Washington Huskies

SEATTLE -- Washington needed a late push to land its 2012 recruiting class into the top 25 nationally.

After securing safety Shaq Thompson (Sacramento, Calif./Grant) right before signing day, the Huskies were able to finish with a class rated No. 23 in the nation.

Led by Thompson, who was rated the nation’s No. 16 prospect in the ESPN 150, the class featured four, four-star recruits and 15 three-star recruits.

With Washington nine games into its season, here is a look at who is playing, who is redshirting and who is grayshirting.

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It has to be unsettling for Steve Sarkisian, Justin Wilcox, Bishop Sankey and everyone else who rocks the purple and gold. Each game day they wake up and hope that team shows up; the one that is resilient, tough-minded, physical and plays with a bit of nastiness. But inconsistencies throughout Washington’s 4-4 season have left all of the above questioning exactly which team would show up each week.

Eight games into the season, the personality of the 2012 Washington Huskies is yet to be defined.

“The personality is we’ve been schizophrenic,” said Wilcox, Washington’s defensive coordinator. “Consistency on our part has to improve. We have to continue to find the reasons why. But that’s something that’s shown up every week. Speaking from our side of the ball, we’ve played better against certain styles of teams. But at the end of the day it’s confidence in your technique and scheme and abilities.”

Saturday night at CenturyLink Field -- that team showed up; the one that punches first and asks questions later; the one that dictates and isn’t dictated to. And for the second time this year the Huskies knocked off a top-10 team by topping the No. 7 Oregon State Beavers 20-17 -- prompting another field-storming from the fan base. In fact, it was one month ago to the day that the Huskies stunned No. 8 Stanford 17-13.

But that game also marked the last time they had picked up a victory. A three-game skid followed, including losses to ranked Oregon and USC and blowout loss last week at Arizona. On the south side of .500 and needing to inspire his team, Sarkisian got back to some basics in practice last week with some physical hitting drills usually reserved for fall camp.

“We needed [a victory] for our own well-being,” he said. “It wasn’t so much about the record, it was for what’s inside of us. Pride is a powerful thing. You earn pride. It’s not given. We earned it tonight.”

Moving forward, slowly but surely, Sarkisian said his team’s identity is starting to take shape. And Saturday night was a big step forward.

“I don’t doubt our toughness,” he said. “What I’m figuring out week after week is the maturity level. Which of our young players is growing up each week? A guy like Jaydon Mickens made a couple of plays and started to grow up. I’ve seen Kendyl Taylor start to grow up. Each week I feel like we’re getting one more guy and one more guy. That’s all going to help shape our personality. Until then, we’re going to continue to be a blue-collar, lunch-pail, hard-hat kind of team. And that’s OK. You can win that way. It just makes it a little harder.”

And Saturday wasn’t easy. Sankey rushed for 92 yards and a pair of touchdowns against one of the top rushing defenses in the country while the defense intercepted Oregon State quarterback Sean Mannion four times.

“I feel like we have our own personality,” Sankey said. “We’re continuing to develop that. This past week we had to get down to the nitty-gritty. We’re making strides each day, each week. This past week was a big week for us in getting back to the basics -- working hard and hitting. It paid off tonight.”

When points were at a premium, the Huskies held a 10-0 advantage at halftime following a 45-yard field goal from Travis Coons and a 1-yard touchdown run from Sankey. It was the first time this year that Oregon State (6-1, 4-1 Pac-12) had been blanked in the first half.

“We couldn’t get anything going in the first half and we turned the ball over, so it was a two-fold problem,” Oregon State coach Mike Riley said. “Then we moved the ball [in the second half] and we still turned it over.”

This was Mannion’s first game back since having minor knee surgery three weeks ago. And he didn’t look good, completing 18 of 34 passes for 221 yards with one touchdown and four picks. Prior to this game, he had four interceptions for the season.

“I think [turnovers] probably will be the thing we regret the most,” Riley said. “Having the ball with some opportunities and turning the ball back to them when we had scoring opportunities. As you can see in a game like that, even if one of those opportunities, if one or two would have turned into field goals, it makes a big difference.”

It didn't help, either, that Markus Wheaton was knocked out of the game after taking a hard hit in the second quarter. Fellow receiver Brandin Cooks turned in another sensational performance, catching nine balls for 123 yards with a score.

Mannion was eventually replaced in the fourth quarter by Cody Vaz -- who had led the Beavers to a pair of victories during Mannion’s rehabilitation. Vaz sparked the offense with a seven-play, 76-yard drive that ended with a 29-yard touchdown pass to Connor Hamlett that tied the game at 17-17.

But the Huskies moved the ball to the Oregon State 12 and Coons converted a 30-yard field goal with 1:20 left in the game.

Washington’s offensive struggles also continued. The Huskies were outgained 427-293 in total yards. Quarterback Keith Price was 18-of-30 for 194 yards with an interception. But winning the turnover battle by a 4-to-1 margin helps.

“At the end of the day, I don’t know how pretty it was,” Sarkisian said. “We had some penalties and things; that’s a good football team, obviously, in Oregon State. I was proud of the character our guys possessed, their ability to preserve with the game could have really started swaying in Oregon State’s favor when they notched it up at 10-10. But our defense continually came up with stops.”

With four consecutive games coming up against unranked teams, it stands to reason that the Huskies could probably end the year on a five-game win streak.

But then again, no one really knows for sure.

SEATTLE -- The Washington Huskies pulled another stunner at CenturyLink Field over a top-10 team from the Pac-12 North. Here’s how their 20-17 upset went down:

It was over when: Washington kicker Travis Coons connected on a 30-yard field goal with 1 minute, 26 seconds left, giving the Huskies a 20-17 advantage. The Beavers were able to move to the Washington 38 but couldn’t convert on fourth-and-19 with 25 seconds left in the game.

Game ball goes to: Washington running back Bishop Sankey, who rushed for two touchdowns and 92 tough yards against one of the best run defenses in the country.

Stat of the game: 8 -- total interceptions on the season for Oregon State quarterback Sean Mannion, who entered the game with four. You do the math. After the fourth, he was replaced by Cody Vaz.

Unsung hero: Washington’s Desmond Trufant led all players with 10 tackles, including nine solo stops and a tackle for a loss.

Second-guessing: Was this the right game to bring back Mannion? He looked hesitant and shaky most of the game. And while credit is due to the Washington defense for nabbing four interceptions, they were also bad throws from Mannion -- who looked much more like the 2011 Mannion than the 2012 model who had been efficient and took care of the ball.

What it means for Oregon State: The Beavers might still be in line for the Rose Bowl -- especially with USC losing today -- but they’ll take a big hit in the BCS standings for losing to an unranked team. Moving forward, do the Beavers (6-1, 4-1 Pac-12) have a quarterback controversy?

What it means for Washington: The Huskies’ Jekyll-and-Hyde season continues. The last time they won a game, it was upending a top-10 team on Sept. 27. They had gone a month between wins, but now they’ve beaten another top-10 team. The offensive struggles continue, but Washington (4-4, 2-3) is back to .500 and a decent bowl game is still within reach.

SEATTLE -- Washington went into Thursday’s game against No. 8 Stanford wanting to disrupt the Cardinal’s rhythm on offense. And, with Stanford clinging to a 6-3 lead after two quarters, the Huskies have done just that at CenturyLink Field, slowing down the Cardinal’s ground game while generating enough offense to maintain some momentum.

Stat of the half: After allowing Stanford to rush for a school-record 446 yards during a loss in Palo Alto, Calif. last season, Washington dialed up its run defense in the first half Saturday. The Huskies held the Cardinal to 27 rushing yards in the first quarter and allowed a total of 47 yards on the ground in the first half.

In fact, The Huskies actually outgained Stanford on the ground in the first half, rushing for 62 yards.

Player of the half: Kasen Williams. With Washington needing to make a play to generate some early momentum, Williams split double coverage down the sideline, hauling in a 35-yard pass from Keith Price on third-and-10 that helped set up Travis Coons’ 43-yard first-quarter field goal.

With defenders draped all over him, Williams was able to get his right foot down inbounds, making up for a drop on previous possession. The sophomore receiver caught five passes for 61 yards in the first half.

Linebacker Thomas Tutogi (six total tackles and a sack) and running back Bishop Sankey (10 carries for 63 yards) also played well in the first half.

What’s working for Washington: Offensive tempo. There were moments in the first quarter when Price was wildly waving his arms at teammates, trying to get them to the line quickly with the Huskies running a no-huddle offense. Huskies coach Steve Sarkisian has talked about his program playing fast and it did that early Thursday, helping the Huskies move the ball against the Cardinal.

What’s working for Washington, part II: Stanford stuck to its gameplan in the first half and tried to run right at Washington. The Huskies were determined to keep the Cardinal from pushing them around though, and played the physical, attacking brand of football defensive coordinator Justin Wilcox had been looking for.

Play that sparked a big play: Leading by a field goal in the first quarter, Stanford faced a third-and-5 in its own territory. Quarterback Josh Nunes lofted a well-thrown pass down the sideline to Ty Montgomery. However, before Montgomery could pull in the pass, Washington cornerback Desmond Trufant was able to knock the ball out of Montgomery’s hands.

That play forced the punt that led to Williams’ diving third-down catch, which resulted in Coons’ field goal.

Washington traveled to SEC country Saturday, looking to upset third-ranked LSU at Tiger Stadium. But, despite forcing a turnover on the opening kickoff, the Huskies haven’t generated much momentum against a program looking to extend an 18-game home winning streak.

Stat of the half: The Huskies were out-gained by 161 yards in the first half, after being held to 70 yards on offense, while surrendering 231 yards to LSU.

Player of the half: Tre Watson. The former walk-on continues to be a valuable asset on the Huskies’ defense. He broke up a pair of first-half passes and totaled three tackles.

What’s working for Washington: Little has gone right for the Huskies so far, but kicker Travis Coons seems to be healthy -- he had been dealing with a leg issue -- booting both kickoffs into the end zone and hitting a 34-yard field goal.

What’s not working for Washington: The offense. Dealing with drops and a non-existent ground game, the Huskies were unable to get much going early. Washington was limited to five first downs and negative-11 rushing yards.

Turning point: Taz Stevenson forced a fumble on the opening kickoff that was recovered by Thomas Tutogi to give Washington some early momentum. However, LSU forced the Huskies to settle for a field goal, so that momentum was short-lived.

SEATTLE -- Here is a quick-hitting look at Washington's seventh day of fall camp.

DT Potoa'e determined to earn opportunity

When Sione Potoa'e signed with Washington coming out of high school, he was widely considered a blue-chip recruit.

The 6-foot-2, 271-pound defensive tackle was one of the biggest prizes in the Washington's 2010 recruiting class.

He played in 11 games each of his first two seasons but has totaled only 13 tackles. With younger teammates pushing him for playing time, Potoa'e has found fresh fight.

"This year I feel more motivated," he said. "I'm a junior now, so I need to step up my game. All these younger guys coming in, I've got to step up my game, play in the games."

Potoa'e said he has been more receptive to coaching, which has helped his technique. Now he is working to get a "chance to make plays."

Finding a spot for Feeney

With injuries mounting among the linebackers and an abundance of talent at safety, Travis Feeney has switched positions.

As Washington's staff works to get its top 11 playmakers on the field, the 6-4, 209-pound redshirt freshman is getting a chance to earn an opportunity at linebacker.

"He fits there really nicely," coach Steve Sarkisian said. "He's long and he's rangy. We're trying to find a home for him. We'll see if it works."

Offensive line gets good news

As the Huskies prepared for fall camp, Colin Tanigawa was one of the players Sarkisian often singled out.

He talked about the left guard returning from the knee injury he suffered during the Oregon State game last year. But, while the redshirt sophomore was cleared to play at the start of camp, he slowly worked his way back into the lineup.

Tanigawa saw his most significant action of fall camp Monday, positive progress for the offensive line.

"Colin's been good," Sarkisian said. "He is getting back in the flow of it. Colin provides that nasty streak on the offensive line that we relish."

Two-way specialists

There are several players who will see time on the other side of ball in specific situations. Defensive end Pio Vatuvei fits into that category.

The 6-2, 281-pound freshman played fullback in high school and has spent some time filling that role with the Huskies.

"We've got a few packages that we think he can help us," Sarkisian said. "So far, the results are good."

Coons is comfortable

When Sarkisian talks about Travis Coons, he comments on the kicker's "tremendous" leg and ability to stay calm in tense moments.

The junior college transfer has looked better with each passing practice. He hit his first five field goals Monday before missing a pair from 59 yards out.

The Huskies put pressure on Coons during each long kick, his teammates cheering him on like it was a potential game-winning attempt. Sarkisian wants Coons to be put in situations designed to "bring out the best in him."

While he didn't make the deep kicks in the evening practice, he hammered a 55-yard field goal last week that would have been good from 60 yards out.

SEATTLE -- Washington wrapped up its seventh day of fall camp Monday and, once again, a lot of attention was paid to injuries.

The Huskies did get some good news with offensive lineman Colin Tanigawa seeing extensive time at left guard. The redshirt sophomore continues to work his way back after suffering a season-ending knee injury in the Oregon State game last season.

Linebacker Jamaal Kearse missed practice with a thigh bruise, while safeties Shaq Thompson and Justin Glenn were both out with mild concussions. After suffering a sprained knee Saturday, linebacker Thomas Tutogi is recovering faster than originally expected.

Washington coach Steve Sarkisian said receiver Kevin Smith, who is recovering from an ACL injury, saw significant action during the team’s morning practice, but he didn’t practice in the later session.

Notes:

• Defensive end Pio Vatuvei spent some time at fullback, and Sarkisian said the freshman will see time at the position specific offensive packages.

• Redshirt freshman Travis Feeney has moved from safety to linebacker. With the rash of injuries at the linebacker position, Feeney provides depth. If there is one position where the program has an abundance of athletes, it’s at safety, making for an easy move.

• Kicker Travis Coons made his first five field goals during Washington’s evening practice, making two from 38 yards out and one each from 35, 38 and 47. He missed back-to-back attempts from 59 yards out.

SEATTLE -- Here is a quick-hitting look at Washington’s sixth day of fall camp.

Recruiting update

It was a busy day at Washington camp, with three high school athletes stopping by the Huskies’ final practice of the first week.

Bellevue (Wash.) Bellevue teammates Sean Constantine and Myles Jack stopped by together. The linebackers are verbally committed to Washington and UCLA, respectively.

Also taking the time to observe practice was 2014 tight end prospect Chase Blakley (Coeur d’Alene, Idaho/Coeur d’Alene), who has a Washington offer and is high on the Huskies.

Camaraderie, competition and fun

James Johnson talked about how much fun the Huskies are having in camp. Sean Parker mentioned the team chemistry. Steve Sarkisian said this is the closest group he has coached during his tenure as Washington’s head coach.

When asked to explain the camaraderie, Johnson and Parker couldn’t quite pinpoint an answer. Sarkisian, though, said it stems from players and coaches treating each other like family.

“The one thing about families, that’s the time when all of us are, really, the most open,” Sarkisian said. “The ability to laugh, have fun and joke, but also be serious and maybe even cry. Those two extremes, and everything in between, sometimes you don’t see in locker rooms. We definitely see it.

“I think it’s pretty cool that our kids are opening themselves up to one another and to us and, as coaches, we’re doing it with them. In the end, that should bring us closer.”

First two-a-day of fall camp

Washington went through its first two-a-day of fall camp. The Huskies worked out in helmets during the morning session with a big emphasis on the two-minute drill.

In the afternoon session, the team went through a physical, full-pads practice with a lot of work on short yardage and goal-line situations.

“It was a really good situational practice, very competitive and, I thought, physical,” Sarkisian said.

Coons drills long field goal

Leg strength hasn’t been an issue for junior college transfer Travis Coons. The kicker made 3 of 5 field-goal attempts in the afternoon session with a long of 55 yards.

“He just keeps getting better to me, a little more consistent each day,” Sarkisian said. “He appears to be more comfortable each day just with his approach, his body language.”

Injury report

Linebacker Thomas Tutogi suffered a sprained knee during the afternoon practice. Sarkisian said it doesn’t appear to be serious.

The Huskies have been hit hard by injuries at the linebacker position throughout fall camp.

Receiver Kendyl Taylor and safety James Sample sat out the afternoon practice with groin injuries.

Team bonding trip

Washington took a team trip to CenturyLink Field Saturday night to watch a preseason NFL game between the Seattle Seahawks and Tennessee Titans.

“It’s a great kind of team-bonding activity that we like to do every year,” Sarkisian said. “Last year we went to the Mariners game, so this year we get to go to the Seahawks game.”

Former Huskies Jake Locker and Devin Aguilar play for the Titans, while Jermaine Kearse is in camp with the Seahawks.