It feels good to be back to discussing football. This week it's the Washington Huskies.
I like to glance the Vegas' opening line and how it moves throughout the week. This week, the Beavers opened as 2.5 favorites, and it's now down to a pick 'em game. I understand the common gambler's reasoning for picking Washington:
1. James Rodgers is out.
2. Washington beat USC.
But what the average college football fan doesn't realize is that Markus Wheaton is just as good, if not better (gasp!) than James Rodgers. Okay, so he is probably not better, but only because James had some leadership skills and four years in the offense, allowing him to master details. Wheaton is getting there fast, though.
As far as Washington beating USC–I have a feeling a lot of average to good teams are going to beat USC. The Trojans have nothing to play for, and they have a head coach whom nobody respects.
So a 2.5 line, and now a pick 'em game. Really?
I love the Beavers in this game. There are few teams with a worse defense than the Beavs, but Washington is one of them. OSU also has a superior running back, quarterback, and wide receivers. Their return game is second to none in the country, and should continue churning with Poyer and Wheaton taking over duties. Where does Washington have an advantage? Even their coaching staff is inferior. Figure Vegas gives Washington +3 for the home field. That is still way too low.
Notice above I said the Beavs have the advantage at QB. Mel Kiper wouldn't agree, but if we're being honest who would you rather have right now? Locker is an erratic mental case. He'll overthrow a receiver wide open down the middle (right into the arms of Lance Mitchell) at least once in this game. Katz has been in 3 huge games this year versus top 10 teams. How many has Locker been involved in his entire career? Truth be told: Locker is a gamer, leader of men, and a player who demands respect due to the passion with which he plays the game, but his football intelligence and throwing ability do not match his heart.
The wild cards that might keep this game close:
1. Noise–We all know the reputation of Husky Stadium. However, the Beavers have quietly become road warriors.
2. ESPN broadcast — The Beavers are notoriously horrible in the prime time. However, they do tend to play better in this time slot versus familiar Pac-10 opponents.
3. Mobile QB–Sure, Locker can't throw, but he can scoot. Luckily Washington does not run much option.
Last week's game felt like a pick 'em. This one doesn't.
Beavers by at least 7, but I'm thinking more like 13+.
38-24, good guys.
37-31 Washington
Even though the game is on ESPN, no one on the East coast will be watching. Not many on the West coast will be watching either, IMO.
Beavers seem to struggle in the 5:00pm (pacific) time slot unless they play against USC circa 2008. So maybe playing later will help.
If OSU wins this game, look for more games to be picked up by ESPN and/or ABC regional coverage.
Markus Wheaton prediction:
9 receptions – 148 – yards receiving – 1 td (rec.) – 39 yards rushing – 1 td (rush.)
I can’t believe ESPN picked this game up tbh.
I agree, i was surprised to see the World Wide Leader pick it up too. I am glad though.
Nothing else to show when it’s 10:30pm on the East coast. Why not tap the Seattle Market. Oregon is on a bye, Washington State is in one game, and there is only one other good Pac 10 game and that is during mid-day.
I’m on the east coast, and I’ll be watching.
But I guess I’m biased…
This game scares me for some reason… that being said I took the Beavers at +1. I would have thought we would have been favored by a TD. I don’t get it.
I’m not too worried about it, cause I will have my good luck charm sitting next to me on the couch watching this game with me. She’s my good luck charm because every time I played Texas hold ’em poker and called her before or at a break between play, I would come back and either win the tourney, or become the new chip leader. So….I think we’ll be ok here. :)
http://portlandtribune.com/sports/story_2nd.php?story_id=128691796521831900
Angry, have you seen Kerry Eggers article?
That was pretty awesome, thanks.
The integrity of this league is on life support. There’s nothing more to say than that.
ean, you beat me to it. I like how Eggers says that perhaps the Pac-10/12 will take more responsibility in making a league rule on conflict of interest in replays.
“Sorgen’s obliviousness aside, maybe the problem gets solved with a Pac-10 policy change during the offseason.”
Also, the Pac-12 now should make an announcement in that, they shouldn’t care whether or not the conference reprimands it’s officials for making bad egregious calls because if you want to have a good to great reputation in fair officials for games, then there needs to be change…why do you think that it’s hard for Pac-10 teams to get anyone but ND, LSU, and FCS schools to come to the west coast? It’s because they know our officials are bad. Look at the Oklahoma game…no Big X /XII conference team is going to come out west to play with us because they know they will most likely get cheated. So they stick with other conference teams. I say that the NCAA should use Neutral officials for OOC games. So if a Pac-10 team played a oh WAC team either home or away, the refs should come from the MWC. SEC BIG X and XII would rotate between them, and so on and so forth. having conference officials for your home games should be left to league refs. Make the OOC games like the Bowl games…NEUTRAL!!
They should use some of the new pac-10 monies to hire full time refs, instead of guys who work as accountants by day. The NFL refs are wonderful, and it’s because they’re paid real wages and go through a stringent hiring process, akin to selecting a jury.
The TCU game had neutral officials and I thought the officiating was great.
Every year that I go to Husky stadium I have such a miserable experience that I say that it will be my last, but the way we’ve been winning up there lately I just can’t help myself. I’ll be back up there this year sitting in those horrible end-zone seats 50 yards behind the field for $70. What a deal.
I don’t see any way in which Quizz doesn’t get back on track this week. If the Huskies load the box like Zona did, Katz will make them pay. If they back off into coverage, Quizz will make them pay.
Our defense blows, but not as bad as the Pusskies.
I think 38-24 sounds about right. Looking at UW, I see Oregon State Lite in every facet. That doesn’t mean they can’t beat us in a trap game. It does mean that if we play poorly we can lose to them.
Their offensive line is in disarray, and it doesn’t look like Kohler (sp?) will be back from his illness (mono). I also don’t believe Aguilar can be back with a pulled hip flexor (that has to hurt) occuring late last week.
Our defense needs to be prepared for a running QB and a somewhat better running game than last year.
But their defense makes ours look like an NFL defense. Let’s hope Katz keeps on a roll.
Right, we can’t show up to any game just thinking we can get off the bus and have the opponent bow down. That’s how the Beavers lose this game if they do–flat, uninspired play. I have a hard time believing they’ll be flat, though, given the game is on National TV and they’re 2-0 in conference/tied for first.
Actually, it’s a regional game, not national game.
Gotcha. That makes more sense.
I live in Nebraska, and the game is on ESPN out here. 9:15pm CST. What is ESPN going to have on in the East Coast time frame at 10:15EST? I tried to find a coverage map for this game, but I don’t know that there is one. I’m guessing it’s on nationwide given the late start.
My bad, it is National because it’s on the “PrimeTime” time slot for ESPN. I have NO IDEA why ESPN decided to pick this game up. Here’s the coverage maps for this weekend that are regional broadcasts.
http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/news/story?page=coveragemaps2010
Unless they could coax a better 10:15pm EST slot for a game, this is probably the best thing they could find. Tap the Seattle market, otherwise who else could they show? No one in the midwest will take a 9:15pm start time, no one in the east will take a 10:15pm start time. You need to capture west coasters…with the options out there, an intriguing Beavers vs. Jake Locker is probably better than an Arizona-Wazzu game, or a WAC game (Boise St-San Jose). No one wants to watch the MWC…
I came up with a theory…it’s called Oregon is on a BYE and they don’t play, so maybe if people see the “Oregon” in the game title, people will watch the game? Otherwise, it’s cause Oregon is on a BYE and there aren’t any other “promising” match-ups in the Pac-10 this weekend. Also could be that we beat the #9 team in the country and we’re starting to get more press…?
The Beavs must be doing okay with TV money this year, no?
Quote from the Portland Tribune
http://www.portlandtribune.com/sports/story.php?story_id=128700620389963600
I mean with all these games being picked up, and teams being paid on a per appearance basis.
Dude, you don’t even know. I live on Trojan land and I get so sick of telling people I’m an Oregon State fan and they respond “oh the Ducks are doing great this year.” Morons! I have to then give a short lesson on how the ucks are the evil empire and the Beavs are the good guys. It is hard to tell the difference between animals and colors when you have a trojan pulled over your head.
With that said the depression level in LA is awesome right now!
Cliff says Glover will start over Henry. I haven’t watched Henry much this season. I assume this will help run D. Will be nice to have a big body in front of Pankey. Something to watch.
I think the Beavs will pull out a win.
I wonder why Glover would start ahead of Henry; is it an injury issue? Because Henry seems like a pretty decent outside pass rusher, and our front is finally starting to gel and apply pressure.
Not sure, but I did notice Henry biting big time on QB fakes vs TCU and Louisville. Since Locker can run, maybe they like this matchup better.
Glover has been more impressive overall, so to me this is an upgrade.
I agree the Huskies are “OSU Lite” – they don’t put all three phases together. Like OSU, they have units that are underwhelming. BUT, I think OSU takes this game seriously. While they have won recently at UW, it hasn’t always been easy so I don’t think they take it for granted. I see OSU winning by 10+, with Quizz, Wheaton, Halahuni, Mitchell, Paea, and Collins having good nights.
After reading Cliff’s notebook posting today, I’m feeling a little less confident about this Saturday’s game: http://goo.gl/6tuo
According to Cliff: (1) Brady Camp is out again; (2) Markus Wheaton has a bruised knee (!!) but will probably play; (3) center Alex L. aggravated his ankle injury and sat out the 2d half of practice today; (4) Grant Johnson “took it easy” b/c of his neck injury; (5) Taylor Henry continues to be slowed by his chronic back condition.
The biggest concern is probably Markus Wheaton’s knee. With James Rodgers out for the season, and if Wheaton is not 100% on Saturday, OSU will be hard-pressed to stretch the Huskies’ pass defense vertically.
But we also need the O-line to improve, especially in the running game. Sounds like our O-line is banged up, and won’t be anywhere near 100%.
Am I the only one getting a bit more nervous about this Saturday night’s game at Washington?
Well, it sounds like Wheaton is going to play. Grant Johnson is not a big deal, since his backup, Pohl, is good (better imo). Glover is better than Taylor Henry (not that Henry is bad).
Linnenkohl is a big deal, but I don’t see a cut holding him out.
If the Huskies had a defense, I’d be concerned.
Sounds like the Beavs need that upcoming bye to heal up.
weren’t you the one saying that Joshua Andrews is the real deal? Hopefully that is the case right?
This might make you feel better:
http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/huskyfootballblog/2013154639_wednesday_practice_report_—_6.html
UW will not be at full strength, and are moving guys around on the O-line (will Paea benefit?) and other positions.
The crowd will be loud at first, but I think OSU takes them out of it and reminds UW that while they are improving, they still have a ways to go to get back to the top third of the Pac-10/12.
My biggest concern is our kicker appears to be a head case. He’s way over-thinking things, and the media isn’t helping by harping on it. In baseball we call this Steve Sax Syndrome. Not sure what it’s called for place kickers, but I’m concerned.
You could see it on the second extra point. The first was a miss (which happens sometimes), but the second was bizarre, almost a half-hearted attempt. Geez, I hope this gets corrected.
I actually was getting a drink and missed (seeing) that extra point.
It looks like in football they just call it “the yips”, and it is related to social anxiety (which is closely related to OCD). I feel bad for the guy, and given his temperament (shy, etc) we could see a complete meltdown.
This is another instance where a sports psychologist would be an asset. Actually, I’m going to write Bob D and suggest that be their first hire when they get that Pac-12 money.
Reading the article today where Kahut discussed what was going on with him during AZ and what he anticipates from UW leads me to believe that he’s going to hit a mediocre stride at best in the near future.
He recognizes that kicker is a mental position, but from what he states, his only mental support is Serna, and that seems mostly to based off of superstitions of old records.
These are elite athletes people! They (mostly) made it to this level for a reason!! Sport psychology is the key component that these athletes are missing!
Make some moves Angry. I know other PAC-12 schools are just waiting to throw that new media money around..
I wrote Bob D with the suggestion earlier.
“Bob,
On my blog I often talk about how Beaver recruits are generally not offered by the rest of the Pac-10, and how this could lead to inferiority complexes. Some say it puts a chip on their shoulder. I’m sure both opinions are right since there are many temperaments. Anyway, I’ve always felt a school like OSU would benefit immensely from hiring a sports psychologist. It’s a way to get an edge, redirect and correct inferiority, and master the mental component of competition. The issue with Justin Kahut is a perfect example where that type of professional would be a huge asset. The person could work with all sports, not just football. Maybe with the new Pac-12 money you can and will consider such a hire.
Also, the Beavers should wear the orange jersey more—it’s their best “brand” and has a Pittsburgh Steelers/Iowa Hawkeye toughness and feel to it.
Thanks,
Angry”
Very nice. I look forward to hearing his reply.
As long as we’ve ditched the bra jersey of 2006ish, we’re good.
I’m curious to see what our new Nike Pro Combat uniforms look like on players and on the field. I LOVED the ones TCU wore, and although ours look more muted, it probably fits our style better. Curious why we only get to wear them once this season though.
I really feel strong about the black pants with white tops on the road. Probably could get the orange with black pants approved for road games too. I don’t mind the all whites, but we wear it too much and the black pants in tougher and I think it helps the players a little when they are always used to playing in them like Erickson’s teams. I think it makes the road just feel MUCH MORE like a home game. They need to be wearing the black pants on the road over 50% of the time and the all white just a couple times. Then we should maybe get orange shorts so if we wanted we could mix that in with the other tops and even have the option of an all orange look once every couple years. Would give us just a few more combos so we could keep this classic look we have for as long as we wanted. Black pants with the White tops also reminds me of Steelers/Iowa tough.
Statistically UW has the worst defense we will face so far this season. I however am still not sold on our defense. I think the offense will be just fine. Beavs win this one. Prolly something like 37-28.
This is the last game I’m worried about for the next month. Numbers-wise, I see what could be a push (mostly due to injuries on both sides of the ball). The key factor? James Rodgers.
Even though he’s injured, he’s still a team captain. Captains brings an immeasurable level of leadership and cohesion to everyone around them. On or off the field. And James is the best we’ve got. That’s why Mike Riley stating that he may leave James at home for some 3rd string on the 70 man away roster concerns me.
This is a big game, with a big team, in a big house. Teammates need leaders given the multitude of variables they provide (i.e., confidence, poise, energy, focus, etc. Not only yards/scores). The mentality of a Beaver’s team in a tough or losing situation on the road, may be difficult to overcome without a true captain such as James Rodgers within eyesight/earshot of his teammates.
Though these intangible factors may reallocate themselves amongst the other players as the season progresses, the emotional roller coaster experienced throughout the team and state over the last 7 days are no time to test such theories.
Yeah I don’t think it’s a wise move to leave that guy at home. He’ll be like having another coach on the bench, and will help the other WRs immensely.
Even if he was in the booth with Langsdorf, so the kids can see him before the game, know he’s there, and even talk with him on the headsets after a series or something.
Agreed that OSU needs to bring James Rodgers to Washington. Seems obvious to me that he adds more value as the 70th Beaver on the trip than does some second string backup guy on special teams.
As for Alex Linnenkohl, I agree that the cut won’t hold him out — however, it’s Alex’s ankle that is the concern. According to Cliff, Alex aggravated his ankle injury yesterday and had to sit out the 2d half of practice. Ankles take time to heal, and are easily reinjured if not 100%. Fingers crossed that Alex can go on Saturday. If not, we could have problems not just with the running game and pass protection, but also with snaps.
Regarding Justin Kahut, I agree that a sports psychologist might help. But some guys are too far gone to be saved. Steve Sax was saved. Chuck Knoblauch and Steve Blass were not — they had to leave baseball because they couldn’t cure the “yips”. Sure looks to me like Kahut has a bad case of the “yips”. He’s going to be a risk for the rest of this season — the “yips” could return at any time. This is going to be a continuing problem this season….
I’m not a kicker, but I don’t like his stance anyway, he is almost straight on with the ball. For a soccer styler that’s odd. Almost looks like he wants to kick it with his toe, but he doesn’t. Just an observation.
Just saw a Tweet from Cliff saying the ‘Dawgs are Favored by 1″. Not sure what his source is, but even my negative, sarcastic, pessimistic, cynical ass can’t help but to think I need to take out a loan and take the Beavers to cover. Or win?
Maybe Dennis Dodd is doing the odds for this one (Inside joke with us Husker fans, he picked UW and K-State to beat Nebraska).
Just back from an hour at Reser, watching the Beavs practice. Here’s the latest:
1) Markus Wheaton was dressed, but did not participate in any drills. He just watched. Wearing something on his knee, but didn’t look bulky. And he seemed to be walking ok.
2) Alex Linnenkohl did participate in drills and seemed to be moving normally
3) Justin Kahut seemed to be kicking well (field goals and kickoffs). JK also was working quite a bit on onside kicks — and kicking them well. I wouldn’t be surprised to see an onside kick on Saturday if the right opportunity arises
That’s the news as of Thursday pm…
Thanks, Silver. We need Alex, he seems to be the best lineman for pulling to run block.
Don’t know what to expect from Justin.
Also, I’m with the others who want James on the sideline for emotional motivation and game knowledge. GO BEAVS !!
Wheaton is awesome on kickoffs, but Riley should have someone else return them for now; Wheaton said returning kicks is what puts so much strain on his knee and aggravates it. I’m sure we have a few guys that would love that chance, and Poyer is already a stud at returns.
It sounded like Riley was going to take James to the games, but I could be wrong.
And while I think we should beat the Huskies 9 out of 10 games, Locker can always have that “FU” game where he just wins it by himself. I just don’t see that happening Saturday.
Just had a random but scary thought…
If we were to win out and go the rest of the season undefeated, and Ohio State did the same….would we rematch Boise State or TCU in the Rose Bowl?! That would be horrible.
Rule # 27: no excuses, play like a champion. You say nightmare, I say chance at redemption. Besides, I don’t think the selection committe would allow two teams who played each other in the same calander year in a bcs bowl.
Wouldn’t. Stupid auto fill
Wow, could the northwest schools get screwed any worse than in this type of conference alignment? http://espn.go.com/blog/pac10/post/_/id/14493/cal-and-stanford-to-the-north
Better than a North_South with Utah and Colorado in the north.
If the Cal schools get there way and play each other every year (i.e. USC’s 5-2-2 plan), then I think this could be worse than having Utah and Colorado in the north.
Basically, everybody in the conference would be playing a game in SoCal every year and playing both SoCal schools every year, except the NW schools. The NW schools would play there what, every other year, at best? And only play 1 of them each year? Seems like a significant advantage for the AZ, CO, and UT programs over the NW programs.
Bay to North is what we want because Scott has no interest in the zipper. It is now just up to Bobby D. to make sure we get nothing less than a 5-1-3 scenario or better yet would be to use pods. Then CA still gets to play eachother but is split politically into both divisions, and everyone else plays the 8 teams outside your pod 75% of the time. Just need to get the OK from NCAA. Or you could just play your rival and 4 of 5 of the other “pairs” in the Pac-12 and would see every team 80% of the time. That actually makes the most sense so just get the OK from the NCAA and that would be the best.
If the CA teams got to play eachother 80% of the time and their main rival always that is pretty good. But I drive down to the Bay every year and even have property in NoCal. San Fran is a great place to visit and gives us a big market to make our division sexy and keeps the balance way better. It also makes sure Scott cares about our division just as much as the other and that CA isn’t in a position to completely control our futures if realignment comes up again and they want to form a new conference, join the Big 12, or take a best of scenario of teams from the Pac-10 and Big 12. Bay to North will be great for the Pac-12 as long as all the NW and new ADs make sure they get nothing less than a 5-1-3. Since they already have 7-5 in favor of this split they should be able to get the same 7-5 vote for a 5-1-3 and I think they would get even more votes for using pods or the 4 of 5 pairs ideas if Scott was just working alongside the NCAA. It seems though that he is going to see if they can agree on something like a 5-1-3 first and if not then maybe will push for pods or 4 of 5 pairs scheduling.
Simulation probabilities (1000 sims with updated rosters):
Winning percentage: 75.2% (OSU), 24.8% (UW)
Average score: 31-25
Hey angry, do the Beavs have any shot at this huge DT Viliami Moala? He lists us in his top 6 on Scout. Just curious because sometimes you have some inside info.
I don’t have any info on him. Judging by his offer sheet, I’d say very little chance. That we could give him early playing time probably handicaps it around 5-10% odds.
It’s now Friday and the lingering injuries aren’t going away. Alex L and Wheaton are huge–if they can’t go at 90% or better this is suddenly an upset alert. I hear Washington has a few key guys banged up–hopefully that balances the scales.
ps. I kind of hope Grant Johnson can’t go and Pohl gets a start–I think he’s a better player.
Larry Scott is going to be at the UW-OSU game. Probably to announce the recommendation of Bay to North but that the presidents still must meet and vote. Bay to North is good to give us a great place like the Bay to visit and make sure that both divisions are treated equally and the nation finds both attractive. Just up to Bobby D and the NW and new ADs and one of the ADs in Arizona to get no worse than a 5-1-3 scenario with no more than one protected out-of division game.
Looking forward to Wheaton and the receivers having a big day, Katz maturing even more, 100 yards for Quizz and improvement and forced turnover(s)from the D. Will take a total team effort but I think we can do it. This team is coming together.
Beavs 33, UW 24
I can’t believe this is a pick ’em game. Even with all these guys banged up. For some reason, UDub has had really weird lines all year long (Nebraska was only favored by 4 when they went up to Seattle earlier this year). I think Vegas really really likes Jake Locker.
Also, I believe ESPN picked this game up in the offseason, thinking that UDub might be good.
We need this game! Get the “W” and we are right in the hunt for the Rose Bowl! Going to be awesome watching tomorrow night. Hope to see alot of orange up there! GO BEAVS!!
Regarding the new Pac12 North, it’s about the best compromise for us. Less travel distance, better rivalries, and probably a little easier to win the conference championship game.
Regarding UW, like I said before, Locker can blow up and just have an “FU” game and beat us by himself, especially considering our defense’s inability to stop any QB who runs a sub-4.8 40. However, the odds of him having such a game seem low, so Katz and Quizz should be able to win this by themselves.
Sorry for the ignorance, but can someone explain the 5-1-3 breakdown?
Halahuni and Quizz dominate today. Defense comes alive against Locker, but he still gets his yards/scores. D will bend, not break.
Well, this 5-2-2 would be bad because we would only play one LA team a year. I don’t think Scott wants to get % down that low and I think we are more likely to just get another 7-5 vote perhaps even with no concessions so out of division you play 4 years of 6. But if they had a protected crossover of say Cal-UCLA and USC-Stanford then besides their 5 (full intra round robin), they would have that and then 3 of the 5 remaining out-of-division to play. That would reduce the percentage to 60% but atleast some years we would see both LA teams. To me it is still worth it to split the CA political machine because in truth they cannot be trusted. The NW, new and AZ schools don’t really have agendas, but CA loves power trippin’ and could cause realignment problems in the future, with WSU and OSU having the most to be concerned with. The Bay to North gives us great rivalries, media respect, makes sure the commish always is concerned with us, a great destination in the Bay and a reasonable path to the CCG. All those are great. We just don’t want to give up too much LA exposure because we shouldn’t have to. If they overlayed pods on top of the Bay to North the CA schools would play eachother all the time, and everyone else sees teams outside their pod 75% of the time. That is a reasonable amount. I would rather have approval for pods or the 4 of 5 pairs and use tiebreakers. Missing a team occassionally from our division is worth more LA games. The NCAA should grant the waiver because pods make alot of sense with our structure and those rules were written 18 years ago just to fit the new SEC. Otherwise a 5-0-4 is best so we don’t miss much LA action. I don’t think the votes will fall worse than a 5-1-3 though. Splitting the CA schools makes sure the Pac-12 will be politically equal and there is actually balance on issues. Our division is cool so we should enjoy it. Our road caravans to the Bay should continue to grow.
The Athletic Dept. should start organizing a couple nice greyhound buses that could follow the team down to the Bay and sell packages for trips down there to watch us play Stanford and Cal. That would be cool. Or get group rates for flying or something.
a. first it has to be finalized.
b. if it is, you should write bob d and suggest it.
they miss a lot of obvious great ideas and need the suggestions.
Actually there are plans for a high speed rail corridor by 2025 I think. Supposed to go from LA to Vancouver BC. I also believe it is actually going to go through Corvallis and not just Eugene. That means that whether we live in Portland, Eugene or Corvallis we will be able to hop on and make a great day or weekend of it either visiting the Bay or Seattle. I rode the French one from Paris to Nice (On the Med. Sea) in like 4.5 hours or something. Bay shouldn’t take much more than 6 hours.