SEATTLE -- The Huskies have an opportunity this week.
After knocking off Oregon State, 20-17, Washington’s season is back on track. Starting with Cal, the Huskies’ final four opponents have a combined nine wins.
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#BlueChipBattles: Nov. 2
November, 2, 2012
11/02/12
10:42
AM PT
By RecruitingNation staff | ESPN.com
RecruitingNation has summoned its writers from around the country to compile a list of the top 10 battles for elite football recruits 
leading up to February's signing day. We'll update our rankings periodically to reflect a change in a player's status (i.e., new offers, trimmed-down list or a positive/negative official visit).
Our writers have debated the list for weeks, but we value your input as well. Voice your opinion on Twitter (@RecruitingESPN) using#BlueChipBattles or vote for which player should hold the No. 1 spot on Facebook.
leading up to February's signing day. We'll update our rankings periodically to reflect a change in a player's status (i.e., new offers, trimmed-down list or a positive/negative official visit).
Our writers have debated the list for weeks, but we value your input as well. Voice your opinion on Twitter (@RecruitingESPN) using#BlueChipBattles or vote for which player should hold the No. 1 spot on Facebook.
Trevor Walker talks Illini, official visits 
November, 1, 2012
11/01/12
5:43
PM PT
By
Damon Sayles | ESPN.com
Trevor Walker (Mansfield, Texas/Timberview) continues to inch closer and closer to 30 offers. Early Tuesday, the three-star safety picked up an offer from Illinois, his fourth Big Ten Conference offer and his 26th overall.
“I’m happy to have it,” Walker said. “I’ve got to get to know them. I don’t know too much about them right now. They talked to my coaches and found out I was still open, and they said they were trying to get another safety.”
Walker, who also has Big Ten offers from Iowa, Indiana and Purdue, applauded Illinois for its athletic tradition and academic reputation. A 5-foot-11, 190-pound safety, Walker also has offers from Kansas State, Washington, Ole Miss, Boise State and a host of other schools. He has taken official visits to Boise State and Purdue, and he will take official visits to Kansas State on Dec. 1 and Washington on Dec. 8. Walker said Vanderbilt, Ole Miss or Arizona State will get his allotted fifth official visit.
“I have a lot of schools with great academics. That’s the best part about it,” Walker said. “When you’re in a great conference and have great academics, you can’t beat it.”
“I’m happy to have it,” Walker said. “I’ve got to get to know them. I don’t know too much about them right now. They talked to my coaches and found out I was still open, and they said they were trying to get another safety.”
Walker, who also has Big Ten offers from Iowa, Indiana and Purdue, applauded Illinois for its athletic tradition and academic reputation. A 5-foot-11, 190-pound safety, Walker also has offers from Kansas State, Washington, Ole Miss, Boise State and a host of other schools. He has taken official visits to Boise State and Purdue, and he will take official visits to Kansas State on Dec. 1 and Washington on Dec. 8. Walker said Vanderbilt, Ole Miss or Arizona State will get his allotted fifth official visit.
“I have a lot of schools with great academics. That’s the best part about it,” Walker said. “When you’re in a great conference and have great academics, you can’t beat it.”
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BOTHELL, Wash. -- Ross Bowers crouched. The quarterback placed both hands flat on his helmet. He had just thrown an interception and, after flushing the frustration, he stood up and jogged to the sideline.
For the second time this season, the 6-foot-2, 175-pound sophomore (Bothell, Wash./Bothell) had gone head-to-head with USC quarterback commit Max Browne (Sammamish, Wash./Skyline). Two games. Two losses. Two chances to learn a lesson and move on.
“I’m along for the ride, just to learn,” Bowers said. “It’s kind of just been a little different. It’s a good different, though. You’ve got to learn sometime.”
For the second time this season, the 6-foot-2, 175-pound sophomore (Bothell, Wash./Bothell) had gone head-to-head with USC quarterback commit Max Browne (Sammamish, Wash./Skyline). Two games. Two losses. Two chances to learn a lesson and move on.
“I’m along for the ride, just to learn,” Bowers said. “It’s kind of just been a little different. It’s a good different, though. You’ve got to learn sometime.”
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SEATTLE -- Here are five storylines as Washington prepares for its Friday night matchup at Cal:
1. Tosh Lupoi heads home: While there has been plenty of talk about Lupoi’s homecoming, Washington’s ace recruiter and defensive line coach didn’t make much of his upcoming trip to coach against the Golden Bears. In fact, the former player and coach at Cal said he hadn’t “even really thought about it.”
Lupoi isn’t the only coach in the program who went from Cal to Washington in the offseason. Offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach Eric Keisau is also making a return trip to Berkeley, Calif., after being hired away from the Golden Bears.
1. Tosh Lupoi heads home: While there has been plenty of talk about Lupoi’s homecoming, Washington’s ace recruiter and defensive line coach didn’t make much of his upcoming trip to coach against the Golden Bears. In fact, the former player and coach at Cal said he hadn’t “even really thought about it.”
Lupoi isn’t the only coach in the program who went from Cal to Washington in the offseason. Offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach Eric Keisau is also making a return trip to Berkeley, Calif., after being hired away from the Golden Bears.
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SEATTLE -- When it comes to pitching a program, it helps when coaches have something to sell.
As far as Washington assistant basketball coach Jim Shaw is concerned, the Huskies’ No. 1 recruiting asset is head coach Lorenzo Romar.
“Coach Romar is such a high-character person, someone who is so attractive to people, we try to really sell him and what it is he really stands for,” Shaw said. “We feel that is a big magnet for our program, just having someone like him as the head coach.”
As far as Washington assistant basketball coach Jim Shaw is concerned, the Huskies’ No. 1 recruiting asset is head coach Lorenzo Romar.
“Coach Romar is such a high-character person, someone who is so attractive to people, we try to really sell him and what it is he really stands for,” Shaw said. “We feel that is a big magnet for our program, just having someone like him as the head coach.”
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S Keenan Curran playing to potential
October, 31, 2012
10/31/12
10:48
AM PT
By
Mason Kelley | ESPN.com
At the start of the 2012 season, Keenan Curran (Federal Way, Wash./Federal Way) wasn’t a starter. He believed he had the potential to become a playmaker, but he needed to prove it on the field.
So the 6-foot-2, 169-pound safety made sure he was always matched up against one of his most talented teammates at practice.
Now, as the Eagles -- ranked No. 2 in Washington’s 4A classification -- prepare for the playoffs, the junior has not only played his way into a starting role, he is developing into a college prospect.
So the 6-foot-2, 169-pound safety made sure he was always matched up against one of his most talented teammates at practice.
Now, as the Eagles -- ranked No. 2 in Washington’s 4A classification -- prepare for the playoffs, the junior has not only played his way into a starting role, he is developing into a college prospect.
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Tosh Lupoi isn't focused on Cal return
October, 30, 2012
10/30/12
3:28
PM PT
By
Mason Kelley | ESPN.com
SEATTLE -- Tosh Lupoi didn’t look back.
Once he made the decision to leave Cal. Once he accepted a job with Washington. Once he hit the recruiting trail for the Huskies, he moved on and pushed forward.
“For me, it was a decision and then moving on,” he said after Washington's practice on Tuesday.
Once he made the decision to leave Cal. Once he accepted a job with Washington. Once he hit the recruiting trail for the Huskies, he moved on and pushed forward.
“For me, it was a decision and then moving on,” he said after Washington's practice on Tuesday.
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WR Stringfellow's heart still with Huskies
October, 30, 2012
10/30/12
12:14
PM PT
By
Mason Kelley | ESPN.com
After spending last weekend watching Nebraska’s 23-9 victory over Michigan, Damore’ea Stringfellow was impressed.
“It was a fun experience,” the 6-foot-3, 203-pound receiver (Moreno Valley, Calif./Rancho Verde) said. “The crowd was great. The environment was great.”
Stringfellow was greeted by a familiar face in Lincoln, Neb. Former teammate Quincy Enunwa -- now a junior receiver with the Cornhuskers -- was his host. He provided a sense for what Stringfellow’s future would be if he ended up at Nebraska.
“It was a fun experience,” the 6-foot-3, 203-pound receiver (Moreno Valley, Calif./Rancho Verde) said. “The crowd was great. The environment was great.”
Stringfellow was greeted by a familiar face in Lincoln, Neb. Former teammate Quincy Enunwa -- now a junior receiver with the Cornhuskers -- was his host. He provided a sense for what Stringfellow’s future would be if he ended up at Nebraska.
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Tatum Taylor enjoys Arizona State visit
October, 29, 2012
10/29/12
3:16
PM PT
By
Mason Kelley | ESPN.com
After spending the weekend at Arizona State on an official visit, Tatum Taylor isn’t sure he is going to find a better place to compete in two sports.
The 5-foot-10, 160-pound athlete (Seattle/O’Dea) was able to get a sense for what his future would be like if he decided to play football and run track for the Sun Devils.
“It seems like it would be a great place,” he said. “I love the weather down there. They have a really good program set up, so you can succeed both on the field and off the field.”
The 5-foot-10, 160-pound athlete (Seattle/O’Dea) was able to get a sense for what his future would be like if he decided to play football and run track for the Sun Devils.
“It seems like it would be a great place,” he said. “I love the weather down there. They have a really good program set up, so you can succeed both on the field and off the field.”
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LB Sean Constantine recovers from injury
October, 29, 2012
10/29/12
1:48
PM PT
By
Mason Kelley | ESPN.com
Sean Constantine got to his knees and tried to calm himself down.
The 6-foot-3, 225-pound linebacker (Bellevue, Wash./Bellevue) had just taken a blow to his arm during a 49-10 win over Snoqualmie (Wash.) Mount Si. He wanted to shake off the pain.
“I thought it was just a really bad hit to my arm, a really bad bruise,” the Washington pledge said.
The 6-foot-3, 225-pound linebacker (Bellevue, Wash./Bellevue) had just taken a blow to his arm during a 49-10 win over Snoqualmie (Wash.) Mount Si. He wanted to shake off the pain.
“I thought it was just a really bad hit to my arm, a really bad bruise,” the Washington pledge said.
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SEATTLE -- Sean Constantine and Myles Jack stood in the stands and surveyed the scene.
After rushing the field following Washington’s win over Stanford, the teammates at Bellevue (Wash.) had little desire to do it again Saturday when Washington knocked off Oregon State, 20-17.
They wanted to watch the celebration unfold from a new vantage point. So, as fans took over the turf, Jack and Constantine stood and watched.
After rushing the field following Washington’s win over Stanford, the teammates at Bellevue (Wash.) had little desire to do it again Saturday when Washington knocked off Oregon State, 20-17.
They wanted to watch the celebration unfold from a new vantage point. So, as fans took over the turf, Jack and Constantine stood and watched.
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SEATTLE -- Washington had its toughness tested Saturday against Oregon State. The Huskies had their resiliency questioned.
They answered the challenges.
The program put together a 20-17 victory over the Beavers. The Huskies knocked off a top 10 opponent for the second time this season. They put their season back on track.
They answered the challenges.
The program put together a 20-17 victory over the Beavers. The Huskies knocked off a top 10 opponent for the second time this season. They put their season back on track.
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If you don't like where you are in the power rankings, play better.
See last week's power rankings here.
This feels like an odd one.
1. Oregon: The Ducks showed seemingly effortless brilliance in a dominant victory over Colorado, but it wasn't a good weekend for the Ducks. They don't want the distance between themselves and everyone else to appear this vast. They want the conference to look strong, top to bottom. Losses by USC and Oregon State dinged the Ducks' BCS standing in terms of potential strength of schedule ratings down the road. And Kansas State and Notre Dame both posted impressive wins.
2. Oregon State: Picking the No. 2 team here wasn't easy. Stanford was considered, but the Cardinal barely slipped by Washington State at home. And the Beavers still have only one loss. The power rankings looks more at the short term, but the big picture keeps the Beavers here. By a thread. It feels like the visit from Arizona State will be a tester, particularly when there are now quarterback questions.
3. Stanford: The Cardinal muddled through a win against Washington State. They very well may muddle through a visit to Colorado on Saturday. The visit from Oregon State on Nov. 10 will begin a home stretch that will reveal just who Stanford is in 2012 (at Oregon on Nov. 17, at UCLA on Nov. 24).
4. Arizona: Matt Scott and Rich Rodriguez are making beautiful music together, but somebody needs to tip their cap to Wildcats defensive coordinator Jeff Casteel. He's put together an opportunistic defense that just finds a way to do well with some questionable parts. Sure, USC had huge numbers. But the Wildcats also got stops that proved critical.
5. USC: The idea that the Trojans would fall into the middle of the Pac-12 power rankings never occurred to the Pac-12 blog in the preseason. What's notable is the sloppiness: turnovers and penalties. Sure, other teams have penalties. But the Trojans seem to get lots of penalties of choice -- personal fouls, taunting, lining up wrong.
6. Washington: There are two Huskies teams. The one that plays at home is worthy of a national ranking. The one that plays on the road is worthy of mockery. The next step for coach Steve Sarkisian is to make the Huskies into a team that plays like it's at home even when it's not. Up next is a Friday visit to flagging California.
7. UCLA: The win at Arizona State -- a clutch comeback one, no less -- feels like a potential corner-turner for the Bruins. Recall the horrid performance at California? That brought up some old UCLA bugaboos about road games. This win canceled those out nicely. Let's ask it ... maybe Jim Mora is the guy to actually end the football monopoly in L.A. Of course, the visit from Arizona on Saturday will provide a huge measuring stick in the South Division. The Bruins control their own destiny. If they win out, they go to the Pac-12 title game.
8. Arizona State: The schedule is getting tougher, and the Sun Devils are taking some hits. There was plenty of good to take away from the 45-43 loss to UCLA, but not so much on the defensive side of the ball. The Sun Devils could quickly right things if they can win at Oregon State.
9. Utah: Hard to say whether the blowout win over California was about the Utes finding their mojo after another 0-4 Pac-12 start -- just like last year -- or whether it was just a Cal team waving the white flag on its season. Maybe a little of both. But if the Utes can hold serve at home against Washington State, they will need to win just two of their final three to become bowl eligible. And one of those games is with Colorado.
10. Washington State: The Cougars were close at Stanford, but isn't being close what we sorta celebrated last year? The good news is how much better the defense is playing. The bad news is ... 10 sacks surrendered. And you got to see just how tough QB Jeff Tuel is. Getting hit that much and still playing well, passing for 401 yards and two touchdowns with no help from a running game.
11. California: Hey, Cal? Are you quitting on yourselves and coach Jeff Tedford? The performance at Utah suggests so.
12. Colorado: There is some good news. There are only four more games this season.
See last week's power rankings here.
This feels like an odd one.
1. Oregon: The Ducks showed seemingly effortless brilliance in a dominant victory over Colorado, but it wasn't a good weekend for the Ducks. They don't want the distance between themselves and everyone else to appear this vast. They want the conference to look strong, top to bottom. Losses by USC and Oregon State dinged the Ducks' BCS standing in terms of potential strength of schedule ratings down the road. And Kansas State and Notre Dame both posted impressive wins.
2. Oregon State: Picking the No. 2 team here wasn't easy. Stanford was considered, but the Cardinal barely slipped by Washington State at home. And the Beavers still have only one loss. The power rankings looks more at the short term, but the big picture keeps the Beavers here. By a thread. It feels like the visit from Arizona State will be a tester, particularly when there are now quarterback questions.
3. Stanford: The Cardinal muddled through a win against Washington State. They very well may muddle through a visit to Colorado on Saturday. The visit from Oregon State on Nov. 10 will begin a home stretch that will reveal just who Stanford is in 2012 (at Oregon on Nov. 17, at UCLA on Nov. 24).
4. Arizona: Matt Scott and Rich Rodriguez are making beautiful music together, but somebody needs to tip their cap to Wildcats defensive coordinator Jeff Casteel. He's put together an opportunistic defense that just finds a way to do well with some questionable parts. Sure, USC had huge numbers. But the Wildcats also got stops that proved critical.
5. USC: The idea that the Trojans would fall into the middle of the Pac-12 power rankings never occurred to the Pac-12 blog in the preseason. What's notable is the sloppiness: turnovers and penalties. Sure, other teams have penalties. But the Trojans seem to get lots of penalties of choice -- personal fouls, taunting, lining up wrong.
6. Washington: There are two Huskies teams. The one that plays at home is worthy of a national ranking. The one that plays on the road is worthy of mockery. The next step for coach Steve Sarkisian is to make the Huskies into a team that plays like it's at home even when it's not. Up next is a Friday visit to flagging California.
7. UCLA: The win at Arizona State -- a clutch comeback one, no less -- feels like a potential corner-turner for the Bruins. Recall the horrid performance at California? That brought up some old UCLA bugaboos about road games. This win canceled those out nicely. Let's ask it ... maybe Jim Mora is the guy to actually end the football monopoly in L.A. Of course, the visit from Arizona on Saturday will provide a huge measuring stick in the South Division. The Bruins control their own destiny. If they win out, they go to the Pac-12 title game.
8. Arizona State: The schedule is getting tougher, and the Sun Devils are taking some hits. There was plenty of good to take away from the 45-43 loss to UCLA, but not so much on the defensive side of the ball. The Sun Devils could quickly right things if they can win at Oregon State.
9. Utah: Hard to say whether the blowout win over California was about the Utes finding their mojo after another 0-4 Pac-12 start -- just like last year -- or whether it was just a Cal team waving the white flag on its season. Maybe a little of both. But if the Utes can hold serve at home against Washington State, they will need to win just two of their final three to become bowl eligible. And one of those games is with Colorado.
10. Washington State: The Cougars were close at Stanford, but isn't being close what we sorta celebrated last year? The good news is how much better the defense is playing. The bad news is ... 10 sacks surrendered. And you got to see just how tough QB Jeff Tuel is. Getting hit that much and still playing well, passing for 401 yards and two touchdowns with no help from a running game.
11. California: Hey, Cal? Are you quitting on yourselves and coach Jeff Tedford? The performance at Utah suggests so.
12. Colorado: There is some good news. There are only four more games this season.
For the second time this season, Washington took advantage of an opportunity to send a message to the prospects the program is recruiting by knocking off a top-10 opponent on the Huskies' home field.
After watching Washington beat Oregon State, 20-17, Bellevue (Wash.) teammates Sean Constantine (a Washington commit) and Myles Jack (a UCLA commit) continue to feel the program is pointed in the right direction.
They shared the same sentiment with the other local prospects who were in the stands on unofficial visits. The Huskies’ win also impressed sophomore quarterback Ross Bowers (Bothell, Wash./Bothell) and junior running back Devante Downs (Mountlake Terrace, Wash./Mountlake Terrace), among others.
Washington didn’t have any official visitors Saturday, but it timed the win well, considering receiver commit Damore’ea Stringfellow (Moreno Valley, Calif./Rancho Verde) spent the weekend watching Nebraska beat Michigan, 23-9, during his official visit to Lincoln, Neb.
It was the kind of win that keeps kids committed and gives those who remain on the Huskies’ wish list something to consider.
After watching Washington beat Oregon State, 20-17, Bellevue (Wash.) teammates Sean Constantine (a Washington commit) and Myles Jack (a UCLA commit) continue to feel the program is pointed in the right direction.
They shared the same sentiment with the other local prospects who were in the stands on unofficial visits. The Huskies’ win also impressed sophomore quarterback Ross Bowers (Bothell, Wash./Bothell) and junior running back Devante Downs (Mountlake Terrace, Wash./Mountlake Terrace), among others.
Washington didn’t have any official visitors Saturday, but it timed the win well, considering receiver commit Damore’ea Stringfellow (Moreno Valley, Calif./Rancho Verde) spent the weekend watching Nebraska beat Michigan, 23-9, during his official visit to Lincoln, Neb.
It was the kind of win that keeps kids committed and gives those who remain on the Huskies’ wish list something to consider.
ABOUT HUSKY NATION
Mason Kelley
Mason Kelley joined ESPN.com in 2012 and covers Washington recruiting. Kelley came to ESPN after spending three years as the high school sports coordinator at The Seattle Times. He has written about high school, college and professional sports since 2004, working for newspapers in Florida, California, Idaho and Washington. He currently lives in Seattle and can be reached at masonkelleyESPN@gmail.com.