Midseason means midseason grades.
But on a 1-5 University of Washington football team, one that’s had 1,230 injuries this season, the only fair grade might be an “I” as in “incomplete,” which is a lot like a UW pass play.
Still, the Huskies have had bright moments amongst the devastation. Certainly, effort is not a problem. A gradual seepage of talent over the years, a coaching change and injury all have taken chunks out of the program.
Keeping that in mind, here’s a list of highs and lows from early September until now:
Best player, offense: Tailback Kenny James has been close to consistent and had 189 rushing yards against San Jose State. Honorable mention goes to tackle Khalif Barnes for keeping blitzing linebackers off the quarterback and defensive linemen off James.
Best player, defense: Linebacker Joe Lobendahn is second in the Pacific-10 Conference in tackles. Honorable mention: Linebacker Scott White.
Best player, special teams: Tim Galloway has been steady as a snapper and blocked a punt against Oregon State.
Most devastating injury, offense: Khalif Barnes. The most senior member of the offensive line was a four-year starter and didn’t miss a game in his 42-game career. Honorable mention: Fullback Zach Tuiasosopo. Not only was he showing great improvement as a runner and pass receiver, he was a superb blocker.
Most devastating injury, defense: Defensive end Mike Mapuolesega. Although he was out just four weeks, his knee injury moved Manase Hopoi to end from his more natural position, inside. It also seemed to trigger an outbreak of other injuries at the position.
Biggest surprise, offense: Center Brad Vanneman. Solid blocker, smart lineman in his first year of starting.
Biggest surprise, defense: Linebacker Evan Benjamin. Everyone knew he could play, but in his first season at outside linebacker after a career at safety, few knew he would be fourth in the conference in tackles at 10.3 a game.
Biggest disappointment, offense: A tie between the stone-handed receivers and the fact that no one quarterback has firmly grabbed the starting spot. Passing percentage between three QBs: a subterranean 41.5 percent.
Biggest disappointment, defense: A penchant for giving up big plays.
Biggest disappointment, special teams: Thirty-three yards in punt returns all year, with a season-long of 6.
Best game: One win narrows it down considerably.
Worst game: Fresno State. Twenty-eight Bulldog points came off turnovers, setting a tone for the season. Honorable mention: Oregon State, with seven turnovers, including two fumbles inside the Beaver 7-yard line.
Most promising freshman: Defensive tackle Jordan White-Frisbee. The 330-pounder has started three games and has 13 tackles. Honorable mention: Defensive end Greyson Gunheim. Two starts, six tackles and a near-sack against San Jose State.
Best newcomer: Safety Dashon Goldson. A solid hitter, Goldson has 32 tackles and two fumble recoveries.
Washington vs. USC
Kickoff: 3:30 p.m., Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum.
TV: FSN.
Radio: KJR radio (950 AM).
Stars to watch: Washington – Quarterback Isaiah Stanback makes his starting debut and is the third UW starter at the position this season. Tailback Kenny James is fourth in the conference in rushing at 84 yards a game. He leads a rushing attack that has gained 412 yards in the past two games. Injuries have blown out the receivers, so the Huskies are starting redshirt freshman Bobby Whithorne and sophomore Sonny Shackelford. In the past two games, linebacker Scott White has had six tackles for loss, including three sacks. Tackle Manase Hopoi also has six tackles for loss, including three sacks. Linebacker Joe Lobendahn is second in the conference in tackles with 11.5 a game.
USC – On a team full of stars, several stand out. Quarterback Matt Leinart is a Heisman Trophy candidate, with 14 TD passes and just three interceptions. LenDale White is a great inside runner, averaging 5.4 yards a carry. Reggie Bush, considered by many the most dangerous offensive player in the country, leads the conference in all-purpose yards at 184 a game. He is nails at tailback, receiver, kickoff returner and punt returner. Freshman wide receiver Dwayne Jarrett compares favorably to Mike Williams in most categories at this state of his career. Defensively, tackles Shaun Cody and Mike Patterson are as good as any in the country. Linebackers Matt Grootegoed and Lofa Tatupu both are All-America candidates.
Breaking down the game: How can Washington slow USC, with so many weapons? If Leinart doesn’t beat you with his arm, Bush can beat you with his feet. Washington’s best chance for a good showing might be to keep the ball on the ground, give the ball to James 27 times and have Stanback keep the Trojans on their heels by creating off the cuff.
Bottom line: Talent, talent, talent against a young, banged-up, 1-5 team. Take a wild guess.
Pick: USC, 53-7.
Washington State vs. Oregon State
Kickoff: 1:05 p.m., Reser Stadium, Corvallis, Ore.
TV: none.
Radio: KYCW radio (1090 AM).
Stars to watch: Washington State – Redshirt freshman Alex Brink takes over for Josh Swogger (broken foot) at quarterback. Wideout Jason Hill leads the Pac-10 with nine touchdown passes and averages 27.2 yards a catch. Punter Kyle Basler leads the league in punting at 45.1 yards per attempt. Outside linebacker Scott Davis leads the conference with three fumbles forced and has been in double figures in tackles the past two weeks. Middle linebacker Will Derting is always a force.
Oregon State – Quarterback Derek Anderson has moved past John Elway for seventh in the conference’s career-passing chart with 9,357 yards. Wideout Mike Hass leads the league in receiving with 46 catches for 699 yards. Linebacker Trent Bray averages 10.8 tackles a game, third in the conference. Defensive end Bill Swancutt is one of the top three in the league at his position. Place-kicker Alexis Serna hit a 55-yard field goal against Washington last week.
Breaking down the game: The Cougars have to give Brink some help and get some kind of running attack established. If Anderson stays away from interceptions and the line can keep the pass rush off him, he could have a great day against WSU’s inconsistent secondary.
Bottom line: OSU has the hard part of its schedule over with, for now.
Pick: Oregon State, 28-17.
Other Pac-10 games
UCLA at Arizona State: The winner takes a step toward a really good bowl game. The question is how each team will shake off last week’s loss. ASU was destroyed by No. 1 USC, while the Bruins lost by 17 against seventh-ranked Cal. The Sun Devils have too much firepower to be muzzled twice in a row. Pick: ASU, 27-20.
Oregon at Stanford: Both teams have been inconsistent, but still are in a five-way tie for second in the conference. Stanford’s defense, especially its front seven, may be the difference. Pick: Stanford, 23-20.
Cal at Arizona: The Wildcats simply aren’t ready for this one. Pick: Cal, 38-3.
Sleeper pick of the week: Purdue 37, Michigan 20.
John Sleeper is the Herald’s college writer.
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