How Good Will Washington Be?
42 comments so far
January 29, 2010 by
If you've paid attention to Nebraska's nonconference scheduling over the years you've noticed that the slate includes a few near-certain victories with at least one credible if not nationally prominent opponent. Over the next two seasons, Nebraska's biggest name opponent will be the Washington Huskies. In the first of each of the last home and home series between the Huskers and Huskies, the winner went on to capture a national championship. If for no other reason, that will make this a highly anticipated game by NU fans. But when you see that the Huskies haven't been to a bowl game since 2002 and has put together six straight losing seasons, you wonder if this contest will live up to the ones against the likes of Virginia Tech.
UW quarterback Jake Locker made headlines when he announced he'd return to Washington for his senior season. He was thought to be a top NFL draft prospect. Locker's numbers are solid but not as spectacular as you might imagine. He passed for 2800 yards in 12 starts, completing 58% of his passes and averaging 7.1 yards per attempt. He threw 21 touchdown passes and 11 interceptions. As a runner, he managed 388 yards on 112 carries with 7 rushing touchdowns. Take out his negative yards (which include sacks), and he produced 577 yards rushing. That certainly fits the profile of a quarterback that gives Pelini defenses trouble. Then again, those numbers don't quite measure up to a Colt McCoy either.
When you scan the roster, you see that most of the U-Dub team will be back. But is it truly a blessing to bring everyone back from a losing team? In this case it could be. The Huskies won just five games in 2009, but four of those five wins came against bowl teams. The Huskies were also 5-2 at home (versus 0-5 on the road). The two losses came against Oregon and LSU, two very good teams. So beating a team like this in their home stadium might not be as easy as you might think. Then again, Nebraska hasn't lost to a team that finished with less than six wins since Bill Callahan's first year as head coach. So if Washington does beat Nebraska, it will likely be because they've improved a lot over what they've been for the last seven years.
Can Washington make the jump to bowl eligibility? Absolutely. Will that make them the favorite at home against Nebraska? Questionable.
Did you enjoy this article?
Get Husker news by email
Follow us on Twitter
Related Stories: Washington
Post a comment
Matt Jan 29 10
"...the slate includes a few near-certain victories with at least one credible if not nationally prominent opponent. Over the next two seasons, Nebraska's biggest name opponent will be the Washington Huskies."
If I'm reading this right, someone agrees with me that the 'whorns won't be anywhere close to worth $5 million next year.
Heh, I agree with you, but wait until the idiots in Austin get a load of this. Hell, they're still thinking they had a shot when Colt got taken out by karma.
kw Jan 29 10
Matt, I think Steve was only refering to our nonconference schedule. But I agree, the Longhorns are often in a blissful state of denial. I don't think Washington will be a push over by any means, especially at home. But the Huskers should and need to win this one. Who knows, maybe the Huskies will hang with the Huskers but fall short and jump into the top 25 like they did last year after the LSU game. Or were they only rated after they beat USC? Can't remember.
tim Jan 29 10
matt come on now texas just aint gonna fall off the map mack has won 10+ games in a year for 9 years in a row
tim Jan 29 10
texas and mack are worth every penny of that $5 million there are over 24 million people that live in texas and when texas competes for a big 12 and national championship year in and year out 20 million of those people are longhorn fans that 5 million they pay mack is chump change compared to what mack brings in for the horns. i aint a book'em fan but the facts are the facts
stew Jan 29 10
Wait a sec...why are you talking about Texas again? Washington is the focus here, and they are no pushover. That stadium in Seattle is one of the loudest in the country, in spite of how poor the team has been in recent years. Plus, as Steve mentioned, the Huskers & Huskies have a history of big games.
One thing to take note of is that Steve Sarkisan, the Huskies HC, turned down any talk about possibly going back to USC. That tells me he really likes the direction of his program, as well he should. Their offense is definitely going to challenge our defense, and if I didn't know any better I'd say this one's going down the wire, especially if our offense doesn't bring it. The Huskies have had their fair share of upsets & close calls against higher ranked teams in their place, so Bo will really need to have the troops ready.
Dave Jan 29 10
Ok story but have to call you out on a little lazy reporting. "That certainly fits the profile of a quarterback that gives Pelini defenses trouble."
Uhm you may want to stop living in the past. Yes Pelini's D's did have issues with mobile quarterback in the past, but its pretty clear that issue has been addressed.
Look at the mobile QB's NU played last yr:
Taylor (VA Tech) 9 carries, negative 22 yards rushing - Taylor was kept in check pretty much all night. If you watch the game again, the D line was staying in position to prevent him from running. NU lost the game by Taylor's passing at the end, not a scramble.
Gabbert (Missouri) 9 carries, 2 yards rushing - was kept in the pocket (although he was hobbled by Suh) all night long.
Todd Reesing (Kansas) 9 carries, 42 yards rushing - The QB who rushed for the most yards against the Huskers was hardly setting the world on fire.
Colt McCoy (Texas) 17 carries, negative 20 yards rushing. We all remember how Suh threw him down like a rag doll.
Sorry but those stats just don't back up your premise that Pelini's D cant contain mobile QB's anymore.
tim Jan 29 10
no doubt the huskies will give us a game but win or lose it does not really have an effct on the huskers season like the texas game will lose the huskie game no impact on the big 12 championship win the huskie game no impact on the big 12 championship lose the texas game could be an impact on the big 12 championship thats why the texas talk
Steve Jan 29 10
Dave,
Did you notice how two of the games you pointed out were NU losses? Do you recall how much offensive success KU was having with Reesing at quarterback? He ran in a touchdown in that game. If not for a fumble after a completion by Reesing, NU was in some trouble. Nebraska also found themselves trailing for three quarters in the Missouri game after...wait for it...a Gabbert scramble for a touchdown.
In fact, in the four games you mention, the opponents scores 14.5 points per game. In the other ten games last season, the opposition scored only 8.8. So if anything, your counterexamples were actually just confirmation of my statement. Pelini's defenses have historically had more trouble against mobile quarterbacks than pocket passers.
tim Jan 29 10
dave if u have nothing better to do than critique my use of puncuations then i feel sorry for u PERIOD
Dave Jan 29 10
Steve,
Sorry man but your trying to bend things to fit your article. You can throw out stats all you want, but wins are wins and none of our lasses came due to a mobile QB. You were talking about mobile QBs being a liability, not team stats for teams with a mobile QB.
NU doubled KU's score if I remember correctly. Gabbert had a single rushing TD sure, but ended up with negative yards rushing. No matter how you slice it, negative yards rushing is not a weakness (From the Husker's perspective). Are you really saying a SINGLE rush (by gabbert) is something that is trouble for Bo?
A broken clock is right twice a day brother. Remember the other guys are on schollys too.
Id have more respect for you to say you could have written things better than to try and back up a failed cause.
tim Jan 29 10
Billy i copied and pasted some of your post below please re-read and spell check then talk junk about mine but i get what your saying i think
ive ready your post a bunch of times and still cant make out if you copied and pasted too many times of what? i know its only a blong post, but im
Steve Jan 29 10
Dave,
If you can stand it, re-watch the last two minutes of the game against Virginia Tech. If Taylor's mobility was not a problem, then how does NU lose that game? And for that matter, how did they lose to Virginia Tech in 2008?
To hear some of these comments, you'd think that McCoy didn't take the Longhorns down the field to kick a winning field goal. I wish that was the game I saw.
Maybe 2003 is ancient history to most people, when Nebraska lost to Brad Smith at Missouri, Vince Young of Texas, and Ell Roberson. Who was the defensive coordinator then?
And Bob, why wouldn't LSU count? Do you think there'll be a Ndamukong Suh on the roster every year?
I'd love to believe that Nebraska will have the 2009 defense indefinitely. But odds are it won't truly be "five times better" next year. Most noticeably, it would be surprising if the front four is as dominant. I hope you're right and his struggles with mobile QB's are over. But more comprehensive history (more than one year) would say otherwise.
tim Jan 29 10
i dont know who is right about the pelini problems with mobile qb's but i would take pelinis problems over NU previous defensive coordinators problems with entire offenses PERIOD
Danny Jan 29 10
steve colt running was the least of my concerns during the texas game. we had that game stolen from us. colts running had little to do with the outcme. it was more colt to shiply. what game were you watching?
tim Jan 29 10
i dont know who is right about the pelini problems with mobile qb's but i would take pelinis problems over NU previous defensive coordinators problems with entire offenses PERIOD
Brennan Jan 29 10
Steve has got a valid point here. What happens is our defense changes its approach to a qb who is considered mobile. When kids get pounded into their head for a weak that a qb can run, it changes your whole defense. The Kansas game is the best example, the d-line did not have their ears pinned back and looked hesitant to attack the pocket because of how well Reesing is able to move the pocket and find guys on the run. It's a different story with Taylor and VT because the defense and everybody else in america knows when he leaves the pocket he is running. Running qbs change the dynamic of a defensive gameplan. I'm not arguing that Pelini hasn't improved in this aspect just saying there is merit to Steve's argument based on different defensive gameplan's for different qb's.
Husky Jan 29 10
Looking forward to the game (and tailgate). See you all soon. Go Dawgs!
Jonathan Jan 29 10
Just a note from a Husky fan to say how much I'm looking forward to testing our progress against one of my favorite OOC programs. I'll never forget the standing O Husker fans gave our team in Lincoln after we beat their guys, and I've respected you ever since. Of course, we did nab Paul Homer and Sean Douglas from your state, but my homeboy Adam Carriker (attended HS two miles from my house) ought to make amends for that. Should be an excellent game, and I hope my people are good hosts for the visiting Husker Nation.
Brennan Jan 29 10
Also, Pelini has wanted a mobile since he has gotten to Nebraska. Why? Because they are the hardest to defend and they change defensive schemes.
Iowa Husky Jan 29 10
lol you guys are hilarious. The only focus of discussion about Washington is Locker and Sarkisian. The offense lost 2 total starters last year, and 1 was a fullback. You look at the skill positions, including RB Chris Polk, TE K Middeleton, the army of WRs, the depth at Running back, and the return of the entire Oline save 1, and this offense is going to be really scary. Oh yeah, and they have Jake Locker too! :)
Lot's of UW's defense comes back as well, but it is not nearly as talented as the offense is. It's the Husky defense that you guys are going to need to beat up on, because I can promise you the offense is not going to get pushed around the way Texanus did!
This is going to be a wonderful game, no matter who wins. Two teams working on getting back to the big time, and this game will be a luanching pad for one of them. I hope it's the dawgs!
Who let the dawgs out?
Sark SarkSark
Who let the dawgs out?
Sark SarkSark
Jay Jan 29 10
Dawgfan here...
Having watched every UW game last year, I don't think you will have too much trouble with Locker with respect to him running. The reason being, Sark is not calling designed runs for him as much. Locker had a problem last year of trying to force a pass when he could have easily picked up 10 yards or so. Thats not necessarily a bad thing. The kid is 230 lbs and can run a 4.4. Not sure you played against anyone like that this last year. He will more than likely have a few good runs off broken pass plays, but you could be overthinking this. He is not the same guy as his RS Freshman season.
The guy that will surprise you is Polk. The guy doesn't go down.
UW Fan Jan 29 10
Hey Huskers - interesting that you're already talking about the Washington Huskies. First and foremost, I hope that all of the fans who travel to Seattle have a fantastic time. There are very few places you can take a boat and dock at the stadium. And, yes, the place with be rockin'. Although the Dawgs have been plagued with coaching changes etc., many of you rightly point out that the winds of change at UW are blowing. We will be much improved and I think you should expect a really good contest vs an easy win. I will say, however, we are glad Suh moved on!
Dave Jan 29 10
Brennan,
Do you know what a 2 gap defense is? Its the D Bo & Carl run. In that D, the linemen are NOT supposed to be rushing the QB. Rather their job is to occupy space and maintain gap control. The LBs are the ones who are supposed to make the plays while the D line occupies the "big uglies" up front.
The reason our D line made so many plays last yr is because of how outstanding they were. Don't confuse D lineman not running past blockers at the line as hesitant. That is what they were taught to do. And I might add, the concept seemed to work pretty darn well. Thats why I called Steve out and started this whole firestorm.
I think Steve is a good writer, but when something is wrong, im going to speak up. Just like Steve (and other writers) will if the coaches do something wrong. If a writer can criticize a coach I know personally, he better be able to take it as well.
Chad Jan 29 10
Gents. Locker will have a better pro career that Colt McCoy.
Check out highlights from their last game of the season vs. Cal. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U5dthiCfv8g
Steve's a$$ Jan 29 10
You shouldn't be comparing Locker to mobile QBs. A better comparison would be Tony Gerhart's running style. Last year's stats are a little misleading too. Take a look at Locker's freshman year to see what he can do in the rushing game (986 yds, 5.7 yds per carry). Sarkisian didn't really unleash Locker to run until the last two games vs. Cal and WSU. WSU game: 94 yds rushing, 9.4 yds per carry, 1 rushing TD (1 passing). Cal game: 77 yds rushing, 5.5 yds per carry, 2 rushing TDs (3 passing TDs).
A Washington Husky Jan 29 10
A U-Dub Husky fan here. What Husky fans remember most about Nebraska games in Lincoln is how well Nebraska fans treated us. You have, hands down, the best reputation in college football as knowedgeable, tenacious but highly hospitable fans. So, come to Seattle next fall and see if we can return the favor. Seattle's a lively, hip city with fantastic restuarants and beautiful scenery. Wear red picking out a salmon at the Pike Place Market and we'll make you feel welcome. Go Big Re....er.....Huskies
Pat Jan 29 10
Is the "Cornhead" still attending games? W met you at Husky Stadium in the 90's had a great time. Remember the Husky Coneheads?
Rob Jan 29 10
If you think that McCoy is a comparable QB to Locker in regards to mobility than Huskers fans will be quite surprised this fall. Locker rushed for nearly 1,000 yards as a RS Freshman before Sarkisian put the reins on him to develop his pocket presence. There is a reason he was regarded as the #1 pick in the draft.
Adam Jan 29 10
I thought I would drop by and fill people in on a Huskies perspective and hopefully help you understand what to expect come gameday....
First...Lots of talk about Mobile QBs. Get any other QBs you have faced over the past couple of years out of your head. Jake Locker is not like any other QB you have faced. No he doesn't have an arm like Colt McCoy and his accuracy is not the best in the world, But he is not bad either. Think.... Tim Tebow, but with much better NFL outlook. His rushing numbers last season were pretty good, but one has to remember that his running was actually scaled down due to the new pro-style offense Sarkisian has implemented and also to keep him healthy. Look back to 2007 when he put up 900+ yards rushing....as a QB. That was (until this year) a freshman rushing record at UW. Now mix in his improved pocket passing and reads with a coaching staff that is getting a better feel on when he can run, he will be seriously dangerous. His coaches are some of the best in the nation (Sark, a former QB and Quarterback coach to Mark Sanchez, Matt Leinhart, Carson Palmer and QB coach Doug Nussmeir who along with Steve McNair and Daunte Culpepper, is one of only three QBs in NCAA history to total 10,000 yards passing and 1,000 yards rushing during his college career.)
As for our other offensive weapons: Chris Polk ran for over 1,000 yards as a freshman which (as stated above) is a new record. He's not a pound it out back like you may be used to seeing, but is best known for his yards after contact. Our recieving corps has been getting some early praise as pottentially the best in the Pac-10. We return our 3 leading WRs in Jermaine Kearse, Devin Aguilar, and Freshman James Johnson who is drawing similarities to Reggie Williams.
The O-Line is maybe the one weak point in an otherwise explosive offense. However even the outlook here looks a little brighter as we return all but one in a group that was visibly improving over the year last year.
If our offense is the glowing pride of UW football, our Defense may be the achilles heel.
We are very young up front and lose all time husky sack holder Daniel Teo'Nesheim to Graduation and the NFL. However, even on a dim defense there is a bright spot. Our Linebacker corps might* return everyone but Donald Butler,who is currently turning heads at the Senior Bowl practices *(pending Notice on EJ Savannah from the NCAA for another year of eligibility) You may know LB Mason Foster as the one who picked of Arizona's Nick Foles of the foot of a reciever for a TD.
Overall this should be an interesting matchup as our Strength (offense) will be pitted against Nebraska's D. It will be interesting a fun to watch (my girlfriend's brother in law lives in Nebraska and is a big Husker fan, so needless to say he is coming out here and we're going to the game)
TheSarkTank Jan 29 10
Always fun to play Nebraska,and their fantastic fans.I'm glad this game is not in Lincoln,and I think we have a shot.offensively we'll be loaded at the skill positions,unfortunately..we are a lil soft up front.I thought you guys looked very good against Arizona,and I see you as a 4 1/2-5 point favorite.It will be noisy...
Jason Jan 29 10
Welcome Washington fans! We appreciate you stopping by and offering us a little insight into the Husky program.
I'm really looking forward to making the road trip this fall.
FYI, I just deleted a handful of comments. They all came from the same IP address in Omaha, but used different names. It is likely that Tyler, Tony, Bob, Dave, Scott, Joy, Paul, John, Stan, Dave, Nathan, Kelly, and my favorite, Mort, are all the same person. They all posted from the same IP within minutes of each other, backed up each other's position, and had never commented on our site before today.
So, he's gone. Sorry for allowing a little garbage to blow across our lawn. It should be cleaned up now.
As always, we love hearing opposing views. Just add value to the discussion and refrain from personal attacks.
Carry on.
keith Jan 29 10
Dawg fan here man I can't wait for this game Washington is alot better then the guy who wrote this blog is giving them. QB Jake Locker is the best player in college football makes everyone around him better (ala John Elway at stanford) RB Polk is the best running back you have never hurd of WR good group not alot of speed but tall and active TE is big tall and great hands OL is the real question on the offense but not much they need to get better and will DL is young and good LB are fast and really good DB's are the real question on this team but will more experience with 2 freshmen last year at CB and 3rd team S after injury last year it should be much improved and special teams needs improvement and will with some good kick returners coming in. I really think washington huskies will win this game 34-21. Good luck huskers :)
Dawgfan Jan 29 10
NU Fans,
For those of you old enough to remember, one of my favorite games, college or NFL was the Nebraska-Oklahoma game Thanksgiving Day 1971. Johnny Rodgers, Rich Glover, Larry Jacobsen, I loved that team!
I've heard NU fans applauded as some of the most polite in the country, something the rest of us, including UW fans could learn a lesson from.
For those of you coming to Seattle, I hope you enjoy your stay. Hopefully, we'll have some good weather, instead of the usual rain.
Whoever wins, Dawgs or Huskers, I'm hoping to see an exciting game.
PS Wish that Suh would fall to the Seahawks at No. 6 in the draft. Not gonna happen, he'll be gone no later than No. 2.
Greg Morrow Jan 29 10
Total must win, for Nebraska. Total, no excuses, gitr done type game.
Frankly, LaTravis Washington would be adequate for this game.
Nebraska's finally broken the confidence barrier.
It has a defense that can't wait to get on the field. A physical special teams that's the same way.
The offense... That'll be better too!
Senior backfield, almost the whole skill set.
Possible all conference level I-Back, Wideout and Tight End (if they'd ever go to the Tight End).
Lee will be healthy and could still get beaten out. Depending on what the offense shapes into.
The players needed experience and now they've got it.
This article's about Wazzou, and Wazzou's an up and comer. They'll likely be 1-1 when they strap up against the Corn. Solid, fine program, that just needs stability and time.
Wazzou's the big BCS conference team that replaces the Hokies, on the schedule.
Wazzou's no Virginia Tech, though. Not many teams are in that physical, athletic category.
But, Nebraska now is.
Playoutside Jan 29 10
Inviting all Husker fans to Huskey Stadium, Seattle.
If you haven't been to Seattle before, this is your chance. The weather is always great in September; just ask the LSU fans who came last year.
Husky Stadium is picturesque. Every time we're on national TV, the analysts describe it as the most beautiful stadium in sports. Check it out here: http://www.washington.edu/alumni/columns/march02/images/place_stadium.jpg.
Our noise will drive your offense crazy on the field. But out fans will welcome you to our city and tailgates.
Hope you can make it,
Seattle
DawgFan Jan 30 10
Re:Greg Morrow.
This "wazzou" you refer to is in no way shape or form the University of Washington Huskies.
Many people cal wsu wazzou but they are the worst team in division 1. ever.
I look forward to the game with Nebraska. You Huskers have been one of my favorite teams for ever. All class.
I think we may just give you guys a game.
With Locker back, our offense should be very good this year. If the defense improves (lord it needs too)I think we will have a shot against anyone on the schedule. I promise you this, no one will be looking past the Big Red.
Go Dawgs
OU7times Jan 30 10
What!
Wazzou's not the U of W?
Imagine that!
Haaaaahaaaa...
Greg Morrow Jan 30 10
DawgFan
Oh, that's right!
Thanks and sorry...
Where I live, sometimes guys slip and call Nebraska the "Huskies" and "Razorbacks."
I about fell over laughing, with "Razorbacks!"
There's no doubt, it'll be a tough game.
When I say Nebraska HAS to win this game, its from the overall program standpoint.
-Where Nebraska should be as a program.
Whomever the Corn trot out as QB, it's not so much a reflection of what's facing him on the "Dawg's" defense, but what he's got to work with, on his side of the ball.
In Pelini's year 3, with depth this built up, with young talent to challenge starters on the O-line and highly experienced backs and receivers, it's such a must win.
Nebraska's proved they can compete with top level programs, in their loud, crazy houses.
Win, and Nebraska regains that calm, professional confidence and will.
Lose, and it's like the Iowa State loss all over again.
Greg Morrow Jan 30 10
http://my.journalstar.com/post/Husker_Extra_Group/Husker_Extra/blog/bo_oline_battles_will_be_hot.html
Bo: O-line battles will be hot
"We're going to have a lot more competition," Pelini said. "Even the guys who might stay (in the lineup) are going to be forced to perform, because we're going to have some depth."
Honest, I hadn't read that yet, when I mentioned the O-linemen.
But, there you go.
Dog Tooth Jan 30 10
As a long time Husky (35 yr season ticket holder), I'm Looking forward to this game. Nebraska fans are very classy, unlike BYU when they were here 2 yrs ago.
Take a look at what UW did to CAl in in their last game on the Utube posted earlier here by a UW fan.
UW was two missed field goals (UCLA & Arizona State) and a loosy referee review (who didn't understand the concept of paralax and viewing angle)of an over turned TD at Notre Dame from being in a bowl game with a 8-5 record instead of 5-7.
Golfdawg Jan 30 10
Can't wait for this game! A more courtious and thankful bunch of terrific football fans we never see. Be carefull if you think Locker isn't dangerous under Sark. He ripped off a 50+ yard blast against Arizona this year that reaffirmed our faith in Montlake Jake. Have a great time in Seattle as we look forward to your stay.
GO DAWGS!!
iowa husky Jan 31 10
Despite losing Suh, I think it is safe to say that UW is going to face one of the best defenses in the nation. So, I'd love to hear more about the Nebraska offense.
I'm convinced that it will be the key to who wins the game. If Nebraska's offense can win the clock battle and not turn it over, it will keep Nebraska's defense fresh and fast. If Nebraska's defense is stuck on the field for most of the game, they will wear down and that is when a guy like Locker, Polk, and Middleton are so dangerous. These guys don't get stopped unless you cover them properly and hit them hard. Tired defenders have a tendency to fail at that. So let's hear some NEB assessments of their offense!
PS, I REALLY can't wait for the season to begin! UW opens vs BYU. Two weeks later we play Nebraska, get a bye week and then play USC. If the Huskies can make strong showing - say go 3-1 during that stretch, they are going to be set up well to have an incredible season.
Hope a lot of Nebraska fans come to Seattle. It's a wonderful city, and it's great to watch the Huskies face such a storied and classy program. :) May the best team win! (Unless, the better team is Nebraska.)