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.
Taking stock of the fifth week of games in the Pac-12.
Team of the week: Arizona State has been operating under the radar, in large part because it has posted good wins as it climbed to 4-1, but not one that distinguished it nationally. Still, the 27-17 victory over California had an impressive solidity to it, with the Sun Devils making critical plays on both sides of the ball. Further, you can't forget you can no longer type that ASU hasn't won in Berkeley since 1997, as I did 457 times this past week.
Best game: Oregon State's 38-35 win at Arizona wasn't over until the final minute. It featured six second-half lead changes and 1,158 yards of offense. It featured a lot of gumption from both teams, too. Probably the most entertaining game so far this year. Of course, if you subscribe to DirectTV, you didn't see it. Sorry.
Biggest play: In a game dominated by the offenses, it was a defensive play that gave the Beavers the prize at Arizona. With less than a minute left, Arizona had a first down on its 42, needing a field goal to force overtime and a TD to win. A minute is plenty of time for the Wildcats' fast-paced offense, which had gashed the Beavers throughout the second half. But Beavers cornerback Rashaad Reynolds jumped in front of a Matt Scott pass and grabbed the game-clinching interception.
Offensive standout: Oregon State QB Sean Mannion completed 29 of 45 throws for a career-high 433 yards and three touchdowns with no interceptions against the Wildcats. It was the fifth most passing yards in school history. Further, on the game-winning drive, he was 6-for-6 for 52 yards with a 9-yard TD pass to Connor Hamlett.
Defensive standout: UCLA's Damien Holmes moved from defensive end to inside linebacker this year. Then, when Jordan Zumwalt got hurt, he moved to outside linebacker against Colorado. All he did was record seven solo tackles -- five coming for a loss -- with three sacks in UCLA's 42-14 win.
Special teams standout: Washington State true freshman Teondray Caldwell had eight kick returns for 220 yards against Oregon, including a 92-yard effort that set up a Cougars TD. It was the second most kickoff return yards in a single game in school history.
Smiley face: The way Week 5 played out helped the conference end up with six teams ranked in the AP poll. Now-No. 23 Washington's win against Stanford was impressive enough for voters to forget the debacle at LSU. No. 25 UCLA, which shouldn't have been voted out in the first place, bounced back from its loss to Oregon State by winning in an appropriately dominant fashion at Colorado. UCLA joined No. 2 Oregon, No. 13 USC, No. 14 Oregon State and No. 18 Stanford. It's been a long time since the conference earned this much respect for its depth.
Frowny face: With its loss to Arizona State, California fell to 1-4 and 0-2. It was the second defeat so far in newly remodeled Memorial Stadium. The Bears' bowl hopes are feeling increasingly unlikely. QB Zach Maynard doesn't look improved as a second-year starter. The offensive line is getting pushed round. Even the defense has been spotty at times. Things are not going well for coach Jeff Tedford, who will only hear the grousing increase if his team can't find a way to avoid a losing season.
Thought of the week: Conference of quarterbacks? Only one Pac-12 QB, Arizona State's Taylor Kelly, at No. 16, ranks in the top 25 in the nation in passing efficiency. Meanwhile, seven conference teams rank among the top 25 in sacks per game: No. 5 Arizona State (4.2 sacks per game), No. 6 USC (4.0), No. 10 UCLA (3.4), No. 13 teams Washington State and Oregon (3.2) and No. 25 teams Stanford and Utah (2.75).
Questions for the week: Will the Pac-12 start eating itself up or will the final regular-season rankings still feature five or six teams? How many teams are capable of winning nine or 10 games? There are some interesting misses of note: USC and Oregon State, Arizona State and Stanford, Oregon and UCLA, Washington and either Arizona State or UCLA. When good teams don't play, it makes it easier for multiple teams to remain in the rankings. That's a secret you learn from conferences with eight-game conference schedules.
Team of the week: Arizona State has been operating under the radar, in large part because it has posted good wins as it climbed to 4-1, but not one that distinguished it nationally. Still, the 27-17 victory over California had an impressive solidity to it, with the Sun Devils making critical plays on both sides of the ball. Further, you can't forget you can no longer type that ASU hasn't won in Berkeley since 1997, as I did 457 times this past week.
Best game: Oregon State's 38-35 win at Arizona wasn't over until the final minute. It featured six second-half lead changes and 1,158 yards of offense. It featured a lot of gumption from both teams, too. Probably the most entertaining game so far this year. Of course, if you subscribe to DirectTV, you didn't see it. Sorry.
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Rick Scuteri/US PresswireBeavers quarterback Sean Mannion had a stellar game against Arizona on Saturday.
Rick Scuteri/US PresswireBeavers quarterback Sean Mannion had a stellar game against Arizona on Saturday.Offensive standout: Oregon State QB Sean Mannion completed 29 of 45 throws for a career-high 433 yards and three touchdowns with no interceptions against the Wildcats. It was the fifth most passing yards in school history. Further, on the game-winning drive, he was 6-for-6 for 52 yards with a 9-yard TD pass to Connor Hamlett.
Defensive standout: UCLA's Damien Holmes moved from defensive end to inside linebacker this year. Then, when Jordan Zumwalt got hurt, he moved to outside linebacker against Colorado. All he did was record seven solo tackles -- five coming for a loss -- with three sacks in UCLA's 42-14 win.
Special teams standout: Washington State true freshman Teondray Caldwell had eight kick returns for 220 yards against Oregon, including a 92-yard effort that set up a Cougars TD. It was the second most kickoff return yards in a single game in school history.
Smiley face: The way Week 5 played out helped the conference end up with six teams ranked in the AP poll. Now-No. 23 Washington's win against Stanford was impressive enough for voters to forget the debacle at LSU. No. 25 UCLA, which shouldn't have been voted out in the first place, bounced back from its loss to Oregon State by winning in an appropriately dominant fashion at Colorado. UCLA joined No. 2 Oregon, No. 13 USC, No. 14 Oregon State and No. 18 Stanford. It's been a long time since the conference earned this much respect for its depth.
Frowny face: With its loss to Arizona State, California fell to 1-4 and 0-2. It was the second defeat so far in newly remodeled Memorial Stadium. The Bears' bowl hopes are feeling increasingly unlikely. QB Zach Maynard doesn't look improved as a second-year starter. The offensive line is getting pushed round. Even the defense has been spotty at times. Things are not going well for coach Jeff Tedford, who will only hear the grousing increase if his team can't find a way to avoid a losing season.
Thought of the week: Conference of quarterbacks? Only one Pac-12 QB, Arizona State's Taylor Kelly, at No. 16, ranks in the top 25 in the nation in passing efficiency. Meanwhile, seven conference teams rank among the top 25 in sacks per game: No. 5 Arizona State (4.2 sacks per game), No. 6 USC (4.0), No. 10 UCLA (3.4), No. 13 teams Washington State and Oregon (3.2) and No. 25 teams Stanford and Utah (2.75).
Questions for the week: Will the Pac-12 start eating itself up or will the final regular-season rankings still feature five or six teams? How many teams are capable of winning nine or 10 games? There are some interesting misses of note: USC and Oregon State, Arizona State and Stanford, Oregon and UCLA, Washington and either Arizona State or UCLA. When good teams don't play, it makes it easier for multiple teams to remain in the rankings. That's a secret you learn from conferences with eight-game conference schedules.
SEATTLE -- With Washington picking up its first win over a top 10 team since 2009 in knocking off Stanford, 17-13, there are plenty of positives to point out.
In fact, so many players performed well, it was tough to sort out this week’s Washington top 10.
The Huskies, ranked No. 23 this week, will need a similar effort if they want to take down No. 2 Oregon in Eugene. The Cardinal came into Seattle holding a four-game win streak over Washington. Well, the Ducks have beaten the Huskies eight times in row.
In fact, so many players performed well, it was tough to sort out this week’s Washington top 10.
The Huskies, ranked No. 23 this week, will need a similar effort if they want to take down No. 2 Oregon in Eugene. The Cardinal came into Seattle holding a four-game win streak over Washington. Well, the Ducks have beaten the Huskies eight times in row.
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UW can't sway USC commit Chris Hawkins 
October, 1, 2012
10/01/12
10:00
AM PT
By
Mason Kelley | ESPN.com
Chris Hawkins called Washington’s 17-13 win over Stanford, “probably the best college football game I’ve ever been to so far in my life.”
However, while the 5-foot-11, 159-pound cornerback (Rancho Cucamonga, Calif./Rancho Cucamonga) enjoyed his official visit, he remains “100 percent” committed to USC.
“It was a great environment,” Hawkins said. “It was a great trip. I’m glad I went. I met a couple of the players. The coaches were fun. I liked it. The whole environment of Washington football, they’re just a great team.
However, while the 5-foot-11, 159-pound cornerback (Rancho Cucamonga, Calif./Rancho Cucamonga) enjoyed his official visit, he remains “100 percent” committed to USC.
“It was a great environment,” Hawkins said. “It was a great trip. I’m glad I went. I met a couple of the players. The coaches were fun. I liked it. The whole environment of Washington football, they’re just a great team.
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OL Dane Crane has 'incredible weekend'
October, 1, 2012
10/01/12
9:00
AM PT
By
Mason Kelley | ESPN.com
In the middle of the melee after Washington’s 17-13 upset win over Stanford, Dane Crane found himself face-to-face with his future position coach.
Dan Cozzetto, the Huskies’ offensive line coach, flashed a wide smile at the 6-foot-3, 305-pound center (Rancho Santa Margarita, Calif./Santa Margarita).
Crane, who was on his official visit with teammate Connor O’Brien, said he picked the perfect week to catch a glimpse of what is waiting for him at Washington.
Dan Cozzetto, the Huskies’ offensive line coach, flashed a wide smile at the 6-foot-3, 305-pound center (Rancho Santa Margarita, Calif./Santa Margarita).
Crane, who was on his official visit with teammate Connor O’Brien, said he picked the perfect week to catch a glimpse of what is waiting for him at Washington.
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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.
1. Oregon: The win over Washington State wasn't always pretty, particularly in the first half, but good teams know how to win ugly when everything isn't clicking. And the third-quarter assertion of will was impressive. The beloved Washington Huskies come to town Saturday for the annual snugglefest.
2. Oregon State: Not sure any team in the country can claim three better wins than the Beavers. A rejuvenated running game provides a nice complement to QB Sean Mannion and a potent downfield passing attack. Back home Saturday to host Washington State.
3. Washington: We still don't know how to define the Huskies. The 41-3 loss at LSU was bad. The 17-13 win over Stanford was a surprising -- and impressive -- reversal. The defensive revival will be tested in Autzen Stadium.
4. Stanford: The Cardinal offense wilted against Washington. It probably needs to rediscover its mojo quickly because Arizona is coming to town and the Wildcats can score points (as long as they aren't playing Oregon).
5. USC: Shhh. It's USC. Seems like everyone has forgotten about the Trojans. Might be a mistake. Headed to Utah on Thursday.
6. UCLA: The Bruins bounced back from their loss to Oregon State with a workmanlike domination of Colorado. They can make California even more miserable on Saturday.
7. Arizona State: The Sun Devils took another step forward with their first win at California since 1997. QB Taylor Kelly showed poise on the road, and the attacking defense keeps making plays. Arizona State is off this week, then has a visit to Colorado on Oct. 11.
8. Arizona: The Wildcats fought hard before yielding to Oregon State, but they are banged up and thin. The visit to Stanford, a team that will be highly motivated to reassert its physical style, could be taxing.
9. Utah: The Utes had an extra week to lick their wounds in advance of the USC visit. The season, however, could be transformed with a win over the Trojans. Along those lines ... how's John White's ankle?
10. California: It doesn't get any easier for the 1-4 Bears with UCLA coming to town. Problems start with the offensive line, then go to QB Zach Maynard missing the mark.
11. Colorado: It's back down to earth against UCLA. Buffs are off this week before Arizona State comes to town.
12. Washington State: The Cougars showed fight against Oregon, making a game of it at halftime. The third quarter provided a reality check. A visit to Oregon State is up next; maybe the Cougs can catch the Beavers resting on their laurels?
See last week's power rankings here.
1. Oregon: The win over Washington State wasn't always pretty, particularly in the first half, but good teams know how to win ugly when everything isn't clicking. And the third-quarter assertion of will was impressive. The beloved Washington Huskies come to town Saturday for the annual snugglefest.
2. Oregon State: Not sure any team in the country can claim three better wins than the Beavers. A rejuvenated running game provides a nice complement to QB Sean Mannion and a potent downfield passing attack. Back home Saturday to host Washington State.
3. Washington: We still don't know how to define the Huskies. The 41-3 loss at LSU was bad. The 17-13 win over Stanford was a surprising -- and impressive -- reversal. The defensive revival will be tested in Autzen Stadium.
4. Stanford: The Cardinal offense wilted against Washington. It probably needs to rediscover its mojo quickly because Arizona is coming to town and the Wildcats can score points (as long as they aren't playing Oregon).
5. USC: Shhh. It's USC. Seems like everyone has forgotten about the Trojans. Might be a mistake. Headed to Utah on Thursday.
6. UCLA: The Bruins bounced back from their loss to Oregon State with a workmanlike domination of Colorado. They can make California even more miserable on Saturday.
7. Arizona State: The Sun Devils took another step forward with their first win at California since 1997. QB Taylor Kelly showed poise on the road, and the attacking defense keeps making plays. Arizona State is off this week, then has a visit to Colorado on Oct. 11.
8. Arizona: The Wildcats fought hard before yielding to Oregon State, but they are banged up and thin. The visit to Stanford, a team that will be highly motivated to reassert its physical style, could be taxing.
9. Utah: The Utes had an extra week to lick their wounds in advance of the USC visit. The season, however, could be transformed with a win over the Trojans. Along those lines ... how's John White's ankle?
10. California: It doesn't get any easier for the 1-4 Bears with UCLA coming to town. Problems start with the offensive line, then go to QB Zach Maynard missing the mark.
11. Colorado: It's back down to earth against UCLA. Buffs are off this week before Arizona State comes to town.
12. Washington State: The Cougars showed fight against Oregon, making a game of it at halftime. The third quarter provided a reality check. A visit to Oregon State is up next; maybe the Cougs can catch the Beavers resting on their laurels?
O'Brien: UW visit 'best week of my life'
October, 1, 2012
10/01/12
8:00
AM PT
By
Mason Kelley | ESPN.com
Connor O’Brien didn’t hesitate. The 6-foot-3, 205-pound athlete (Rancho Santa Margarita, Calif./Santa Margarita) called his official visit to Washington “the best week of my life.”
The senior, who committed to the Huskies in April, was in Seattle with teammate and fellow Washington commit center Dane Crane. After watching Washington beat Stanford, 17-13, O’Brien said the win confirmed what he already knew.
“I saw what I’ve seen the whole time,” he said. “They have, obviously, the potential. They’ve got a lot of great players, great coaching staff, a young coaching staff that is all fired up.
The senior, who committed to the Huskies in April, was in Seattle with teammate and fellow Washington commit center Dane Crane. After watching Washington beat Stanford, 17-13, O’Brien said the win confirmed what he already knew.
“I saw what I’ve seen the whole time,” he said. “They have, obviously, the potential. They’ve got a lot of great players, great coaching staff, a young coaching staff that is all fired up.
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OT Sean Harlow still being chased
September, 30, 2012
9/30/12
2:42
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By
Erik McKinney | ESPN.com
It was a tough Friday night for offensive tackle Sean Harlow (San Clemente, Calif./San Clemente) as his Tritons' were beaten 31-3 by Huntington Beach (Calif.) Edison. Adding injury to insult, Harlow said he tweaked his ankle during the first quarter, though he played through it and performed well. He said there was no question that he would be able to shake it off and get back on the field next week.
Harlow was much more upbeat in discussing the victory Washington registered over Stanford the previous night. The Huskies verbal commitment said it was nice to bounce back from a tough loss to LSU.
"It was a great game," Harlow said. "It's good to come back against a ranked opponent."
Harlow was much more upbeat in discussing the victory Washington registered over Stanford the previous night. The Huskies verbal commitment said it was nice to bounce back from a tough loss to LSU.
"It was a great game," Harlow said. "It's good to come back against a ranked opponent."
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When Jermaine Kelly (Los Angeles/Salesian) was asked about what he thought of his official visit to Washington, the senior said simply “They ooh’d and ahh’d me.”
The 6-foot-1, 171-pound cornerback was in Seattle for the Huskies’ 17-13 upset win over Stanford. He was one of five official visitors who stormed the field after the game.
“It was crazy,” Kelly said. “I’ve never even witnessed something like that in person. I’ve always seen it on TV. It was great. I don’t know how they did it. They pulled it off. The crowd was just amazing. Like I said, I’ve never witnessed anything like that up close.”
The 6-foot-1, 171-pound cornerback was in Seattle for the Huskies’ 17-13 upset win over Stanford. He was one of five official visitors who stormed the field after the game.
“It was crazy,” Kelly said. “I’ve never even witnessed something like that in person. I’ve always seen it on TV. It was great. I don’t know how they did it. They pulled it off. The crowd was just amazing. Like I said, I’ve never witnessed anything like that up close.”
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Bellevue (Wash.) teammates relive UW win
September, 30, 2012
9/30/12
10:00
AM PT
By
Mason Kelley | ESPN.com
BELLEVUE, Wash. -- For Bellevue (Wash.) teammates Bishard “Budda” Baker, Myles Jack and Sean Constantine, Washington’s 17-13 win over No. 8 Stanford allowed them to experience something special for the first time.
They stormed the field.
When the clock hit zero, the talented teammates found themselves surrounded by players, fans and coaches. They wandered into the sea of people celebrating the upset. They savored a moment they won’t soon forget.
They stormed the field.
When the clock hit zero, the talented teammates found themselves surrounded by players, fans and coaches. They wandered into the sea of people celebrating the upset. They savored a moment they won’t soon forget.
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High school highlights -- Sept. 30
September, 30, 2012
9/30/12
9:00
AM PT
By
Mason Kelley | ESPN.com
Recapping the weekend's prime-time performances from Washington's 2013 recruiting class:
Darrell Daniels (Oakley, Calif./Freedom): It seems like the 6-foot-3, 211-pound receiver finds the end zone in a variety of ways each time he takes the field, and this week’s 31-24 win over Brentwood (Calif.) Heritage was no different. Daniels caught a 46-yard touchdown pass and rushed for a 1-yard score.
Troy Williams (Harbor City, Calif./Narbonne): The Gauchos are off to a 5-0 start, and the 6-foot-2, 190-pound quarterback continues to be a big reason why. During Narbonne’s 18-17 win over Santa Ana (Calif.) Mater Dei, Williams completed 11 of 18 passes for 186 yards, two touchdowns and an interception.
Darrell Daniels (Oakley, Calif./Freedom): It seems like the 6-foot-3, 211-pound receiver finds the end zone in a variety of ways each time he takes the field, and this week’s 31-24 win over Brentwood (Calif.) Heritage was no different. Daniels caught a 46-yard touchdown pass and rushed for a 1-yard score.
Troy Williams (Harbor City, Calif./Narbonne): The Gauchos are off to a 5-0 start, and the 6-foot-2, 190-pound quarterback continues to be a big reason why. During Narbonne’s 18-17 win over Santa Ana (Calif.) Mater Dei, Williams completed 11 of 18 passes for 186 yards, two touchdowns and an interception.
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DE Farria on UW: 'I'm still committed'
September, 28, 2012
9/28/12
2:04
PM PT
By
Mason Kelley | ESPN.com
Marcus Farria wants to make one thing clear -- nothing has changed in his commitment to Washington.
“I’m still committed to Washington,” said Farria, who gave a verbal commitment to the Huskies in July.
On Thursday, reports surfaced that the 6-foot-4, 235-pound three-star defensive end (Peoria, Ariz./Centennial) had decommitted from the program, but he said that is not true. He does want to take his five visits, but his feelings for the Huskies haven’t changed.
“I’m still committed to Washington,” said Farria, who gave a verbal commitment to the Huskies in July.
On Thursday, reports surfaced that the 6-foot-4, 235-pound three-star defensive end (Peoria, Ariz./Centennial) had decommitted from the program, but he said that is not true. He does want to take his five visits, but his feelings for the Huskies haven’t changed.
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3 Up, 3 Down: UW 17, No. 8 Stanford 13
September, 28, 2012
9/28/12
9:00
AM PT
By
Mason Kelley | ESPN.com
SEATTLE -- A look at positives and negatives from Washington’s 17-13 win over No. 8 Stanford at CenturyLink Field.
THREE UP
No. 1 Bishop Sankey. The sophomore running back eclipsed the 100-yard mark for the second consecutive game, finishing with 144 yards and a touchdown. Sure, 61 yards came on one play, but remember, the Cardinal had allowed 124 yards on the ground over three games heading into Thursday night’s matchup.
THREE UP
No. 1 Bishop Sankey. The sophomore running back eclipsed the 100-yard mark for the second consecutive game, finishing with 144 yards and a touchdown. Sure, 61 yards came on one play, but remember, the Cardinal had allowed 124 yards on the ground over three games heading into Thursday night’s matchup.
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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.