.</a></p>
<p>Here's what Washington defense coordinator <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/134274/justin-wilcox" class="sbn-auto-link">Justin Wilcox</a> had to say about what Redd brings to the table as a ball-carrier:</p>
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<p>"They were plenty good before him, and now you add him to everything else and they're incredibly explosive...He's plenty fast to take it the distance. He's got really good elusiveness."</p>
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<p>Redd has paced the Trojans with a team-high 415 yards and five touchdowns on 75 carries so far this season. His best game came in late September against Cal in which he compiled 158 yards and a touchdown on 21 carries. And with center <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/38279/khaled-holmes" class="sbn-auto-link">Khaled Holmes</a> now back from his right leg injury, there should be nothing stopping Redd from taking his game to the next level, according the USC head coach Lane Kiffin:</p>
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<p>"We're seeing Silas' role grow...For anybody, it takes a little bit of time and, as you see, he's really starting to be more productive in our system. I think he's going to have a great year and take off, and he's a great kid to have in our program."</p>
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<p>The Huskies have been allowing an average of 137 yards per game on the ground in 2012. That number could very possibly grow if Redd takes another step in the right direction this Saturday in Washington.</p>
https://seattle.sbnation.com/2012/10/12/3494786/silas-redd-washington-usc-2012Cody Ulm2012-10-10T16:28:11-07:002012-10-10T16:28:11-07:00An upset of USC would put Huskies in good position
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<p>For all the handwringing around the Washington football program, for all the apprehension surrounding the schedule and unease regarding whether or not quarterback <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/86098/keith-price">Keith Price</a> will begin to play as well as he did last season, it's easy to forget that the Huskies are ahead of schedule.</p>
<p>While things may not have played out exactly as Husky fans had hoped, the team has only lost two games, both to teams ranked No. 2 in the country on game day. Throw in a win over then No. 8 Stanford and the Huskies are sitting pretty, with a chance still to go 4-2 in the first half of the season, better than anyone expected.</p>
<p>And that's what makes this game against USC so important; if the Huskies can beat the Trojans for the third time in four years, the Huskies could legitimately run the table, and possibly have the chance at a BCS bowl.</p>
<p>It seems crazy to think about, and it probably is. Most rating services have the UW in the middle of the conference, and not particularly highly ranked nationally. A pair of blowouts on ESPN will do that to a team.</p>
<p>But at the same time, this a team that seemingly gets better every week, as an offensive line full of backups gets more experience together and a surprisingly stout defense gains confidence.</p>
<p>If the team is able to pull the upset against the Trojans, then suddenly a trip to the desert to face Arizona - whom the Huskies have beaten two out of the past three years - doesn't seem as daunting.</p>
<p>The Huskies get No. 10 Oregon State at home, and possibly without their quarterback, as <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/113717/sean-mannion">Sean Mannion</a> recovers from a knee injury.</p>
<p>While a lot would have to go right for the Huskies, it's not unreasonable to believe they'd be favored in every game they played after beating USC, as long as they continue to win, of course.</p>
<p>The Huskies do that, and they'll finish 10-2. Meanwhile, Oregon, the presumed representative for the North in the Pac-12 Championship Game, has a stretch in which it must visit USC and Cal, host Stanford, and then visit OSU for what looks to be the most epic Civil War since 2009, when the game decided which school would attend the Rose Bowl.</p>
<p>If the Ducks falter in two of those games and the Huskies win out, then the UW could have a shot to play for their first Rose Bowl in over a decade.</p>
<p>But, it's all academic, because first the Huskies have to pull the upset at home against the Trojans.</p>
https://seattle.sbnation.com/2012/10/10/3485978/huskies-trojans-washingotn-usc-keith-price-steve-sarkisianJacob Thorpe