By John Sleeper
Herald Writer
SEATTLE – While the Washington Huskies’ young, inexperienced offensive line took some hits from the media and Internet message boards for its performance against Cal Saturday, quarterback Cody Pickett is sounding like the president of its fan club.
Although he was sacked three times and hurried many more, Pickett stanchly supports the line.
“I’ve felt comfortable from Day One,” he said. “They’ve done a great job so far and they’re only going to get better. We’re a young offense and we haven’t shown everything yet.”
Until the Huskies kicked it into gear in the second half, however, the offensive line fell victim to a number of Cal stunts and blitzes. The Bears’ linebackers, especially Scott Fujita and Josh Klotsche, shot through the Huskies’ blockers to blow up running plays and hurry Pickett.
Washington managed just four first downs and 6 rushing yards by halftime.
“I don’t think anyone can say they played well in the first half,” UW guard Elliott Zajac said.
Yet, there is reason for optimism among Husky fans.
Once they made adjustments to what Cal was doing, the offense rolled up 310 yards, 13 first downs and 21 points in the second half. The offensive line looked like the line of the last two years, wearing Cal down and finally exerting some level of dominance.
“Our offensive line is going to be a work in progress,” UW coach Rick Neuheisel said. “That is probably going to be true throughout the year. There is no way to gain experience without going through it and having the opportunity to play. Each week, I think we improve.”
USC freshmen willl start: Because of injuries to defensive tackle Ryan Nielsen (separated shoulder) and defensive end Bobby DeMars (neck stinger), USC likely will start two freshmen on its defensive line.
True freshman Shaun Cody was one of the most highly recruited defensive linemen in the country. Redshirt freshman Kenechi Udeze figures to step in at end.
“Those guys are going to have to step it up,” USC coach Pete Carroll said.
Of the two, Cody figures to have the most difficulty. At 265 pounds, he just recently was moved to tackle from end. He will line up opposite 300-pound linemen all day.
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