UW FOOTBALL NOTEBOOK: Apple Cup for pride (again)

SEATTLE — Steve Sarkisian used one of those oft-uttered clichés when talking about his University of Washington football team’s next game.

When the Huskies host the Washington State Cougars in the 102nd Apple Cup meeting in 11 days, Sarkisian said, “you take the records and you throw them out the window.”

That’s precisely what both these programs would like to do right about now.

The Cougars (1-9) are one of the worst teams in Division I-A football. And the Huskies’ recent freefall has put them in straits only slightly less dire.

“It’s not about Rose Bowls or Pac-10 championships,” Sarkisian said of the Apple Cup, which will be at Husky Stadium one week from Saturday. “It’s about pride.”

The “pride” theme has been all too familiar at recent Apple Cups. UW’s fast start — the Huskies were 2-1 after an upset of then-No. 3 USC on Sept. 19 — had this part of the season looking like a meaningful stretch. But after four consecutive losses, and six in seven games, the Huskies (3-7) are looking for other forms of motivation.

“The natural thing is guys wanted to play in a bowl game,” Sarkisian said Monday, two days after a 48-21 loss to Oregon State officially eliminated UW from bowl contention. “That’s human nature of what goals are out there. We’ve got to get these guys refocused and playing prideful and playing for something that’s greater than just the reward at the end of possibly a bowl game or a conference championship.”

Before the Huskies turn their sights on the Apple Cup, they will take their second bye of the season this weekend. Sarkisian said he would prefer to get back on the field as soon as possible — “Anytime you get your butt kicked the way we did last week, you wish you could jump right back on the horse and play,” he said — but he’ll use the time off to rest some hobbled players.

Defensive tackle Cameron Elisara (neck stinger), linebacker E.J. Savannah (thumb) and safeties Jason Wells (foot) and Nate Fellner (partially torn biceps) are among the players who could use the week off. Sarkisian said that battered starters Ryan Tolar and Chris Polk will also get some time off this week.

Sarkisian has some extra time to do a little soul searching this week. One thing he has yet to do is start scouting the Cougars for the upcoming Apple Cup.

“I haven’t watched a snap yet,” he said. “We have had our own issues, obviously, here the last few weeks.”

Will he stay, or will he go?

Of the first 16 questions Sarkisian fielded during his Monday press conference, 11 of them had to do with quarterback Jake Locker.

More specifically, they had to do with the possibility of Locker declaring himself eligible for the April NFL draft. The junior quarterback is being projected by some draft gurus as a possible first-round pick.

Sarkisian said that the coaching staff will let the process play out — the final two games of the season, the fact-gathering from scouts and pro-personnel people, and finally Locker’s decision.

Sarkisian said it will be Locker’s decision in the end, and he’s not sure which way the quarterback might be leaning.

Asked whether Locker could benefit from another season at UW, Sarkisian said: “With every quarterback, from a maturation standpoint, you always benefit from coming back.”

Sarkisian added that he understands the financial allure of coming out early, especially if a quarterback is projected to go in the first part of Round 1.

When he was asked whether the draft talk could be a distraction for Locker, Sarkisian cracked: “As long as you (reporters) want to keep writing about it, it’s going to be on his mind.’’

Short yardage

Sarkisian said that Fellner is scheduled to undergo an MRI on his partially torn biceps today. … The Huskies and Cougars rank among the bottom two in the Pac-10 in scoring defense, total defense, rushing defense, pass defense efficiency and opponents’ third-down conversions.

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Sports

X
Vote for The Herald’s Prep Athlete of the Week for March 8-17

The Athlete of the Week nominees for March 8-17. Voting closes at… Continue reading

X
Silvertips’ playoff picture coming together as season hits final week

Everett is officially the Western Conference’s No. 3 seed and is likely heading into a matchup with Kelowna or Vancouver.

Los Angeles Rams offensive guard Tremayne Anchrum (72) against the Denver Broncos during the second half of an NFL preseason football game, Saturday, Aug. 28, 2021, in Denver. (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey)
Seahawks add to position of need, sign guard Tremayne Anchrum Jr.

The 25-year-old has played in 31 games, starting once, since being drafted by the Los Angeles Rams in 2020.

Everett Community College head coach Chet Hovde watches as the women's team practices on Tuesday, March 7, 2017 in Everett, Wa. (Andy Bronson / The Herald)
EvCC coach Chet Hovde, who ‘lived for’ basketball, dies at 77

Coach Hovde graduated from Everett High School in 1965. He spent 33 years as the women’s basketball coach at the community college.

Jackson’s Ian Friedrichsen celebrates his goal with his teammates during the game against Bothell on Thursday, May 11, 2023 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Prep boys soccer: 5 things to watch for the 2024 season in Snohomish County

A look at the top local storylines for this high school boys soccer season

Jackson’s Rachel Sysum is hugged by Leneyah Mitchell after hitting a home run during the game against Bothell on Friday, May 19, 2023 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Prep softball: 5 things to watch for the 2024 season in Snohomish County

A look at the top local storylines to keep an eye on this high school softball season.

X
Prep roundup for Friday, March 15

Prep roundup for Friday, March 15: (Note for coaches/scorekeepers: To report results… Continue reading

Glacier Peak’s Samantha Christensen runs to home plate to celebrate her home run with her teammates during the game against Snohomish on Friday, March 15, 2024 in Snohomish, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
GALLERY: Glacier Peak softball tops rival Snohomish

The Grizzlies prevail 9-5 in a clash of area powers.

X
Prep roundup for Thursday, March 14

Prep roundup for Thursday, March 14: (Note for coaches/scorekeepers: To report results… Continue reading

The Washington Wolfpack logo is revealed during the Everett AFL team unveiling at Tony V's Garage in Everett, Washington onThursday, Oct. 26, 2023. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
Everett’s new arena football team to have 4 televised games

The NFL Network will broadcast 30 AFL games this season, including two Wolfpack home games.

Washington coach Mike Hopkins yells to the team during the second half of the team's NCAA college basketball game against California, Saturday, Feb. 17, 2024, in Seattle. California won 82-80. (AP Photo/Stephen Brashear)
Looking back at Mike Hopkins’ turbulent tenure as UW men’s basketball coach

The departing Huskies coach had highs early, but the good times didn’t last long.

X
Prep roundup for Saturday, March 16

Prep roundup for Saturday, March 16: (Note for coaches/scorekeepers: To report results… Continue reading

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.