And We’re Back
Published 9:00 pm Monday, September 18, 2006
Sorry it’s been a couple days since there’s been an update. I figure I’ll start in the present and work my way back.
Offensive coordinator Tim Lappano had his weekly meeting with the media today, and though he spent a lot of time talking about UCLA’s speed on defense, the most interested thing he talked about was when he was asked about freshman quarterback Jake Locker.
Lappano said Locker and Carl Bonnell have been sharing snaps with the No. 2 offense in practice, though Bonnell is still clearly the No. 2. Lappano said having a mobile quarterback who can also through – as both Locker and Bonnell are – helps the defense prepare better than simply a pocket passer. Which brings us to Johnny DuRocher, who Lappano said is mostly just watching at this point. Lappano would not say who the No. 3 quarterback is. If I had to guess, I would say if Washington somehow keeps winning despite Isaiah Stanback and Bonnell getting hurt, Locker would be next in line to take over. It would certainly be an easier transition for the offense to go to Locker – who is similar to Stanback and Bonnell – than to DuRocher. Of course, coaches are hoping against hope that they don’t have to play Locker this season.
Lappano talked about the need for the receivers to get better separation off the line, and thinks that the drops that took place in the last game are correctable as they were simply a result of players looking to run before they caught it. He said Marcel Reece is learning the offense better and is thinking less on the field, which accelerates his play. He certainly looked a lot more comfortable against Fresno State.
Lappano also said he has no intention of playing backups on the offensive line simply to get them some experience, saying that he “can’t afford to do that right now.” The starters have played every snap so far. What the Huskies need is a blowout – one way or the other, sorry to say – to get some of those guys on the field.
My impressions from Monday’s media day were that the team was more confident than I’ve seen them during the season (everyone’s confident during fall camp) in some time. But they also seemed to know that they were far from perfect against Fresno State and need to be better this weekend.
And I might as well throw my look back at my picks on here while I’m thinking about it:
Arizona vs. Stephen F. Austin: What I said: Arizona 48-15; What happened: Arizona 28-10. A lot closer than I expected, and maybe an indication that the Wildcats really aren’t very good.
Arizona State vs. Colorado: What I said: Arizona State 29-24; What happened: Arizona State 21-3; A lot better defense than I expected from the Sun Devils, but Colorado really isn’t a good team.
California vs. Portland State: What I said: California 50-0; What happend: California 42-16; A blow out is a blow out, and we didn’t learn much about the Bears.
Oregon vs. Oklahoma: What I said: Oklahoma 32-18; What happened: Oregon 34-33; OK, maybe Oklahoma should have won the game, but it didn’t. The Ducks have had two close ones and get a needed week off.
Stanford vs. Navy: What I said: Navy 34-22; What happened: Navy 37-9; Wow. I knew Navy was a good team – better than people think – but I don’t think anyone expected that. It’s going to be a long year for the Cardinal.
USC vs. Nebraska: What I said: USC 25-21; What happened: USC 28-10; The Trojans just plug guys in for injured guys and keep rolling. A very impressive win.
Washington State vs. Baylor: What I said: Washington State 35-17; What happend: Washington State 17-15; I don’t think anyone expected quite a defensive battle, and the Cougs offense lost two starters. But a win’s a win.
Washington vs. Fresno State: What I said: Fresno State 31-21; What happened: Washington 21-20; Hey, I got the Huskies’ point total right! Good job by the defense against a pretty good offense.
Record for the Week: 7-1. Record for the season: 22-4.
