We’re about 20 minutes away from Tyrone Willingham’s weekly Monday meeting with the media, and just got done with a teleconference with Arizona coach Mike Stoops.
Stoops said that his offense’s troubles (Arizona ranks last in the Pac-10 in most major categories) has not been because of the play of sophomore quarterback Willie Tuitama, but instead is because of the youth of the offense and the struggles of the running game. He said Isaiah Stanback’s Hail Mary last year was something he’s “Never seen before” in terms of how far the ball was thrown. He said Tuitama has a bruised calf and wouldn’t practice today but should practice tomorrow.
Stoops said Arizona’s offensive stats are misleading if you consider who it has played: LSU, USC and BYU so far, and he’s got a point. LSU and USC have two of the best defenses in the country.
Stoops stammered a bit before saying he had no comment when asked about the Oklahoma-Oregon call a few weeks ago. Stoops’ brother Bob is Oklahoma’s coach. Mike Stoops said Washington has changed things since it played Oklahoma so he’s not sure how much of a scouting report his brother could give him.
The Arizona game will not be on television. Washington had filed a waiver request – which is allowed under the new television deal with Fox Sports and the Pac-10 – but it was denied. A UW spokesman said schools have filed about nine waiver requests this season but none have been picked up.
The USC game, though, will be on television. The game will be at 12:30 on Fox Sports Northwest.
The UW depth chart hasn’t really changed. Matt Fountaine is now listed as the clear starter at cornerback ahead of Dashon Goldson. In the past, they’ve been co-starters. Also, Mesphin Forrester is the backup at the other corner and Jordan Murchison is no longer on the depth chart. We’ll ask Willingham Murchison’s status later. Michael Gottlieb is listed No. 2 at tight end behind Johnie Kirton.
And punter Sean Douglas was named the Pac-10 Special Teams Player of the Week. He’s back on top of the national stats in punting average at 48.8.
We’ll have more later today
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