Dawgs looking for help from fans against Boise

Published 11:22 pm Monday, September 3, 2007

SEATTLE – Washington’s 30-point blowout victory against Syracuse could have big ramifications on this week’s game as well.

Already, Huskies players say, there is a different feel around the city and campus after the blowout.

“We started this season off with a big win, and I think the fans are excited in Seattle,” said tailback Louis Rankin, who had a career-high 147 rushing yards and three touchdowns in the game. ”I feel like it’s going to be a different environment than we’ve seen in a while.”

On Sunday night, Rankin and a few teammates went to see a movie, and he said they were congratulated by fans that recognized them.

As of Monday afternoon, only 3,000 tickets remained for Washington’s home opener against Boise State.

“I hope the game will be sold out,” said senior cornerback Roy Lewis. “When this place gets rocking, it’s loud. When it gets going, it’s definitely a place opponents don’t want to play.”

Had the Huskies lost to Syracuse, or looked bad in a close win, there would likely be less fans and less energy at Husky Stadium on Saturday. Elevating the level of fan excitement even more is the performance of quarterback Jake Locker, who in his debut looked like he is ready to live up to the huge amounts of hype that have surrounded him since he signed with the Huskies.

“I think this weekend is going to be pretty crazy around here, which we’re all excited about,” Locker said. “This is an intimidating place to play. Having that kind of excitement gives us an advantage when teams come in here to play, which is why that first win was so important.”

Huskies coach Tyrone Willingham thinks the fans can help the Huskies this week.

“I hope our fans are committed to making a difference,” he said. “I’ve always said that the players have to make a difference and our fans have to make a difference. Husky Stadium is known as one of the tougher places to play, yes because of good teams, but also because of great crowds. So we need both of those working.”

Injury update: Fullback Luke Kravitz is expected to miss the Boise State game after injuring his hand against Syracuse. Willingham said that he doesn’t expect the injury to keep Kravitz out for a long period of time. Freshmen Austin Sylvester and Tobias Togi are listed as backups to starter Paul Homer for Saturday’s game.

Cornerback Byron Davenport, who missed the Syracuse game with a hamstring injury suffered in the first week of practice, is listed as a backup behind Vonzell McDowell Jr. on the depth chart, and is likely to see some action.

Players of the week: Rankin was named the team’s offensive player of the week, while defensive end Dani l Te’o-Nesheim took home defensive honors after earning one of his team’s seven sacks.

Jared Ballman earned special teams honors after averaging 46.2 yards per punt. He also handled kickoff duties.

Romeo Savant was named the service team player of the week for offense and special teams, while De’Shon Matthews earned defensive honors.