Tag Archives: Steve Sarkisian

Class of 2012 – Wait and See

The Huskies class looks pretty good. Now. The real test will come over the next 2-3 years. It’s funny to look back over the recruiting classes and see how guys actually turned out to be stars. Of course, it’s all across the board.

I’m pleased with how my home team and alma mater did. Landing Shaq Thompson, Jeff Lindquist and a few of the other guys whose names I can’t quite remember now sets them up for a bright future. In the end, however, it will all come down to execution on the field. That comes from coaching, talent, and a bit of serendipity.

The crazy thing is how many kids flipped back and forth in just the past few days. Maybe reform is needed for the process, but I don’t see it happening. As Steve Sarkisian said today at his press conference, it boils down to finishing strong. Let’s hope that the Dawgs finished strong with the right guys!

Huskies Land Big Fish in Football

Sure, the Dawgs were spurned by a couple of former players kids when Josh Garnett (Scott Garnett’s son) and Zack Banner (Lincoln Kennedy’s son) chose Stanford and USC respectively over their pop’s alma mater. Yes, it hurts but let’s be real. Maybe these guys wanted to make a mark in a school different than where their fathers played. I get that.

But all is not lost…

Steve Sarkisian landed an even bigger fish. Shaq Thompson is the #1 rated safety in the country and one the top 5 players nationally. Certainly, all these kids still need to perform, but this was a coup for the Huskies. They also picked up a few more kids from California this evening and their class is rounding into fine shape.

You never know what you’re getting. Sometimes kids don’t pan out. But, on a week that sets the stage for years to come, the Dawgs should be pleased even if they didn’t land Garnett and Banner. The best of the bunch may be heading to Montlake!

© 2012 Dan Weedin. All Rights Reserved

 

 

Legendary Win for Huskies

1978 Rose Bowl over Michigan – Warren Moon, Spider Gaines, Joe Steele, and Michael Jackson (the real thriller)

1992 Rose Bowl over Michigan to win the National Championship – Steve Emtman, Billy Joe Hobert, Mario Bailey, Lincoln Kennedy

2010 Holiday Bowl over Nebraska – Jake Locker, Chris Polk, Mason Foster, Alameda Ta’amu

After 8 years left out of the dance, and without a bowl win since Marques Tuiasososopo led the Dawgs in the 2001 Rose Bowl, Jake Locker and the gang brought the University of Washington back to relevance in college football.

I thought the game would be close, but I didn’t think we (especially the defense) would dominate. The score wasn’t indicative of the route. A couple missed field goals (one of the upright), a wide-open Jermaine Kearse being overthrown by Jesse Callier, and not being able to punch it in from 1-yard out on two occasions could have really made the score look bad for the guys in red.

Some overall thoughts:

  • Steve Sarkisian gives me the impression he’s a lot like Don James was. Give the guy 3 weeks to prepare and he will beat you.
  • Nick Holt had been much maligned for his defense’s efforts this year. He and his unit made up for it big. Kudos to him and his staff.
  • Jake Locker can now cement his place in Husky history. In my nearly 40 years of watching Husky football, I rank him behind only Tui on the all-time QB list.
  • Mason Foster would look good in a Seahawks uniform. I think he’s better than Lofa Tatupu and Aaron Curry right now.
  • If recruits are looking for a team in the Pac-12 (weird, huh) trending up…look no further than Seattle. You have a hot coach and a hot program.
  • Thank you Jake for staying. You passed up a lot of coin and you were rewarded. You may even get to be drafted by a better team in the NFL now.
  • It’s great to be a Husky!

Now if we can get Sark’s old boss to fire up his squad for Sunday, this could be a really great New Year’s weekend for football in Seattle!

Jake Locker
Jake Locker
Warren Moon
Steve Emtman

Happy New Year everyone!

© 2010 Dan Weedin. All Rights Reserved

Thoughts on Huskies and Seahawks

Thoughts on this past weekend on Huskies and Seahawks…

1. The Apple Cup win saved the season for the Huskies. Now, there is a definite step forward from last year. Had they lost, they would have had the same record, the same “no bowl game,” and would have wasted Jake Locker’s senior season.

2. Jake Locker’s legacy is cemented. Without a bowl game, Locker would have been thought of as simply a great talent in a tough time. Now, he’s the guy who brought the program back from the darkness to a bowl game.

3. No matter what happens now against Nebraska, the Dawgs season is made. They can play footloose and fancy-free and I believe will be more competitive. If they pull off a miracle win, the season will go down as one of the greatest ever based on where they were 4 weeks ago and where they’ve been the last 8 years.

4. Chris Polk is “beast-mode.”

5. I’m glad they kept Tyrone Willingham that extra year. Made it possible to hire Steve Sarkisian. All things for a reason.

6. I don’t know what Pete Carroll said at halftime against Carolina, but he needs to bottle it.

7. A win against San Francisco on the road makes the only “must-win” game the rest of the way against St. Louis.

8. Matt Hasselbeck must be re-signed. To continue to move forward next year, you must have a quarterback. Ask Arizona.

9. Pete Carroll was the right hire. Last year’s team would have lost by double digits in the same scenario.

10. I love meaningful football games in December!

© 2010 Dan Weedin. All Rights Reserved

Rallying the Troops

Steve Sarkisian showed yesterday why college football is different than pro football. In a similar situation, with 4th and 1 for the season, 2 seconds left in the game, and down by 3 points, the pro coach kicks the tying field goal to go into overtime. There’s little flexibility with jobs in the NFL. In college, it’s different. Sark rolled the dice, trusted in his offensive line, QB, and RB, and won what might turn into a landmark game for the revitalized Washington Huskies.

The Husky win means next week’s Apple Cup game against WSU means more than just state prode. It means a chance to go back to a bowl game for the first time in 8 years. This proud program is starving for it.

My favorite part of “The Call” was Sarkisian rallying the troops on the sideline together. Everyone, the offense, the defense, the special teams, and the last guy on the traveling squad, bought into and was behind the call an the play. That’s leadership.

This will be a fun week leading up to what could be a tremendous Apple Cup. Don’t get me wrong; I’d be happy with Washington blowing the Cougars out early. I just don’t think that’s going to happen. I see a close game in hostile territory for all the marbles of post-season. Should be fun.

P.S. How about that Husky defense led by Mason Foster. Nick Holt’s group has been widely criticized all year. However, when they have been most need in the past two games, they’ve only surrendered one touchdown and that was 7 quarters ago! They will need a similar effort next week.

© 2010 Dan Weedin. All Rights Reserved

Who Are These Huskies?

Once you think you have the University of Washington figured out for this 2010 season, you realize you are wrong. I wonder if Steve Sarkisian feels the same way?

The Dawgs lose an ugly game to BYU which by all rights they should have won. They bounce back in their home opener to Syracuse after a dull first half to blow away the Orange. In a much anticipated home match-up to Nebraska, they are humiliated. After a bye week and much speculation to just how good they (and Jake Locker) are, they pull off a Herculean upset in Los Angeles against USC, snapping a 13-game road losing streak.

Now, they are coming back home to play Arizona State – losers of 9 in a row against Division 1 foes. The rain is pouring downin Husky Stadium giving the Northwest guys a seeming advantage over the Sun Devils. Oops.

The Huskies muff against a team they are expected to beat is critical. Not that I expected them to win the Pac-10, but a bowl game and a return to respectability are on the line. This one hurts, and for some reason I think they will look back at this loss and wish they had it back. The Dawgs MUST wi their home conference games and find a way to win a few on the road. This loss to ASU signals to me that they just aren’t ready from a mental standpoint to take the next step after a huge win the week before. The same thing happened last year in Stanford after the USC win. If you look at the conference, it doesn’t get any easier until you face WSU in Pullman at the end of the year. And the scary thing? WSU is actually looking improved with a respectable outing against Oregon.

What to expect next week? I don’t know because I can truly say…

Who are these Huskies?

© 2010 Dan Weedin. All Rights Reserved

Book Review – Win Forever by Pete Carroll

I just finished reading Pete Carroll’s book, Win Forever. I have to admit when I picked it up at the airport to read on my trip, that I wasn’t planning on being overly impressed. I thought I was simply getting a football book and I wanted to learn more about the Seahawks new coach. I have to say that I’m very impressed.

The Win Forever philosophy espoused by Carroll is one I have always held but never able to express as well as he has. The whole concept is about competing (which we heard from Day 1), but not only in football but in life. I walked away with a couple of pages of notes on themes I will carry forward into my personal and professional life. When that happens, you know a book has been valuable.

I find it fascinating that when Carroll was hired at USC after nearly 18 years in the NFL as a coach, coordinator, and head coach, he was thought to be a “pro guy” and wouldn’t succeed on the college level. Now, 10 years later, he is thought of as a “college guy” who can’t possibly inspire men. Ironic.

In reading Carroll’s book, I genuinely come away liking the guy, the coach, and the traits. I believe the guy is a winner. The process in Seattle will not be quick, but I believe there is a purpose behind it. Heck, he started out 2-5 in his first 7 games at USC. From then on, it was a glorious ride.

I recommend the book for a couple of reasons:

1 – It’s got a terrific message. The philosophy of being positive and competing in all you do resonates in everyone’s life. I walked away pumped up and ready to play!

2 – Get to know the coach who is leading your team. Yes, I know he came from our arch-rival, however so did his protege Steve Sarkisian and he turned out okay so far. In fact, his Trojan background quickly faded with success, and I anticipate the same with Pete.

I’m glad I bought the book. It’s an insightful, compelling and good read.

© 2010 Dan Weedin. All Rights Reserved

Mixed Feelings with Mora

Jim Mora was fired today as the head coach for the Seattle Seahawks.

What a difference a year makes. Only about 14 months ago, he had two organizations desperately wanting him as their head coach in town. The Huskies (his alma mater and dream job) and the Seahawks who already had him under contract.  Now, neither wants him. Steve Sarkisian is holding a press conference today on Jake Locker and Mora is looking for work.

Today, I have very mixed feelings…

Sad – I like Mora. He’s a local product who played high school and college ball here. His dad is a former Husky and Seahawks assistant coach. He lives in the area and is genuinely passionate about this team.

Happy – He lost this team mid-season. Too many incidents dealing with blaming players (Olindo Mare), losing control (Housh’s finger in his chest), and a cataclysmic collapse the final four games.

Sad – I think he has the ability to be a good NFL coach.

Happy – I don’t think he will ever be a great NFL coach.

Sad – I think he’s a good guy, who is passionate about his team and life.  I feel bad for him and his family.

Happy – Time to move on. It’s never easy being the first guy to replace a legend. The entire process was bungled and now we can close the book and move on.

I’m not doing cartwheels over Pete Carroll, yet.  I don’t know if I like giving away full control if that’s the deal.  Who would I like to see?  The name Jon Gruden pops in my head.  Here’s a young guy with passion and presence who has been successful and won a Super Bowl.  Brian Billick is another proven, Super Bowl winning NFL coach.  Don’t get me wrong, Carroll would bring the spotlight back to Seattle.  I just worry that we went down this same road before with a proven NFL talent in Mike Holmgren and it didn’t work until it was split.

Wild day. What are your thoughts?

Dan

Thank You Scott Woodward…

All of Husky Nation today should be thanking Scott Woodward.  The University of Washington Athletic Director only a year ago made a semi-unpopular choice of hiring USC offensive coordinator Steve Sarkisian as head coach to replace Tyrone Willingham.  Most of the Nation (Husky that is) wanted Jim Mora to get out of his agreement with the Seahawks and coach his alma mater.  Woodward didn’t bite at that option.  The next “sexy” target was Mike Leach from Texas Tech.  Leach turned Tech into a national power and seemed like the high-profile, spread offense slinging, no-nonsense coach the Huskies needed.  Leach and his wife even flew up to Seattle, leaving fans and media speculating of an imminent announcement.  Leach ended up going back to Lubbock without a deal and people scratching their heads. Enter Sark and well…you know the rest of the story.

Jim Mora has had a nightmare season with the Hawks. They are 5-10 and getting worse each week. Seahawks Nation has him on a very short leash.  This isn’t to say he would not ne a fine coach at the college level, but he seems to be a pro guy and right now he still needs to prove he’s even that.

Mike Leach is another issue.  Leach seemed like the “splash” move.  When it didn’t happen, Texas Tech extended his contract. This week, they are regretting it.  Leach was just suspended from coaching his team in the Alamo Bowl. Seems he made a player who was suffering from a concussion stand in a dark room by himself, unable to sit or lean, for 3 hours. Head injury safety has been big news lately and this treatment is idiotic.  Add to it the player involved is the son of former NFL player and current ESPN college football analyst, Craig James, and it borders on lunacy.  Read the entire story on ESPN.

Bottom line – AD Woodward, thank you for doing your due diligence, removing yourself from the outcry of the fans, and giving Husky Nation the coach this school and community deserves!

Dan

© 2009 Dan Weedin – All Rights Reserved

The Daily Dan 12 Days of Christmas

(with apologies to the fine 16th century songwriters who penned this classic)

On the first day of Christmas, the Daily Dan told me…Jake Locker for the Heisman Trophy!

On the second day of Christmas, the Daily Dan told me…Cliff Lee is now a Mariner and Jake Locker for the Heisman Trophy!

On the third day of Christmas, the Daily Dan told me, the Seahawks need an O-line, Cliff Lee is a Mariner, and Jake Locker for the Heisman Trophy!

On the fourth day of Christmas, the Daily Dan told me, Man I miss the Sonics, the Seahawks need an O-line, Cliff Lee is a Mariner, and Jake Locker for the Heisman Trophy!

On the fifth day of Christmas, the Daily Dan told me, Sark’s the new Dawgfather, Man I miss the Sonics, the Seahawks need an O-line, Cliff Lee is a Mariner, and Jake Locker for the Heisman Trophy!

On the sixth day of Christmas, the Daily Dan told me, Emerald Downs is fun, Sark’s the new Dawgfather, Man I miss the Sonics, the Seahawks need an O-line, Cliff Lee is a Mariner, and Jake Locker for the Heisman Trophy!

On the seventh day of Christmas, the Daily Dan told me, Zduriencik is a genius, Emerald Downs is fun, Sark’s the new Dawgfather, Man I miss the Sonics, the Seahawks need an O-line, Cliff Lee is a Mariner, and Jake Locker for the Heisman Trophy!

On the eighth day of Christmas, the Daily Dan told me, Jim Mora needs more “dirt bags,” Zduriencik is a genius, Emerald Downs is fun, Sark’s the new Dawgfather, Man I miss the Sonics, the Seahawks need an O-line, Cliff Lee is a Mariner, and Jake Locker for the Heisman Trophy!

On the ninth day of Christmas, the Daily Dan told me, one more year for Griffey, Jim Mora needs more “dirt bags,” Zduriencik is a genius, Emerald Downs is fun, Sark’s the new Dawgfather, Man I miss the Sonics, the Seahawks need an O-line, Cliff Lee is a Mariner, and Jake Locker for the Heisman Trophy!

On the tenth day of Christmas, the Daily Dan told me, No Tiger on the Tour, one more year for Griffey, Jim Mora needs more “dirt bags,” Zduriencik is a genius, Emerald Downs is fun, Sark’s the new Dawgfather, Man I miss the Sonics, the Seahawks need an O-line, Cliff Lee is a Mariner, and Jake Locker for the Heisman Trophy!

On the eleventh day of Christmas, the Daily Dan told me, the Seahawks need a GM, No Tiger on the Tour, one more year for Griffey, Jim Mora needs more “dirt bags,” Zduriencik is a genius, Emerald Downs is fun, Sark’s the new Dawgfather, Man I miss the Sonics, the Seahawks need an O-line, Cliff Lee is a Mariner, and Jake Locker for the Heisman Trophy!

On the twelfth day of Christmas, the Daily Dan told me, Husky hoops to the Big Dance, the Seahawks need a GM, No Tiger on the Tour, one more year for Griffey, Jim Mora needs more “dirt bags,” Zduriencik is a genius, Emerald Downs is fun, Sark’s the new Dawgfather, Man I miss the Sonics, the Seahawks need an O-line, Cliff Lee is a Mariner,

and Jake Locker for the Heisman Trophy!

Merry Christmas!