New Washington defensive coordinator Justin Wilcox, a former Oregon player, faces a stiff challenge from Chip Kelly and the Ducks offense.
From a high school standpoint, San Jose (Calif.) Archbishop Mitty coach Tim Kennedy considers Aaron Gordon “as good as it gets.”
The 6-foot-7, 210-pound forward has the ability to take over a high school game, whether it is on the perimeter or in the post.
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If ever there was a chance for Washington quarterback Keith Price to tally a "signature win," this would be it.
Consider what he's up against as this No. 23 Washington Huskies make the trek to face No. 2 Oregon. He's battling the ghosts of eight years past and a recent history of offensive inefficiency against the Ducks. During Washington's eight-game losing streak in the series, the Huskies have only crossed the 20-point threshold twice -- when they scored 34 in 2007 (but gave up 55) and 21 in 2005 (but gave up 45).
No doubt, it will take a team effort for the Huskies to knock off their second top-10 foe in two weeks. And the spotlight is just as much on the defense as it is Price and the offense. Since 2009, the Ducks lead the nation in one-minute touchdown drives (63) and offensive touchdowns of 20-plus yards (88).*
But it will also take a stellar performance from the Washington quarterback.
And if the Huskies can get him into the red zone, that could be a difference-maker. Price ranks first among active quarterbacks in completion percentage (73.9), yards per attempt (6.8) and touchdown percentage (42 percent) in the red zone since the start of last season. This year he's 11-of-15 with four touchdowns and zero interceptions inside the 20.*
So if the Huskies are hoping to avoid their ninth consecutive loss to the Ducks, getting Price into position where he can make plays will be paramount.
Price ranks 11th in the conference this year in pass efficiency, completing 59 percent of his throws with five touchdowns and two interceptions. Not stellar numbers, but he's also faced some pretty good defenses. That isn't going to change on Saturday. The Ducks will present as difficult of a front as Stanford did.
Price has been fantastic inside of the 20. Now it's time for him to lead the Huskies the other 80 yards.
*ESPN Stats and Information
Consider what he's up against as this No. 23 Washington Huskies make the trek to face No. 2 Oregon. He's battling the ghosts of eight years past and a recent history of offensive inefficiency against the Ducks. During Washington's eight-game losing streak in the series, the Huskies have only crossed the 20-point threshold twice -- when they scored 34 in 2007 (but gave up 55) and 21 in 2005 (but gave up 45).
No doubt, it will take a team effort for the Huskies to knock off their second top-10 foe in two weeks. And the spotlight is just as much on the defense as it is Price and the offense. Since 2009, the Ducks lead the nation in one-minute touchdown drives (63) and offensive touchdowns of 20-plus yards (88).*
But it will also take a stellar performance from the Washington quarterback.
And if the Huskies can get him into the red zone, that could be a difference-maker. Price ranks first among active quarterbacks in completion percentage (73.9), yards per attempt (6.8) and touchdown percentage (42 percent) in the red zone since the start of last season. This year he's 11-of-15 with four touchdowns and zero interceptions inside the 20.*
So if the Huskies are hoping to avoid their ninth consecutive loss to the Ducks, getting Price into position where he can make plays will be paramount.
Price ranks 11th in the conference this year in pass efficiency, completing 59 percent of his throws with five touchdowns and two interceptions. Not stellar numbers, but he's also faced some pretty good defenses. That isn't going to change on Saturday. The Ducks will present as difficult of a front as Stanford did.
Price has been fantastic inside of the 20. Now it's time for him to lead the Huskies the other 80 yards.
*ESPN Stats and Information
Washington offers 2014 TE Bryce Dixon 
October, 4, 2012
10/04/12
5:57
PM PT
By
Erik McKinney | ESPN.com
Junior tight end Bryce Dixon has been one of the driving forces behind Ventura (Calif.) St. Bonaventure's strong 5-1 start this season, and while the 6-foot-2, 228-pound athlete has been slowed the last two weeks by a high ankle sprain and broken thumb, his recruitment is picking up speed.
After receiving his first scholarship offer from Miami in early September, Dixon added offer No. 2 on Thursday, when he spoke with Washington head coach Steve Sarkisian.
"I've expected it because they said last Thursday that they were going to offer on Monday," Dixon said. "When that didn't happen, I was kind of shocked that it came today. I know it's a great school, but I don't know much else about them."
After receiving his first scholarship offer from Miami in early September, Dixon added offer No. 2 on Thursday, when he spoke with Washington head coach Steve Sarkisian.
"I've expected it because they said last Thursday that they were going to offer on Monday," Dixon said. "When that didn't happen, I was kind of shocked that it came today. I know it's a great school, but I don't know much else about them."
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Max Rich said his goal for his senior season was to “show people what I can do.” The 6-foot-7, 311-pound offensive tackle from Portland (Ore.) Jesuit set out to prove that he has the athleticism to match his size.
“I’m pretty athletic compared to some tackles for my size, so I feel like I just have to show them I can run pretty well and I can move quite well for my size,” Rich said.
Pac-12 programs have taken notice.
“I’m pretty athletic compared to some tackles for my size, so I feel like I just have to show them I can run pretty well and I can move quite well for my size,” Rich said.
Pac-12 programs have taken notice.
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Video: Closer look at Washington-Oregon
October, 4, 2012
10/04/12
1:00
PM PT
By
Ted Miller | ESPN.com
Washington is a heavy underdog at Oregon in Week 6. What are the keys for its upset hopes?
SEATTLE -- Judging by the vitriol in my Twitter timeline, it must be time for the annual meeting between Washington and Oregon.
While soliciting questions for this week’s mailbag, one of the submissions simply asked what would have to happen for the Huskies to upset the Ducks and end an eight-year losing streak against the nation’s second-ranked program.
That prompted a few snarky responses, which is only to be expected as these two rivals prepare to play Saturday at Autzen Stadium in Eugene, Ore.
While soliciting questions for this week’s mailbag, one of the submissions simply asked what would have to happen for the Huskies to upset the Ducks and end an eight-year losing streak against the nation’s second-ranked program.
That prompted a few snarky responses, which is only to be expected as these two rivals prepare to play Saturday at Autzen Stadium in Eugene, Ore.
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SEATTLE -- Here are five storylines as Washington prepares to play No. 2 Oregon on the road in Eugene, Ore., Saturday:
1. Justin Wilcox returns home: Washington’s defensive coordinator grew up about 15 miles from Eugene in Junction City. His father, Dave, played football at Oregon before a Hall of Fame career in the NFL. So did his brother, Josh. Justin was a defensive back with the Ducks, graduating in 1999 before eventually landing as the Huskies’ defensive coordinator.
After Washington’s defensive effort during last week’s 17-13 win over Stanford, Justin is getting plenty of attention for how he has turned around the Huskies’ defense. Justin faces a tough task in this homecoming, attempting to devise a game plan to slow down the Ducks.
1. Justin Wilcox returns home: Washington’s defensive coordinator grew up about 15 miles from Eugene in Junction City. His father, Dave, played football at Oregon before a Hall of Fame career in the NFL. So did his brother, Josh. Justin was a defensive back with the Ducks, graduating in 1999 before eventually landing as the Huskies’ defensive coordinator.
After Washington’s defensive effort during last week’s 17-13 win over Stanford, Justin is getting plenty of attention for how he has turned around the Huskies’ defense. Justin faces a tough task in this homecoming, attempting to devise a game plan to slow down the Ducks.
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2014 S David Williams is on the radar
October, 3, 2012
10/03/12
5:17
PM PT
By
Erik McKinney | ESPN.com
There are some talented seniors in the Los Angeles Dorsey secondary, but college coaches have taken note of junior safety David Williams as well.
The 6-foot-1, 180-pound athlete, who serves as a wide receiver as well, is already hearing from schools across the country. He has received letters and talked to coaches from Arizona State, California, Michigan, Ohio, UCLA, UTEP, Washington and Washington State.
"Mainly right now it's Washington and Washington State, but I've been receiving a lot of mail from Cal," Williams said. "They basically just tell me to play my game and work hard."
The 6-foot-1, 180-pound athlete, who serves as a wide receiver as well, is already hearing from schools across the country. He has received letters and talked to coaches from Arizona State, California, Michigan, Ohio, UCLA, UTEP, Washington and Washington State.
"Mainly right now it's Washington and Washington State, but I've been receiving a lot of mail from Cal," Williams said. "They basically just tell me to play my game and work hard."
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Scott Olmos/US PresswireOregon's De'Anthony Thomas had 302 yards rushing and 193 yards receiving and a combined eight touchdowns in five games this season.We're tracking the offensive, defensive and coach-of-the-year races in the Pac-12.
For a more thorough look at offense, re-read our Heisman Trophy update.
Offensive player of the year
1. De'Anthony Thomas, RB/WR, Oregon: Thomas scored a touchdown against Washington State but it was a relatively quiet game for him. For the season, he's rushed for 302 yards (9.7 yards per carry) with five touchdowns and caught 19 passes for 193 yards and three TDs.
2. Johnathan Franklin, RB, UCLA: He ranks fourth in the nation and first in the Pac-12 with 139.4 yards rushing per game. He rushed for 111 yards on 15 carries in the blowout victory over Colorado. He also caught three passes for 48 yards.
3. Kenjon Barner, RB, Oregon: Barner rushed for 195 yards and three touchdowns in the victory over Washington State. He averaged 9.8 yards per carry and ran for scores of 22, 10 and 80 yards. He's second in the Pac-12 in rushing with 121 yards per game and his nine rushing touchdowns leads the conference.
4. Taylor Kelly, QB, Arizona State: Kelly is first in the Pac-12 and 16th in the nation in passing efficiency. The Sun Devils are second in the Pac-12 with 38.4 points per game. Kelly threw three TD passes in the win at California and now has nine for the season.
5. Matt Barkley, QB, USC: Barkley was off last week. His 12 TD passes still leads the conference, but he's fifth in the conference in passing efficiency.
Keep an eye on: UCLA QB Brett Hundley; USC WR Marqise Lee; Oregon State WR Markus Wheaton. Arizona QB Matt Scott; Stanford RB Stepfan Taylor.
Defensive player of the year
1. Will Sutton, DT, Arizona State: Won Pac-12 Defensive Player of the Week after recording a career-high eight tackles (six solo), including three sacks, and forced a fumble in a 27-12 victory over California. He's second on the Sun Devils with 34 tackles, including 10 for a loss. Also has 6.5 sacks, a forced fumble and two pass breakups.
2. Star Lotulelei, DT, Utah: Off last week. Fourth on the Utes with 19 tackles. Also has four tackles for a loss, a sack, two pass defenses and two forced fumbles.
3. Chase Thomas, OLB, Stanford: Had a sack and four tackles against Washington. He's third on the Cardinal with 23 tackles. He also has five tackles for a loss and 2.5 sacks.
4. Morgan Breslin, DE, USC: Leads the conference with 2.38 tackles for a loss per game and has five sacks.
Keep an eye on: T.J. McDonald, S, USC; Travis Long, OLB, Washington State; Chris Young, LB, Arizona State; Datone Jones, DE, UCLA; Anthony Barr, OLB, UCLA.
Coach of the year
1. Mike Riley, Oregon State: The Beavers, who went 3-9 last year, are now 3-0 and ranked 14th. 'Nuff said.
2. Chip Kelly, Oregon: Ducks are atop the Pac-12 and ranked No. 2. If they ended up winning a fourth consecutive Pac-12 title and earn another berth in the national title game, Kelly wins.
3. Todd Graham, Arizona State: While the Sun Devils are lacking a marquee win, they've been impressive during a 4-1 start. Of particular note is their discipline and efficiency on both sides of the ball. That wasn't what you said about the Sun Devils in the past, even during the good times.
Keep an eye on: Jim Mora, UCLA; Steve Sarkisian, Washington
Keep an eye on: OL/DL Henry Roberts
October, 3, 2012
10/03/12
10:44
AM PT
By
Mason Kelley | ESPN.com
BELLEVUE, Wash. -- Henry Roberts is only 15 years old. In fact, he just had a birthday back in August.
The sophomore at Bellevue (Wash.) is already 6-foot-5, 240 pounds. He starts at offensive tackle for the Wolverines, ranked No. 4 in the nation, and is second string on defense at tackle and end.
He understands the opportunity he has been presented with. And he is making the most of it. When he takes the field, he uses his youth as motivation.
The sophomore at Bellevue (Wash.) is already 6-foot-5, 240 pounds. He starts at offensive tackle for the Wolverines, ranked No. 4 in the nation, and is second string on defense at tackle and end.
He understands the opportunity he has been presented with. And he is making the most of it. When he takes the field, he uses his youth as motivation.
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SEATTLE -- Jermaine Kelly stood on the sideline with a broad smile across his face and a purple-and-white Washington scarf wrapped around his neck.
The 6-foot-1, 170-pound cornerback (Los Angeles/Salesian) soaked up the scene as Washington and Stanford prepared to play in a nationally televised matchup at CenturyLink Field last week.
He was on an official visit, enjoying the moment. He was flanked by two high-profile prospects -- USC cornerback commit Chris Hawkins (Rancho Cucamonga, Calif./Rancho Cucamonga) and uncommitted cornerback Johnny Johnson Jr. (Fresno, Calif./Central East).
The 6-foot-1, 170-pound cornerback (Los Angeles/Salesian) soaked up the scene as Washington and Stanford prepared to play in a nationally televised matchup at CenturyLink Field last week.
He was on an official visit, enjoying the moment. He was flanked by two high-profile prospects -- USC cornerback commit Chris Hawkins (Rancho Cucamonga, Calif./Rancho Cucamonga) and uncommitted cornerback Johnny Johnson Jr. (Fresno, Calif./Central East).
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Five questions: Washington at Oregon
October, 2, 2012
10/02/12
12:09
PM PT
By RecruitingNation staff | ESPN.com
Fresh off an upset of Stanford, Washington puts its No. 23 ranking on the line against Pac-12 favorite and No. 2-ranked Oregon (Saturday, 7:30 p.m. PT, ESPN/WatchESPN). Do the Huskies have what it takes to upset the Ducks? Cast your vote!
Five games into his senior season, Johnny Ragin III has few complaints.
In addition to helping Wilsonville (Ore.) knock off Bend (Ore.) Mountain View -- the defending Class 5A champions -- 49-33 Friday night, the 6-foot-2, 208-pound athlete continues to catch the attention of programs across the country.
Ragin finished the game against the Cougars with 11 tackles and two sacks. He forced a fumble, pressured the quarterback throughout the game and had three carries for 45 yards.
In addition to helping Wilsonville (Ore.) knock off Bend (Ore.) Mountain View -- the defending Class 5A champions -- 49-33 Friday night, the 6-foot-2, 208-pound athlete continues to catch the attention of programs across the country.
Ragin finished the game against the Cougars with 11 tackles and two sacks. He forced a fumble, pressured the quarterback throughout the game and had three carries for 45 yards.
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Steven Bisig/US PresswireHe didn't put up gaudy numbers, but Keith Price led the Huskies to a big win over Stanford.
QB Keith Price, Jr. (Maxwell, O’Brien): While it was a big win, it wasn’t Price’s most pristine performance. But, facing a fierce rush, the junior survived several hard hits -- he was sacked three times -- and finished the game completing 19 of 37 passes for 177 yards, a touchdown and an interception.
TE Austin Seferian-Jenkins, So. (Mackey): After totaling 20 catches for 211 yards over his first three games, the tight end was held to his lowest total of the season against Stanford, hauling in just two passes for 10 yards.
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.