SEATTLE – The rain that fell on Husky Stadium Monday morning is not what Washington’s coaches want to see leading up to Washington’s first game.
It’s not that Tyrone Willingham and company dislike standing in the rain for a few hours. They just wish it would be warmer. As the Huskies prepare for their season opener at Syracuse at the end of the month, a cooler-than-usual August is making it hard to simulate the possible conditions they could face on August 31.
Strangely enough, the Carrier Dome, named for a company that bills itself as “The world leader in air conditioning, heating and refrigeration,” is not air conditioned. A hot and or humid day and a building full of people could lead to tough conditions.
“I’d like it to be hot,” said defensive coordinator Kent Baer. “When you get a day like this, I’m not sure anybody is sweating any. The concern is that Syracuse is a place that gets a lot of humidity, and there’s no air conditioning in that dome. From my understanding it can get pretty steamy in there.”
Even if it was hotter in Seattle, Willingham points out that this area will never help much when it comes to preparing for humidity.
“You always wish you had a hotter August,” he said. “There is no substitute for heat, but the real key is, there is no substitute for humidity.”
@5. Sports notes lead:Upon further review: Having viewed the film of Saturday’s scrimmage, coaches said they saw some good things, and some areas of concern. Willingham said he thought the number two offense outplayed the number two defense, and that the ones were pretty even. He didn’t like the penalties from the starting offense that helped kill a pair of early drives.
@5. Sports notes:”There were a lot of good things though,” he said. “A lot of good things to build on.”
@5. Sports notes lead:Groggy Monday: Willingham said Monday’s morning practice was lacking some of the energy he hoped for.
@5. Sports notes:”This morning was sluggish, which is about what I anticipate after a break,” he said. “Sunday was kind of a relaxing day for us.”
@5. Sports notes lead:Injury updates: Wilson Afoa, who was sidelined for most of last week, was no longer wearing a red jersey and was close to full participation, Willingham said… Byron Davenport (hamstring) continues to be limited. He said the injury is getting better, but that he is itching to get back to full speed after almost two weeks of limited activity… Anthony Russo continued to up his participation while coming back from surgery on his broken finger, but wore red Monday… Other players limited on Monday for less severe injuries were offensive lineman Matt Sedillo, kicker Erik Folk, and receiver Cody Ellis.
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