Punchless UW visits the Coliseum

You've heard of the phrase "dead man walking" . . . well the Washington Huskies are a "dead team walking". This once proud program has fallen on hard times yet again as head coach Ty Willingham has been given the heave ho effective at the end of the season. Winless through seven games, the Huskies haven't had much go their way all year . . . and being thrown to the lions in the Coliseum will be just one more kick in the stomach.

SC, winners of their last four in a row, is looking for a rhythm offensively, and to keep the dominance going defensively. UW comes at a perfect time for a team looking for an identity on offense. Mark Sanchez has been inconsistent the last couple of games . . . the Huskies offer an opportunity to get back on track.


Washington

Offense - After losing their starting QB and best player Jake Locker early in the season, RFr. Ronnie Fouch has taken over the QB duties, and just tries to manage the game. Fouch's stats, though, are pedestrian as he is completing just 49% of his passes, and the Huskies are averaging a paltry 16 points per game. Frosh RBs David Freeman and Terrance Dailey, combine with soph WRs De'Andre Goodwin and Alvin Logan to make up what has to be the youngest offensive skill position group in the Pac Ten. Ironically, UW does have the best 3rd down conversion rate in the Pac Ten at 50%.


Defense - UW has trouble stopping the run and the pass. They give up 235 ypg rushing, and rank last in the Pac Ten in total defense. They don't get any pressure on the passer as they only have (5) sacks through seven games. UW does have a couple of good players in DE Daniel Teo-Nesheim, LB Mason Walters and CB Vonzell McDowell - but the Huskies simply don't have enough of them.

USC

Offense - UW's terrible defense offers QB Mark Sanchez a chance to get back on track. He should be sharp this game, and maybe running the ball first will help Sanchez establish a good play action passing rhythm. The RBs should have a good game because the OLine should have no trouble opening holes for them to run through. I also anticipate the WRs getting going over the middle, and the TEs will be open in this game.

Defense - Key defender S Kevin Ellison will be missing (out for 2-4 weeks), but it shouldn't matter in this contest. Replacement Will Harris will be fine, and the loaded SC defense should look to tee off early and often as the UW offense cannot run the ball. MLB Rey Maualuga has been stellar the last few games, and that should continue as he will be in the Huskie backfield all game long. The reserves should be in by 3rd quarter.


Prediction:

USC - 45

UW - 3