Video: Closer look at Washington-Oregon
October, 4, 2012
10/04/12
1:00
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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
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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
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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
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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.
[+] Enlarge
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
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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
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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?