WEEK 2

Washington vs Miami

I have not predicted a score in this game yet because I'm really unsure about what's going to happen. But here's my best take.

Washington's strength: Running game, offensive line, special teams. weaknesses: secondary Neither good or bad: run defense,

Miami's strength: Passing game, defense Weaknesses: None I know of Neither good or gad: running offense.

On paper Miami is the better team. They ideally will pass the ball all they can. Since Idaho got around 80% passing efficiency I don't think Miami will have any trouble at all throwing the ball. If that's effective they will mix in some run, and they certainly could because they've got some good running backs.

Washington will try to play clock control to keep the ball away from the Hurricanes as much as possible. Miami gave up a ton of yards to McNeese state, and it wasn't all against the 3rd string. Washington will be able to score some points on Miami.

Key to the game: Washington runs the ball and controls the clock, using some tricky offense. Trying to defend the option, fullback toss and half- back tosses is virtually impossible if they're having a good day. Getting some turnovers would help.

Miami will come out passing long on their first drive. If Washington has to play catch-up then they'll lose the game, so it'll be important to score early and then try to control the clock.

Will it work? Probably not. Anthony Vontoure was a piece of crap against Idaho and he's our best cornerback. The other guys are freshmen. I don't know if you've ever seen a freshman try to guard a Heismann candidate but it isn't pretty.

I think it'll be Miami 45 UW 32. With some turnovers it could be close, the Huskies stripped the ball a lot against Idaho and maybe they'll be able to do so again. Let's hope so. I'm not sure why the Pac-10 gets slammed for having no defense when Miami is the worst kind of offender. The only hope I have is that Miami's defense really isn't very good, and the Husky offense really is that good. Kansas State was a much better team and the Dawgs played them very close. Tuiososopo is a senior now and I'd really like to see some last-play heroics from him. He's had the shot a bunch of times and almost never scores on that last critical drive (UCLA, BYU, Kansas State, etc. etc.)

- COMMENTS -

What a great game that was. I was more nervous at the end of this game than I was against Oregon last year, and that was pretty nervous. I left my voice at Husky Stadium, maybe I'll get it back by tomorrow. The stadium hasn't been that loud in many years. The fans are beginning to believe Husky football is back.

Some things that stuck out.. Miami's defense was very good, especially against the run. They had no answer for the short passing game with 3 or 4 receivers out there, all of them doing really well. They made us throw the ball, and Tui got some key runs on broken plays. Rich Alexis is a freshman stud. Where's Paul Arnold? Alexis is in the process of stealing his job. Jeremy Stevens saved our bacon too many times to count.

Mostly the Dawgs just stepped up to the plate and played their asses off. This was a well-earned victory with some great performances from freshmen. I'm so glad my prediction was completely wrong. I think Miami had no business being ranked #4, but they are a fine football team. Their QB was too young for the pressure put on him. I think the swirling wind was a huge factor, it took away the long-ball that Miami would've loved to use.

I'm nervous about Colorado now, since I'm sure they have no intention of going 0-3 by losing to their former coach at home.