Washington Huskies
College Football - Washington Scores TDs on Its First 5 Possessions, Drops Idaho 42-23
Copyright © 2009 Ed Bagley
It's a funny thing about winners—you never have to announce them, they announce themselves. That is exactly what happened when the University of Washington coaches and players stepped into the sunlight for the first time in 22 months, beating Idaho 42-23 at Husky Stadium in Seattle.
For the Husky faithful, it was reminiscent of Perry Como's singing again, "the bluest skies I ever saw were in Seattle."
Rising from the ashes of an 0-12 nightmare season, Washington played the 7th-ranked LSU Tigers tough in their season opener, only to lose 31-23. The 136th-rated Idaho Vandals from Moscow (Idaho, not Russia) caught the wrath of Washington's final exit from nothingness.
With new coaches, a new system and newly rejuvenated players, the Huskies scored touchdowns on their first 5 possessions—minus a fumble on the opening kickoff of the 2nd half.
Junior quarterback Jake Locker, Washington's most talented and versatile player, scored first on a 3-yard run the opening drive. That set the offensive tone for the afternoon as Locker then completed a 24-yard TD pass to talented sophomore tailback Johri Fogerson, a 31-yard TD to freshman sensation wide receiver James Johnson, and a 2-yard TD to sophomore tight end Chris Izbicki.
Washington also scored on a 1-yard run by redshirt freshman and speedy sensation Chris Polk, and another score by Johri Fogerson on a 2-yard run. Yes, the Huskies have some great young talent. The Huskies went 11-for-14 on third down plays.
Locker, who is getting used to being a pocket passer in head coach Steve Sarkisian's offense, went 17-for-25 for 253 yards and 3 touchdowns. Locker completed passes to 9 different receivers. You tell me if Locker is getting the hang of being a future NFL pocket passer.
The ever so sweet victory for the Huskies ended a 15-game losing streak dating to a November victory over California in 2007.
Unfortunately, defensive coordinator Nick Holt almost went hoarse yelling at his defenders to toe the line. Idaho, which is not that good of a team, moved the ball at will against Washington, piling up 412 offensive yards to the Huskies' 374. The Vandals also scored 2 touchdowns, and 3 field goals on stopped drives. If the 3 field goals had been TDs, Washington would have been in serious trouble. It was clear, however, that Washington could score a touchdown for every Idaho score.
Eventually, Sarkisian felt safe enough to put in some reserves, and the Vandals did add their second TD with 13 seconds left. Now that Washington has won again, and appears ready to win again this season, Sarkisian needs to note that his Huskies did win, but did not cover—trust me when I say that boosters notice the failure to cover.
Had "Sark" let his top guys score once more before pulling them, the Husky reserves could have given up the last Vandal TD and Washington—a 21-point favorite—still could have covered.
One defensive gem should not go unnoticed—junior linebacker Mason Foster's interception and 56-yard return that set up Chris Polk's 1-yard scoring plunge to give Washington a 28-9 lead. Senior linebacker E. J. Savannah is leading the team with 19 tackles in 2 games; senior linebacker Donald Butler has 14 tackles.
Steve Sarkisian's world comes full circle Saturday when 3rd-ranked Southern California invades Husky Stadium with their own freshman sensation, QB Matt Barkley, who engineered a last-minute, 14-play, 86-yard TD drive on the road to beat 11th-ranked Ohio State 18-15.
As an official Ohio State critic, it was good to see the Buckeyes drop their 6th straight game to a Top 5 team, including two national championship games as well as a 35-3 romp to USC last year in Los Angeles. You gotta love the Buckeyes—they have risen dropping big games to an art form.
Sarkisian left USC last year as its assistant head coach and offensive coordinator. When he left Southern Cal, he took defensive coordinator Nick Holt with him. USC coach Pete Carroll, Sarkisian's mentor, apparently harbors no ill will.
One thing is for sure—Idaho is no USC, and the Trojans could easily score 7 times against the Husky defense. What might make it interesting is that Sarkisian's offense just might score 7 in return. Let the dawg fight begin. They don't call these new Huskies dawgs for nothing.
(Ed's Note: Any team rankings or ratings in this article are taken from the most recent Coaches' Top 25 Poll and the Sagarin Ratings.)
About the Author
Read more of my football coverage, including:
Check out "Ed Bagley's Top 25 Poll" for Week 4—you get rankings plus humor.
"College Football Wrap-Up - Week 3 - Dream Season Ends for Southern Cal, Brigham Young, Utah and Georgia Tech"
"Dawgs Show Their Fangs, Washington Upsets 3rd-Ranked USC Trojans, 16-13"
http://www.edbagleyblog.com
http://www.edbagleyblog.com/Sports.html
 |
 2 tickets Oregon Ducks Washington Huskies 10 6 SIDELINE LOWERS $359.99 Time Remaining: 29d 9h 1m Buy It Now for only: $359.99 |
 2 TIX Washington Huskies Football 10 13 CenturyLink Field Sect 151 $354.00 Time Remaining: 18d 11h 18m Buy It Now for only: $354.00 |
 2 TIX Washington Huskies Football 9 15 CenturyLink Field Sect 151 $117.00 Time Remaining: 10d 14h 5m Buy It Now for only: $117.00 |
 2 of 4 tickets Washington State St Cougars Washington Huskies 11 23 SIDELINE $299.99 Time Remaining: 9d 9h 32m Buy It Now for only: $299.99 |
 2 TIX Washington Huskies v Utah Utes 11 10 CenturyLink Field 147 $136.00 Time Remaining: 23d 6h 44m Buy It Now for only: $136.00 |
 2 TIX Washington Huskies vs PRST Vikings 9 15 CenturyLink Field Sect 147 $60.00 Time Remaining: 14d 11h 6m Buy It Now for only: $60.00 |
 2 TIX Washington Huskies vs ORST Beavers 10 27 CenturyLink Field Sect 147 $150.00 Time Remaining: 10d 9h 36m Buy It Now for only: $150.00 |
 2 TIX Washington Huskies vs USC Trojans 10 13 CenturyLink Field Sect 147 $227.00 Time Remaining: 24d 18h 7m Buy It Now for only: $227.00 |
 2 TIX Washington Huskies Football 11 10 CenturyLink Field Sect 151 $214.00 Time Remaining: 10d 14h 5m Buy It Now for only: $214.00 |
 2 TIX Washington Huskies v San Diego State Aztecs 9 1 CenturyLink Field 149 $105.00 Time Remaining: 22d 6h 29m Buy It Now for only: $105.00 |
 2 TIX Washington Huskies v San Diego State Aztecs 9 1 CenturyLink Field 147 $114.00 Time Remaining: 22d 6h 29m Buy It Now for only: $114.00 |
 2 TIX Washington Huskies v San Diego State Aztecs 9 1 CenturyLink Field 149 $105.00 Time Remaining: 22d 6h 29m Buy It Now for only: $105.00 |
 2 TIX Washington Huskies v San Diego State Aztecs 9 1 CenturyLink Field 149 $105.00 Time Remaining: 22d 6h 29m Buy It Now for only: $105.00 |
 2 TIX Washington Huskies v San Diego State Aztecs 9 1 CenturyLink Field 149 $105.00 Time Remaining: 22d 6h 29m Buy It Now for only: $105.00 |
 2 TIX Washington Huskies v San Diego State Aztecs 9 1 CenturyLink Field 149 $89.00 Time Remaining: 22d 6h 29m Buy It Now for only: $89.00 |
 2 TIX Washington Huskies v Portland State Vikings 9 15 CenturyLink Field 147 $105.00 Time Remaining: 22d 6h 36m Buy It Now for only: $105.00 |
 2 TIX Washington Huskies v Portland State Vikings 9 15 CenturyLink Field 147 $94.00 Time Remaining: 22d 6h 36m Buy It Now for only: $94.00 |
 2 TIX Washington Huskies v San Diego State Aztecs 9 1 CenturyLink Field 147 $98.00 Time Remaining: 22d 6h 29m Buy It Now for only: $98.00 |
 2 TIX Washington Huskies v San Diego State Aztecs 9 1 CenturyLink Field 149 $94.00 Time Remaining: 22d 6h 29m Buy It Now for only: $94.00 |
 2 TIX Washington Huskies v San Diego State Aztecs 9 1 CenturyLink Field 149 $89.00 Time Remaining: 22d 6h 29m Buy It Now for only: $89.00 |
 2 TIX Washington Huskies v San Diego State Aztecs 9 1 CenturyLink Field 149 $94.00 Time Remaining: 22d 6h 29m Buy It Now for only: $94.00 |
 2 TIX Washington Huskies v Portland State Vikings 9 15 CenturyLink Field 149 $85.00 Time Remaining: 22d 6h 36m Buy It Now for only: $85.00 |
 2 TIX Washington Huskies v Portland State Vikings 9 15 CenturyLink Field 149 $85.00 Time Remaining: 22d 6h 36m Buy It Now for only: $85.00 |
 2 TIX Washington Huskies v Portland State Vikings 9 15 CenturyLink Field 149 $85.00 Time Remaining: 22d 6h 36m Buy It Now for only: $85.00 |
 2 TIX Washington Huskies v Portland State Vikings 9 15 CenturyLink Field 149 $85.00 Time Remaining: 22d 6h 36m Buy It Now for only: $85.00 |
 2 TIX Washington Huskies v Portland State Vikings 9 15 CenturyLink Field 149 $81.00 Time Remaining: 22d 6h 36m Buy It Now for only: $81.00 |
 2 TIX Washington Huskies v Portland State Vikings 9 15 CenturyLink Field 149 $72.00 Time Remaining: 22d 6h 36m Buy It Now for only: $72.00 |
 2 TIX Washington Huskies v Portland State Vikings 9 15 CenturyLink Field 147 $72.00 Time Remaining: 22d 6h 36m Buy It Now for only: $72.00 |
 2 TIX Washington Huskies v Portland State Vikings 9 15 CenturyLink Field 147 $72.00 Time Remaining: 22d 6h 36m Buy It Now for only: $72.00 |
 2 TIX Washington Huskies v Portland State Vikings 9 15 CenturyLink Field 149 $72.00 Time Remaining: 22d 6h 36m Buy It Now for only: $72.00 |
 2 TIX Washington Huskies v Portland State Vikings 9 15 CenturyLink Field 149 $72.00 Time Remaining: 22d 6h 36m Buy It Now for only: $72.00 |
 2 TIX Washington Huskies v Oregon State Beavers 10 27 CenturyLink Field 135 $470.00 Time Remaining: 23d 7h 5m Buy It Now for only: $470.00 |
 3 TIX Washington Huskies v Portland State Vikings 9 15 CenturyLink Field 149 $117.00 Time Remaining: 22d 6h 36m Buy It Now for only: $117.00 |
 3 TIX Washington Huskies v Portland State Vikings 9 15 CenturyLink Field 149 $123.00 Time Remaining: 22d 6h 36m Buy It Now for only: $123.00 |
 2 TIX Washington Huskies v Utah Utes 11 10 CenturyLink Field 135 $459.00 Time Remaining: 23d 6h 44m Buy It Now for only: $459.00 |
 2 TIX Colorado Buffaloes v Washington Huskies 11 17 Folsom Field 122 $116.00 Time Remaining: 20d 12h 25m Buy It Now for only: $116.00 |
 2 TIX Colorado Buffaloes v Washington Huskies 11 17 Folsom Field 122 $114.00 Time Remaining: 20d 12h 25m Buy It Now for only: $114.00 |
 3 TIX Washington Huskies v Utah Utes 11 10 CenturyLink Field 145 $381.00 Time Remaining: 23d 6h 44m Buy It Now for only: $381.00 |
 Washington Huskies Football vs San Diego State + 3 other home games $499.00 Time Remaining: 18h 33m Buy It Now for only: $499.00 |
 3 TIX Washington Huskies v Stanford Cardinals 9 27 CenturyLink Field 146 $477.00 Time Remaining: 22d 7h 39m Buy It Now for only: $477.00 |
 3 TIX Washington Huskies v Stanford Cardinals 9 27 CenturyLink Field 145 $444.00 Time Remaining: 22d 7h 39m Buy It Now for only: $444.00 |
 3 TIX Washington Huskies v Utah Utes 11 10 CenturyLink Field 146 $411.00 Time Remaining: 23d 6h 44m Buy It Now for only: $411.00 |
 1 6 TIX 9 15 Washington Huskies v Vikings CenturyLink Field $55.00 Time Remaining: 7d 10h 20m Buy It Now for only: $55.00 |
 2 TIX Washington Huskies v Stanford Cardinals 9 27 CenturyLink Field 135 $492.00 Time Remaining: 22d 7h 39m Buy It Now for only: $492.00 |
 2 TIX Colorado Buffaloes v Washington Huskies 11 17 Folsom Field 208 $158.00 Time Remaining: 20d 12h 25m Buy It Now for only: $158.00 |
 2 TIX Washington Huskies v Stanford Cardinals 9 27 CenturyLink Field 135 $481.00 Time Remaining: 22d 7h 39m Buy It Now for only: $481.00 |
 1 6 TIX 9 8 LSU Tigers vs Washington Huskies 305 Tiger Stadium $356.00 Time Remaining: 9d 14h 6m Buy It Now for only: $356.00 |
 2 TIX 9 15 Washington Huskies v Vikings 145 CenturyLink Field $122.00 Time Remaining: 7d 10h 20m Buy It Now for only: $122.00 |
 2 TIX Washington Huskies v USC Trojans 10 13 CenturyLink Field 149 $329.00 Time Remaining: 22d 7h 39m Buy It Now for only: $329.00 |
 2 TIX Washington Huskies v USC Trojans 10 13 CenturyLink Field 149 $285.00 Time Remaining: 22d 7h 39m Buy It Now for only: $285.00 |
 3 TIX Washington Huskies v Oregon State Beavers 10 27 CenturyLink Field 146 $411.00 Time Remaining: 23d 6h 38m Buy It Now for only: $411.00 |
 2 TIX Washington Huskies v San Diego State Aztecs 9 1 CenturyLink Field 149 $136.00 Time Remaining: 22d 6h 29m Buy It Now for only: $136.00 |
 2 TIX Washington Huskies v San Diego State Aztecs 9 1 CenturyLink Field 149 $136.00 Time Remaining: 22d 6h 29m Buy It Now for only: $136.00 |
 2 TIX Washington Huskies v San Diego State Aztecs 9 1 CenturyLink Field 149 $136.00 Time Remaining: 22d 6h 29m Buy It Now for only: $136.00 |
 2 TIX Arizona Wildcats v Washington Huskies 10 20 Arizona Stadium 22 $138.00 Time Remaining: 20d 14h 44m Buy It Now for only: $138.00 |
 2 TIX Arizona Wildcats v Washington Huskies 10 20 Arizona Stadium 16 $85.00 Time Remaining: 20d 14h 44m Buy It Now for only: $85.00 |
 2 TIX Arizona Wildcats v Washington Huskies 10 20 Arizona Stadium 16 $85.00 Time Remaining: 20d 14h 44m Buy It Now for only: $85.00 |
 2 TIX Arizona Wildcats v Washington Huskies 10 20 Arizona Stadium 16 $85.00 Time Remaining: 20d 14h 44m Buy It Now for only: $85.00 |
 1 6 TIX 9 1 Washington Huskies v Aztecs CenturyLink Field $65.00 Time Remaining: 7d 10h 20m Buy It Now for only: $65.00 |
 2 TIX Arizona Wildcats v Washington Huskies 10 20 Arizona Stadium 208 $58.00 Time Remaining: 20d 14h 44m Buy It Now for only: $58.00 |
 2 TIX Arizona Wildcats v Washington Huskies 10 20 Arizona Stadium 208 $58.00 Time Remaining: 20d 14h 44m Buy It Now for only: $58.00 |
 2 TIX Arizona Wildcats v Washington Huskies 10 20 Arizona Stadium 207 $64.00 Time Remaining: 20d 14h 44m Buy It Now for only: $64.00 |
 2 TIX Arizona Wildcats v Washington Huskies 10 20 Arizona Stadium 207 $64.00 Time Remaining: 20d 14h 44m Buy It Now for only: $64.00 |
 2 TIX Arizona Wildcats v Washington Huskies 10 20 Arizona Stadium 209 $64.00 Time Remaining: 20d 14h 44m Buy It Now for only: $64.00 |
 3 TIX Washington Huskies v San Diego State Aztecs 9 1 CenturyLink Field 149 $137.00 Time Remaining: 22d 6h 29m Buy It Now for only: $137.00 |
 3 TIX Washington Huskies v Portland State Vikings 9 15 CenturyLink Field 150 $137.00 Time Remaining: 22d 6h 36m Buy It Now for only: $137.00 |
 2 TIX Washington Huskies v Stanford Cardinals 9 27 CenturyLink Field 135 $514.00 Time Remaining: 22d 7h 39m Buy It Now for only: $514.00 |
 1 8 TIX 11 10 Washington Huskies Football CenturyLink Field 149 $88.00 Time Remaining: 2d 4h 12m Buy It Now for only: $88.00 |
 3 TIX Washington Huskies v USC Trojans 10 13 CenturyLink Field 146 $539.00 Time Remaining: 22d 7h 39m Buy It Now for only: $539.00 |
 2 TIX Washington Huskies v San Diego State Aztecs 9 1 CenturyLink Field 135 $415.00 Time Remaining: 22d 6h 29m Buy It Now for only: $415.00 |
 3 TIX Washington Huskies v Oregon State Beavers 10 27 CenturyLink Field 149 $252.00 Time Remaining: 23d 6h 38m Buy It Now for only: $252.00 |
 4 TIX 9 1 Washington Huskies v Aztecs 145 CenturyLink Field $312.00 Time Remaining: 7d 10h 20m Buy It Now for only: $312.00 |
 4 TIX 11 10 Washington Huskies v Utes 145 CenturyLink Field $397.00 Time Remaining: 7d 10h 31m Buy It Now for only: $397.00 |
 1 6 TIX 9 1 Washington Huskies v Aztecs CenturyLink Field $90.00 Time Remaining: 7d 10h 20m Buy It Now for only: $90.00 |
 1 6 TIX 10 27 Washington Huskies v Beavers CenturyLink Field $115.00 Time Remaining: 7d 10h 31m Buy It Now for only: $115.00 |
 3 TIX Washington Huskies v San Diego State Aztecs 9 1 CenturyLink Field 145 $315.00 Time Remaining: 22d 6h 29m Buy It Now for only: $315.00 |
 2 TIX Washington Huskies v Utah Utes 11 10 CenturyLink Field 149 $136.00 Time Remaining: 23d 6h 44m Buy It Now for only: $136.00 |
 2 TIX Washington Huskies v Utah Utes 11 10 CenturyLink Field 149 $136.00 Time Remaining: 23d 6h 44m Buy It Now for only: $136.00 |
 1 6 TIX 9 27 Washington Huskies v Cardinal CenturyLink Field $95.00 Time Remaining: 7d 10h 31m Buy It Now for only: $95.00 |
 1 6 TIX 9 27 Washington Huskies v Cardinal CenturyLink Field $130.00 Time Remaining: 7d 10h 31m Buy It Now for only: $130.00 |
 2 TIX 10 13 Washington Huskies v Trojans 151 CenturyLink Field $357.00 Time Remaining: 7d 10h 31m Buy It Now for only: $357.00 |
 4 TIX 10 27 Washington Huskies v Beavers 145 CenturyLink Field $417.00 Time Remaining: 7d 10h 31m Buy It Now for only: $417.00 |
 1 6 TIX 10 27 Washington Huskies v Beavers CenturyLink Field $90.00 Time Remaining: 7d 10h 31m Buy It Now for only: $90.00 |
 2 TIX Washington Huskies v Portland State Vikings 9 15 CenturyLink Field 135 $371.00 Time Remaining: 22d 6h 36m Buy It Now for only: $371.00 |
 2 TIX Washington Huskies v Portland State Vikings 9 15 CenturyLink Field 135 $371.00 Time Remaining: 22d 6h 36m Buy It Now for only: $371.00 |
 4 TIX 9 27 Washington Huskies v Cardinal 145 CenturyLink Field $482.00 Time Remaining: 7d 10h 31m Buy It Now for only: $482.00 |
 1 6 TIX 11 10 Washington Huskies v Utes CenturyLink Field $85.00 Time Remaining: 7d 10h 31m Buy It Now for only: $85.00 |
 3 TIX Washington Huskies v San Diego State Aztecs 9 1 CenturyLink Field 146 $328.00 Time Remaining: 22d 6h 29m Buy It Now for only: $328.00 |
 2 TIX Arizona Wildcats v Washington Huskies 10 20 Arizona Stadium 20 $105.00 Time Remaining: 20d 14h 44m Buy It Now for only: $105.00 |
 2 TIX Washington Huskies v Oregon State Beavers 10 27 CenturyLink Field 135 $578.00 Time Remaining: 23d 6h 38m Buy It Now for only: $578.00 |