Huskies take on LSU; flashback to the start of the Sark era

By Kshell

When the Washington Huskies(1-0) travel down to take on #3 LSU Tigers(1-0) this Saturday it will bring back some memories of the 2009 season. This is Steve Sarkisian's fourth season with the Huskies but back in 2009 he was taking over a program that had just gone 0-12. He was taking over a program that had gone 12-47 the previous five seasons which is a tough task in itself. To begin his career he was taking on the 11th ranked LSU Tigers who had won a national championship just two years prior and would play in the national championship game two years later. This was a big game on ESPN as Sarkisian was looking to start his Huskies career off with a bang by upsetting the Tigers. In a game which nobody gave the Huskies a chance including Husky fans they almost pulled off the upset. By the end of the game the Huskies would lose 31-23 despite out gaining the Tigers. The Huskies out played the Tigers and Sarkisian received a standing ovation despite losing this game. In this following post I'll flash back to when the Sarkisian era had began.

#11 LSU Tigers at Washington Huskies- September 5th, 2009:

The Huskies eager to begin a new era had an electric atmosphere at Husky Stadium. Several former players were on the sidelines taking in the atmosphere as the Huskies received the opening kickoff. The Steve Sarkisian era would start off on their own 15 yard line with junior quarterback Jake Locker who missed eight games the previous season a large part in going 0-12.

 Facing a second and 10 from the 15 yard line medical redshirt freshman Chris Polk had a gain of 10 yards to the 25 yard line. On second and 10 Polk would rush for nine yards to the 34 yard line. Locker on the third and one would rush for two yards to the 36 yard line. Facing a third and 12 Locker would complete his first pass in the Sarkisian era as he would hit Johri Fogerson on the screen pass and Fogerson would run for 51 yards down the Tigers 15 yard line. After a five yard penalty then a Polk run of three yards setting up a second and 12 from the 17 yard line Locker hit then true freshman James Johnson on the right sideline. Johnson made his man missed then ran to the outside as he crossed the end zone for the touchdown. The place went wild as the true freshman made quite the splash with his first career catch.

The Tigers would quickly settle down the excitement as they would march to the Huskies three yard line where they had a first and goal. I remember the Huskies crowd really got into it as the Huskies defense held the Tigers to a field goal. The Tigers had gone on a 12 play 62 yard drive cutting the score to 7-3 as the Huskies had upset on their mind. On the second drive of the Sarkisian era it was a complete disaster as on the first play from their own 25 yard line Locker was picked off by linebacker Jacob Cutrera who ran it back for the 25 yard touchdown to give the Tigers a 10-7 lead.

The Huskies proving they weren't like the 0-12 team before them didn't quit. Starting from their own 27 yard line Chris Polk would bust a run for 33 yards to the Tigers 40 yard line. On third and 14 from the 44 yard line Locker would hit sophomore Devin Aguilar for a gain of 17 yards down to the Tigers 27 yard line. After a Locker completion to Johnson to move the chains to the 16 yard line the Huskies were in business. From the 17 yard line Polk would rush for 12 yards down the Tigers five yard line setting up a first and goal. On the ensuing play Polk would fumble as Patrick Peterson would recover the fumble.

After a quick three and out and a Fogerson 18 yard punt return to the Tigers 24 yard line the Huskies were back in business. After gaining only eight yards the Huskies had to settle for an Erik Folk 34 yard field goal to tie the game up at 10-10 in the second quarter. LSU would drive to the Huskies 19 yard line before junior linebacker Mason Foster forced the fumble then recovered the fumble ending the drive. The Huskies offense would then drive to the Tigers 40 yard line before stalling out.

The Tigers offense would finally respond with a drive of their own. They would go on a 7 play drive spanning 75 yards. Starting from their own 25 yard line the Tigers would rush for two yards. Then quarterback Jordan Jefferson would rush for seven yards. Charles Scott would rush for four yards on a key third and one to their own 38 yard line. Jefferson completed an eight yard pass after a nine yard run by Kevin Williams. On second and 10 from the Huskies 45 yard line Jefferson hit Terrance Toliver for a 45 yard touchdown pass to give the Tigers a 17-10 lead with a 1:07 left in the half.

The Huskies due to a penalty started on their own 8 yard line. Polk would begin the drive with a 12 yard run to the 20 yard line. Locker ran for six yards to their own  26 yard line as the Tigers took a timeout. Fogerson ran for three yards to the 29 yard line as the Tigers again took a timeout. With a third and one with 40 seconds left Fogerson would rush for five yards to move the chains. On the following play Locker  would connect deep to Aguilar for a gain of 46 yards to the Tigers 20 yard line. On the following play on a wheel route Locker would hit Fogerson for a touchdown only Fogerson couldn't hang on. The Huskies would have to settle for a Folk 37 yard field goal as time expired. The Tigers led at halftime 17-13 as the Huskies offense was moving the ball pretty easily against the SEC defense.

In the second half after both teams traded punts the Tigers look to finally put away the upset minded Huskies. Starting from their own 14 yard line the Tigers would go on a nine play 86 yard drive capped by a touchdown. On second and seven from the 17 yard line Jefferson would hit Brandon LaFell for a gain of 12 yards to their own 29 yard line. On third and one from the 38 yard line Scott would rush for eight yards 46. Jefferson would rush for eight yards on the following play to the Huskies 46. Facing a third and one from the 45 Jefferson would keep it on a quarterback sneak for the one yard to advance the chains. After a Huskies offsides penalty the Tigers would take advantage. Jefferson would hit Toliver once again for the score as Toliver would go in from 39 yards out to give the Tigers a commanding 24-13 lead over the Huskies with 5:43 left in the third quarter. The Huskies offense would stall on the 39 yard line. Failing to put the game away though the Huskies defense would three and out the Tigers as they took over down 24-13 to start the fourth quarter.

With the ball on their own 36 yard line Locker would complete a seven yard pass to Fogerson to the 43 yard line. Polk would rush for five yards for the first down to the 48 yard line. Polk would rush for three yards then Locker for three more setting up a third and four from the 46 yard line. Locker would rush for five yards picking up the key first down to the Tigers 41 yard line. After a penalty the Huskies offense would once again stall in the red zone having to settle for a 42 yard field goal attempt by Folk which he missed. Huskies defense would force a three an out as their offense would take over once again.

Starting from their own 42 with 9:44 left to play the Huskies if they had any chance of winning this game had to score on this drive. Facing a third and 11 Locker would complete a 10 yard pass to D'Andre Goodwin to the LSU 49 yard line. Sarkisian would go for it from 4th and one as Locker would rush for five yards to the Tigers 44 yard line. Polk would rush for four yards setting up a third and six from the 40 yard line. Once again it was Locker's legs who came through as he ran for 24 yards to the 16 yard line Facing a third and eight from the 14 Goodwin and Locker had a communication problem as the pass fell incomplete. For the the fifth time in the red zone the Huskies couldn't score a touchdown as they settled for a 42 yard field goal by Folk. More importantly with a little over five minutes left it cut the Tigers lead to 24-16 making it a one possession game.

After playing tough all game long the defense finally had a poor defensive drive. This was perhaps the easiest drive of the game for the Tigers. Starting from their own 33 yard line Williams would begin the drive with a nine yard rush to the 42 yard line. Jefferson would move the chains with a four yard completion to the 46 yard line. Williams would rush for seven yards to the Huskies 47 yard line. Once again the Jefferson to Toliver combo would burn the Huskies as they would connect for 25 yards to the Huskies 22 yard line. Williams would rush for 16 yards to the Tigers six yard line. Jefferson would cap the six play 67 yard drive with a six yard touchdown pass to LaFell which gave the Tigers a commanding 31-16 lead with 1:54 left.

For Jefferson that was his third and final touchdown pass of the game. For the Tigers this appeared to be the game clincher as they had a square from a team who had gone winless the year before. The Tigers had to earn this victory but the Huskies proved although out of the game they still had plenty of fight in them as they wouldn't go away so easily.

The Huskies would finish the game on a 10 play drive going 81 yards as Locker would hit tight end Kavario Middleton for the nine yard touchdown with no time left. After Folk made the extra point the Tigers would win the game 31-23. For Locker on that drive he was 7-10 passing for 86 yards with a touchdown. Locker hit Polk on back to back passes for 17 yards each on that drive. For the Huskies losing is always disappointing but there was something special about this one as the program finally gave the fans something to be excited about for the first time in well ever.

For the Tigers who won the game they saw a star emerge in quarterback Jordan Jefferson who two years later would lead the Tigers to the national championship game. Jefferson finished the game 11-19 passing for 172 yards with three touchdowns and no interceptions. His main targets were Terrance Toliver who caught four passes for 117 yards with two touchdowns. Brandon LaFell caught four passes for 34 yards with a touchdown. Charles Scott carried the ball 12 times for 52 yards good for a 4.3 YPC average. His backup Kevin Williams carried the ball seven times for 51 yards good for a 7.3 YPC average. Jefferson the young quarterback also ran the ball eight times for 42 yards which was good for 5.4 YPC average. The Tigers were close to being upset but showed that the Huskies program still wasn't ready to be knocking off ranked opponents with regularity.

For the Huskies this was a tough loss because they outplayed the #11 LSU Tigers. The Huskies outgained the Tigers 478 yards to 321. The Huskies had more first downs 25-17. The Huskies also won the time of possession war 36:52-23:08. The problem for the Huskies was five times they had the ball in the red zone and scored only nine points as they fumbled and had to settle for field goals on the rest.

They were led by Jake Locker who was 25-45 passing for 321 yards with two touchdowns and a costly interception that was ran back. An emerging start came out of that game in freshman wide out James Johnson who caught six passes for 63 yards with a touchdown. Tight end Kavario Middleton who was supposed to be what Austin Seferian-Jenkins is now had five receptions for 45 yards with a touchdown. Devin Aguilar caught four passes for 76 yards. In the run game Chris Polk ran for 90 yards on 21 carries good for 4.3 YPC while adding two receptions for 34 yards. Locker ran 12 times for 51 yards good for 4.2 YPC. Fogerson had 11 yards rushing with two receptions for 58 yards. Mason Foster on defense had eight tackles with a forced fumble. While new kicker Erik Folk made three for four from field goals.

This was a weird game in that most fans felt good despite the program losing their 15th game in a row. That streak would end the next week when the Huskies would defeat the bowl bound Idaho Vandals. Then the Huskies would upset #3 USC Trojans 16-13 and find themselves ranked. The Huskies would finish the year 5-7 a huge improvement from 0-12. I was confident in that Sarkisian was the guy after the first three games and I was certain that by the time the Huskies take on LSU in 2012 the Huskies would have a team that has a shot at winning. Fast forward and the Huskies are 23.5 point underdogs but are a bowl team. For Sarkisian this was a good debut despite the loss as he showed the nation that Husky football can be turned around quicker than most had thought. In only two years after going 0-12 the Huskies went to a bowl game as they upset the #18 Nebraska Cornhuskers to win the Holiday Bowl.

No matter what happens to Sarkisian as head coach I'll never forget the enthusiastic feeling I had for this program after this loss. Only time in my life I was feeling good after a Husky football loss as this team a year removed from 0-12 had just gone toe to toe with the #11 team in the nation and two weeks later defeat the #3 team in the nation. Just like in 2009 nobody is giving the Huskies a chance to keep this game close and maybe they are right. Hopefully like 2009 Sarkisian can unleash the passing attack which most SEC teams don't face much. Either way this was a special night for the Huskies and even though they lost they gave the program something to be proud of. The Huskies had nothing to be proud of the previous five seasons but they knew that day that the long days of suffering were about over. That day is when the Sarkisian era had finally began!

Huskies Polk and Kearse go undrafted

By Kshell

The big surprised on Montlake was the fact that Chris Polk who graded out to be a second or third round pick went undrafted. Another Washington Huskies player in Jermaine Kearse went undrafted as well. For Polk and Kearse both record setters at Washington this was tough to see. Both were brought in during Tyrone Willingham's last recruiting class which was ranked 14th in the nation. Both guys were part of the turnaround of Husky football leading them to back to back bowl games. Both running back Polk and wide receiver Kearse were signed immediately. The Philadelphia Eagles signed Polk while the hometown Seattle Seahawks signed Jermaine Kearse. Kearse most figured would go undrafted after a disappointing senior season while Polk was a huge shocker. Polk left after his junior year and apparantly teams were concerned with his injuries which is why he was undrafted. Still despite what the combines say the eye test has to show that Polk is a performer on the field. Polk can flat out get the job done when the Huskies needed him to the past three seasons as well as Kearse.

For Polk he is going to a good situation with the Eagles who were impressed with him during the draft process. Although Polk has had three surguries already in his career he has yet to miss a game the last three seasons. After getting hurt his true freshman year Polk as a redshirt freshman in 2009 rushed for 1,113 yards with five touchdowns. In 2010 Polk ran for 1,465 yards with nine touchdowns. He was also named Holiday Bowl MVP as the Huskies upset the Nebraska Cornhuskers 19-7. As a senior Polk ran for 1,488 yards(5.1 YPC) with 12 touchdowns. He also caught 31 passes for 332 yards with four touchdowns. For his Husky career he finished with 4,049 yards rushing(5.1 YPC) with 26 rushing touchdowns. He also caught 79 passes for for 683 yards with four touchdowns all in just 40 career games meaning he averaged over 100 yards rushing per game in his career.  Polk will leave behind a strong legacy as he and Kaufman are the only backs to ever rush for over 1,000 yards three straight seasons. Polk was first-team all freshman selection and honorable mention all Pac-10 in 2009, second team all pac-10 in 2010 and the first Husky offensive player to be on the first team all Pac-12 team since Reggie Williams in 2003 when he was selected in 2011. The Eagles are going to be getting a very fine player in Polk who has a major chip on his shoulder much like Arian Foster did.

The Seattle Seahawks signed the former Husky standout wide receiver Jermaine Kearse. Kearse was a big play receiver for the Huskies and Jake Locker's favorite target in 2009 and 2010. Kearse  as a true freshman, caught 20 passes for 301 yards (15.0 YPC) and two touchdowns. As a sophomore, he broke out with 50 receptions for 866 yards(17.3 YPC) with eight touchdowns. Then as a junior he continued his improvement with 63 receptions for 1,005 yards(16.0 YPC) with 12 touchdowns. He was  named to the second team all Pac-10 team those two years. He had plenty of big games his junior year in the Huskies 41-20 win over Syracuse, Kearse had nine receptions for 179 yards with three touchdowns. Later in the year, he set a Huskies record against Oregon State, catching four touchdown passes in the 35-34 double-overtime win. He had nine receptions for 146 yards with four touchdowns that game. Then in the Apple Cup he had six receptions for 178 yards with two touchdowns, including the game winning touchdown. As a senior with more talented receivers in the fold and a new quarterback in Keith Price his production fell off. Kearse finished the year with 47 receptions for 699 yards and seven touchdowns. He was named honorable mention all Pac-12 but a memorable game in his final game. In the 67-56 Alamo Bowl loss Kearse caught five passes for 198 yards with a touchdown which was an 80 yard bomb.  Kearse has big play ability and is hoping to pull a Doug Baldwin and make the Seahawks roster.

For these two the news of not getting picked had to be a disappointment as they left behind a legacy at the University of Washington. I think Polk will make the Eagles roster and actually become a key member on a very talented team. For Kearse his odds are long but the Seahawks receivers aren't exactly studs either. Last year Doug Baldwin who put up less numbers than Kearse did in college made the Seahawks roster as an undrafted rookie. Hopefully both Kearse and Polk make an impact on their teams. Either way they were both great Huskies and their names are at the top of the record books for a reason. They were a big reason why the Huskies went from 0-12 to back to back bowl appearances.

Patton's 2012 NFL Mock Draft v 2.0

By Patton Richard

This is my 2nd Mock Draft of the year, but my first since the College season has ended and a lot has changed. I tried to pack a lot of my thoughts into each pick. Like always, questions/comments are always welcome. There are only 10 days until the draft and a lot can change between now and then!

1. Indianapolis Colts: Andrew Luck, QB, Stanford.
The inevitable.

2. Washington RedSkins (from STL): Robert Griffin III, QB, Baylor.
The inevitable.

3. Minnesota Vikings: Matt Kalil, OT, USC.
A lot of people believe this is the inevitable part III, however I disagree. I hear rumblings that since absolutely no one knows what Cleveland is doing, this is a hot-spot for trades. People have been calling about Kalil, Claiborne, Richardson and Tannehill. I would not be shocked at all if someone jumps Cleveland to get their guy, as they have no idea who's going to fall.

4. Cleveland Browns: Trent Richardson, RB, Alabama.
I feel like Cleveland spent all off-season trying to upgrade the QB position, and once they failed at that they should decide to upgrade their talent around the QB. With Peyton Hillis signing in KC they only have Montario Hardesty on the roster as any RB worth anything. I can't believe they'd be willing to pass up Trent Richardson here, however if they do I believe it's between Floyd and Tannehill.

5. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Morris Claiborne, CB, LSU.
Tampa really loves being in the 5th position. They would love any of the big 5 prospects so they will sit here and take whatever one is left.

6. St. Louis Rams (from WAS): Fletcher Cox, DT, Mississippi State.
I'm hearing St. Louis LOVES Richardson (no surprise here, who doesn't?), and is trying to figure out if they have to move up. They've had preliminary talks with Minnesota about moving up to #3 to grab him. If they are unsuccessful then I think they will take Fletcher Cox over Michael Floyd or Justin Blackmon. Cox has the versatility that Fisher likes in his linemen.

7. Jacksonville Jaguars: Michael Floyd, WR, Notre Dame.
Blaine Gabbert was terrible last year, in fact I'm shocked that the Jaguars won any games at all last year. They have holes everywhere. This pick could go any number of ways: Floyd, Blackmon, Gilmore, Barron, DeCastro, Ingram, Upshaw, Kuechly. No one really knows what Jacksonville is going to do, but I think Floyd would give them someone next to Lee Evans who can make life on Gabbert a little easier. I have heard that they want to trade down and take Floyd, but I think Carolina would take him at #9.

8. Miami Dolphins: Ryan Tannehill, QB, Texas A&M.
Miami gets their QB at #8. Now I don't believe this will actually happen, I think someone is going to trade up to #6 (if Richardson is gone) or #7 (Jacksonville would love to trade back) to take Tannehill. I think Kansas City, Buffalo, and Cleveland (from #22) are all possibilities.

9. Carolina Panthers: Stephon Gilmore, CB, South Carolina.
Stephon Gilmore has always been a personal favorite, but I'm hearing teams are coming around on him. Carolina would love a DL, a WR or CB. I believe Gilmore is the best value here.

10. Buffalo Bills: David Decastro, OG, Stanford.
After spending lots of money on bolstering the D-Line, Buffalo turns to the OLine to grab the 2nd best Olinemen in the draft. I think they would consider Blackmon here too.

11. Kansas City Chiefs: Mark Barron, S, Alabama.
Teams are starting to realize how hard it is to get good safeties, the idea of putting Barron next to Eric Berry is too good to pass up. Barron and Berry can both cover and help in the run game. Everyone thinks that they are going Poe here, but I'm not sure if I believe it.

12. Seattle Seahawks: Luke Kuechly, LB, Boston College.
Probably the toughest pick to make, I know some people love Ingram, others love Coples and everyone else loves Upshaw. All 3 are available and yet I have the Seahawks passing on all of them, the reason? Kuechly is that good. He was recently #6 on Mayock's big board, he's #4 on mine (Luck, Richardson, RG3, Kuechly, Claiborne, Kalil for those of you interested). Besides Luck and Richardson, Kuechly is the most likely to be an All-Pro 8+ year pro bowler. I don't see how you can turn that down when there is a need at that position. Currently Seattle plans on starting Barrett Ruud at LB, Kuechly would be an enormous upgrade.

13. Arizona Cardinals: Justin Blackmon, WR, Oklahoma State.
Justin Blackmon is an Anquan Boldin clone, but less physical. I think he will thrive next to Fitzgerald and with an accurate passer like Kolb.

14. Dallas Cowboys: Dontari Poe, DT, Memphis.
A little birdy told me Poe is #7 on Dallas's board. I think Rob Ryan is seeing the potential in what he could be and salivating.

15. Philadelphia Eagles: Dont'a Hightower, LB, Alabama.
Philadelphia would love Kuechly to fall to them, but in this mock he doesn't. They take the rising Hightower who many think is the best LB prospect in this draft. He brings a pass-rushing element that Kuechly doesn't, but Kuechly does everything else better.

16. New York Jets: Melvin Ingram, DE/OLB, South Carolina.
Melvin Ingram is a victim of unfortunate Circumstances. He could go as early as #6 and I believe that this is his absolute floor. I can't imagine him falling any further than right here.

17. Cincinnati Bengals (from OAK): Dre Kirkpatrick, CB, Alabama.
This seems to be the obvious pick, yet Cinci seems to do the obvious almost every year.

18. San Diego Chargers: Courtney Upshaw, LB, Alabama.
Upshaw is a perfect fit as an OLB in SD's 3-4 defense. I liken him to Brian Orakpo, but I don't

19. Chicago Bears: Riley Reiff, T, Iowa.
I struggle to see why all these Iowa OT's get taken early. As you may or may not remember I was completely against Baluga in the first round, and I'm completely against Reiff in the first round as well. That being said, I believe the Bears will take another OL in the first that won't pan out like they hope (just like Crimini last year).

20. Tennessee Titans: Quinton Coples, DT/DE, North Carolina.
I also believe that this represents the floor for Coples, he's versatile and can play many positions on the DL. He has the highest ceiling out of any dlinemen in this draft, however inconsistency has made him fall.

21. Cincinnati Bengals: Stephen Hill, WR, Georgia Tech.
Cincinnati first addresses their CB need, and now they go find another threat across AJ Green. Stephen Hill needs to be refined, but with Dalton and Green, they are starting to build something dangerous.

22. Cleveland Browns (from ATL): Colby Fleener, TE, Stanford.
Everyone always hears that a TE is a QBs best friend. Well, Colt McCoy, meet your new best friend. Fleener can cause havoc in a West Coast based offense (as he came from one in Stanford).

23. Detroit Lions: Brandon Boykin, CB, Georgia.
Detroit has 2 really big needs going into this offseason, Secondary and Oline. I wouldn't be surprised if they took 5 players between those 2 areas. Boykin is the best non-Janoris Jenkins corner left. I believe Jenkins is a top 10 talent, but the way I heard he interviewed is that he "smoked himself stupid" and that he continued to play at Northern Alabama instead of going into the supplemental draft so he could continue to smoke weed. Sorry, this is supposed to be about Boykin. He's good. He plays the run very well and he's very physical for someone his size. He'll fit in nicely with Schwartz in Detroit.

24. Pittsburgh Steelers: Cordy Glenn, OG/OT, Georgia.
Cordy Glenn projects to be a James Carpenter type who can play either guard or RT. I know Pittsburgh values that kind of versatility.

25. Denver Broncos: Kendall Wright, WR, Baylor.
Robert Griffin's go to receiver becomes Peyton Manning's new toy. He can line up in the slot and learn from the newly signed Brandon Stokley, or he can line up outside and use his speed to get open. The WR corps of Demaryius Thomas and not much else won't be sufficient for Peyton.

26. Houston Texans: Jonathan Martin, OT, Stanford.
Teams are DOWN on Jonathan Martin, I'm hearing he's projected between picks 30-50. However, at this point when stuff like that leaks, it usually means a certain team really likes him and hopes he falls to them. I believe Houston could benefit greatly from having Jonathan Martin and he's a perfect fit for a ZBS.

27. New England Patriots (from NO): Jamell Fleming, CB, Oklahoma.
Jamell Fleming has it all on tape, however he struggled in school being suspended twice. However, as a regional scout once told me "we're not paying them to go to school". I think New England believes in the leadership that they have in place to take a chance on Fleming.

28. Green Bay Packers: Shea McClellin, LB/DE, Boise State.
McClellin is a late riser who fits a 3-4 OLB perfectly. Green Bay needs someone to rush the passer on the edge opposite of Clay Matthews. I think Nick Perry could be the pick here, but he prefers to rush from the DE position.

29. Baltimore Ravens: Whitney Mercilus, DE, Illinois.
Baltimore lost 3 front 7 players this offseason, so I believe Mercilus will be a great pass rusher for them to plug and play right away I wouldn’t be surprised if the Ravens have Nick Perry rated high enough to take him here.

30. San Francisco 49ers: Rueben Randle, WR, LSU.
San Francisco will probably take two WR's in the first 4 rounds to pair with Crabtree, Manningham and a decrepit Randy Moss. Randle is the best fit out of all the WRs available. They would love Wright or Hill, but Randle is deserving of a 1st round pick. Randle blocks exceptionally well for a WR which is a necessity for Jim Harbaugh.

31. New England Patriots: Michael Brockers, DT, LSU.
I hate projecting players to New England because they rarely every actually take them so I usually just project best player available. I think that's Michael Brockers who some believe has top 15 upside.

32. New York Giants: Doug Martin, RB, Boise State.
Doug Martin is loved by all in the scouting community. I have heard some having him as high as #12 prospect overall and going to the Jets or Bengals. I see a big running back who can truck and use his speed and agility. I think New York would love to have someone to replace Brandon Jacobs.

Round 2
33. St. Louis Rams: Peter Konz, C, Wisconsin
34. Indianapolis Colts: Mohamed Sanu, WR, Rutgers
35. Minnesota Vikings: Josh Robinson CB Central Florida
36. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Lamar Miller, RB, Miami FL
37. Cleveland Browns: Brandon Weeden, QB, Oklahoma State
38. Jacksonville Jaguars: fndre Branch, DE, Clemson
39. St. Louis Rams (from WAS): Alshon Jeffrey, WR, South Carolina
40. Miami Dolphins: Chandler Jones, DE, Syracuse
41. Buffalo Bills: Bobby Massie, T, Ole Miss
42. Carolina Panthers: Devon Still, DT, Penn State

43. Seattle Seahawks: Nick Perry, DE/OLB, USC
Seattle gets their edge rusher in Nick Perry who Cosell called the best passrushing 4-3 DE in the draft. Unfortunately when I see Perry I see more Vernon Gholston than anything. I have a late 3rd round grade on him, but I understand why others have him as a top 20 pick.

44. Kansas City Chiefs: Brock Osweiler, QB, Arizona State
45. Dallas Cowboys: Mychael Kendricks, LB, California
46. Philadelphia Eagles: Mike Adams, T, Ohio State
47. New York Jets: Greg Childs, WR, Arkansas
48. New England Patriots (from OAK): Kendall Reyes, DE, UConn
49. San Diego Chargers: Harrison Smith, S, Notre Dame
50. Chicago Bears: Jerel Worthy, DT, Michigan State
51. Philadelphia Eagles (from ARI): Vinny Curry, DE/OLB, Marshall
52. Tennessee Titans: Amini Silatolu, G, Midwestern State
53. Cincinnati Bengals: David Wilson, RB, Virginia Tech
54. Detroit Lions: Kelechi Osemele, G/T, Iowa State
55. Atlanta Falcons: Chris Polk, RB, Washington
56. Pittsburgh Steelers: Alameda Ta'Amu, NT, Washington
57. Denver Broncos: Kirk Cousins, QB, Michigan State
58. Houston Texans: Lavonte David, LB, Nebraska
59. New Orleans Saints: Forefited
60. Green Bay Packers: Josh Chapman, DT, Alabama
61. Baltimore Ravens: Kevin Zeitler, G, Wisconsin
62. San Francisco 49ers: Brandon Thompson, DT, Clemson
63. New England Patriots: Brian Quick, WR, Appalachian State
64. New York Giants: Zach Brown, LB, North Carolina

Round 3
65. Indianapolis Colts: Trumaine Johnson, CB, Montana
66. St. Louis Rams: Bobby Wagner, LB, Utah State
67. Minnesota Vikings: Mitchell Schwartz, T, California
68. Cleveland Browns: AJ Jenkins, WR, Illinois
69. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Sean Spence, LB, Miami FL
70. Washington Redskins: Ryan Broyles, WR, Oklahoma
71. Jacksonville Jaguars: Jayron Hosley, CB, Virginia Tech.
72. Buffalo Bills: Markelle Martin, S, Oklahoma State
73. *Minnesota Vikings (from MIA): Bernard Pierce, RB, Temple
74. Chicago Bears (from CAR): Nick Toon, WR, Wisconsin
75. Kansas City Chiefs: Janoris Jenkins, CB, Northern Alabama

76. Seattle Seahawks: Jared Crick, DE, Nebraska
Yes Seattle takes 3 straight defensive players, and Crick is another DE. However, he's a completely different DE than Perry. He's more than a pass rushing specialist, and Seattle needs more than 1 DE. Crick was thought of as a 1st round pick until his disappointing senior season and his injury. I think Seattle would gladly take Crick here and use the next couple picks on a RB, OL and QB.

77. Philadelphia Eagles: LaMichael James, Oregon
78. New York Jets: Ronnell Lewis, OLB, Oklahoma
79. Oakland Raiders -- used on Terrelle Pryor in Supplemental Draft
80. San Diego Chargers: Marvin Jones, WR, California
81. Miami Dolphins (from CHI): Juron Criner, WR, Arizona
82. Arizona Cardinals: Cam Johnson, DE, Virginia
83. Dallas Cowboys: Jeff Allen, G/T, Illinois
84. Tennessee Titans: Casey Hayward, CB, Vanderbilt
85. Cincinnati Bengals: Josh Kaddu, LB, Oregon
86. Atlanta Falcons: Zebrie Sanders, T, Florida State
87. Detroit Lions: Brandon Washington, G, Miami FL
88. Pittsburgh Steelers: Isaiah Pead, RB, Cincinnati
89. Denver Broncos: Demario Davis, LB, Arkansas State
90. Houston Texans: Joe Adams, WR, Arkansas
91. New Orleans Saints: Coryell Judie, CB, Texas A&M
92. Green Bay Packers: Derek Wolfe, DE, Cincinnati
93. Baltimore Ravens: Chris Givens, WR, Wake Forest
94. San Francisco 49ers: Ben Jones, G, Georgia
95. New England Patriots: George Iloka, S, Boise State
96. New York Giants: Ladarius Green, TE, LA-Lafayette

Price scores seven touchdowns as Huskies lose Alamo Bowl 67-56 to Baylor

By Kshell

In a wild game that shattered most Alamo Bowl records the #12 Baylor Bears(10-3,6-3) outlasted the Washington Huskies(7-6,5-4) 67-56 in a game that set defenses back for decades. The Bears were led by running back Terrance Ganaway who rushed for 200 yards and five touchdowns as the Bears overcame a 42-24 deficit to the Huskies. In the loss Huskies sophomore quarterback Keith Price shined throwing for 438 yards with four passing touchdowns while also rushing for 39 yards with three more rushing touchdowns. This was a fantastic game as both offenses couldn't be stopped. For Huskies head coach Steve Sarkisian this season ended much different than last season as the Huskies closed last year out winning four games in a row. Instead the Huskies after starting off 5-1 ended the year losing five of their final seven ball games. In the process three defensive coaches including defensive coordinator Nick Holt were let go.

The Baylor Bears won the coin toss and chose to receive as it didn't take long for them to set the stage in this game. The Bears went on a 13 play 85 yard touchdown drive on their opening possession. After completing his first pass Griffin hit Tevin Reese down the middle for a gain of 25 yards to the Baylor 32 yard line. Facing a third and seven Griffin hit another 15 yard pass to the 50 yard line. Griffin would hit three more passes down to the Huskies 23 yard line. Facing a fourth and one the Bears decided to go four it and Terrance Ganaway rushed for three yards to the Huskies 11 yard line. That is when Griffin hit Kendall Wright for the 11 yard touchdown to give the Bears an early 7-0 lead. On the drive Griffin was eight for nine passing for 79 yards showing the heisman committee got the heisman vote right when choosing him. The Huskies offense would get a chance to even up the score as these teams went back and forth all night.

The Huskies wasted no time answering back starting off on their own 32 yard line Keith Price starting his first bowl game hit senior wide receiver Devin Aguilar for a gain of 42 yards to the Bears 26 yard line. Chris Polk would rush for two yards, on the following play Price would check it down to Polk who broke a few tackles to gain six yards setting up a third and two from the 18 yard line. Polk lining up at fullback would gain six yards to the Bears 12 yard line. After the Bears jumped offsides the Huskies had first and five from the seven yard line. Polk would rush for four yards down to the three yard line but then would be stuffed for a loss of two. Setting up a crucial third and three from the five yard line the Huskies had an empty backfield as Price took the snap in shotgun. Price who was healthy for the first time all year reminded fans of the quarterback he had taken over for in Jake Locker as he ran up the middle untouched for his first career college rushing touchdown from five yards out to even the game at 7-7. Price on the drive was two for two passing for 48 yards while also rushing a touchdown from five yards out.

On the next possession the Bears offense wasn't about to slow down on the Huskies defense who had struggled all season long against good teams. Starting from their own 37 yard line after a one yard run by Wright he lateraled the ball to Jarred Salubi for a gain of 17 more yards to the Huskies 45 yard line. Facing a third and 10 from the Huskies 45 yard line Griffin completed a nine yard pass to Terrance Williams setting up another fourth and short for the Bears offense. Facing a fourth and one from the 36 yard line the Bears decided to go for it once again against the Huskies defense. Salubi would bust the run to the house for 36 yards out for the touchdown giving the Bears a 14-7 lead over the Huskies. Defensively the Bears would then force a three and out on the Huskies offense trying to set up the route which other ranked teams have done to the Huskies this season. After a quality punt by the Huskies the Bears offense would start on their own 18 yard line looking to go up 21-7.

The Bears offense would go on a 13 play 82 yard touchdown drive for their third possession of the game. Starting from their own 18 yard line Griffin hit a six yard pass then ran the next two times for 10 yards including coverting a third down. Griffin completed a pass to Reese to the 50 as the Bears were marching once again. Ganaway ran three straight times for 16 yards to the Huskies 34 yard line. After a penalty forcing them back to make it first and 20 from the 44 the Bears managed to make it third and two. After a short gain once again going for it on fourth and one from the Huskies 25 yard line Griffin ran for a yard to get the first down. On the following play Griffin had a play that they'll show when he is drafted. Griffin went back to pass the Huskies blitzed he made three Huskies miss then started to take off eventually making more Huskies miss in the process as he rushed for 24 yards for the touchdown to give the Bears a 21-7 lead at the end of the first quarter.

The Huskies were in danger of already letting this game get away before they took over for their third possession of the game starting on their own 27 yard line. Price hit Aguilar for a short gain of four yards followed up by Polk rushing for two more setting up a third and four from the 33 yard line. Price connected with senior wide receiver Jermaine Kearse for a gain of 13 yards to the 46 yard line. Facing a third and nine from the 47 yard line Price hit freshman sensation Kasen Williams for a gain of 16 yards to the Bears 37 yard line. After a short completion to Williams again and an incomplete pass the Huskies were facing a third and nine from the 36 yard line. Facing a blitz Sarkisian called a draw play to Polk who ran for 15 yards to the 21 yard line. Another penalty on the Bears moved the ball to the 13 yard line. After a short run by Polk on second and nine from the 12 yard line Price was scrambling out of the pocket instead of running for guaranteed yardage he found James Johnson dragging along in the back of the endzone for the touchdown pass. That touchdown pass gave Price 30 for the season becoming the first ever Husky quarterback to throw for over 30 touchdowns while cutting the score down to 21-14. Josh Shirley would record one of four sacks on the next drive on third down to force the first Bears punt of the game.

From their own 16 yard line the Huskies out of the spread formation play action to a streaking Jesse Callier up the seam for a gain of 28 yards to their own 44 yard line. On second down Price would hit freshman sensation Austian Seferian-Jenkins for a gain of eight yards to the Bears 40 yard line setting up a third and one. The Huskies attempted a play action bomb but the pass was incomplete setting up a fourth and one which Polk ran for two yards giving the Huskies a first down. Price would hit Kearse to the left wide open for a gain of 32 yards as he was pushed out of bounds at the six yard line. On second and goal from the six Polk would rush up the middle for five yards to the one yard line. The Bears anticipating a run stacked the box as Price play action threw to a wide open Aguilar who leaped over the defender for the one yard score which tied the game up at 21-21.

The Huskies defense would force the first turnover as freshman Andrew Hudson sacked Griffin forcing the fumble as another freshman John Timu recovered it for the Huskies. Taking over on their own 43 yard line Price began the drive with a gain of seven yards through the ground. Polk ran for five yards then another 14 to the Bears 31 yard line. Price hit his big tight end Seferian-Jenkins for a gain of 16 yards to the Bears 15 yard line. After no gain by Polk is when Price made a highlight run. Price went back to pass started to take off and then at the 10 yard line despite being five yards past the line of scrimmage pumped fake like he was going to throw to get the defender into the air as he then dove into the endzone for his second rushing touchdown of the game and fourth overall touchdown of the first half alone. Price went right then cut upfield towards the middle for the touchdown. More importantly in a game that seemed destined to be a blowout loss the Huskies had taken a 28-21 over the Bears.

After a nice kickoff return the Bears offense would start off on their own 41 yard line. Griffin would hit a 14 yard pass moving the ball to the Huskies 45 yard line. Facing a third and five from the 40 Shirley would sack Griffin again forcing the Bears to go for it again. This time it was fourth and nine from the Huskies 44 yard line with only 46 seconds left in the half. Griffin would throw an incomplete pass as momentum was wearing purple(or in this games case all white). On the ensuing play Polk who was contained all half busted the run 56 yards for the touchdown to give the Huskies a 35-21 lead having scored 28 unanswered points.

 Starting from their own 33 yard like Griffin was able to march the Bears down for a field goal as he went three for five passing for 42 yards. The Huskies led at halftime 35-21. For the Bears they had 18 first downs while gaining 343 yards while going four for nine on third downs but went three for four on fourth downs.  They were led by their heisman trophy quarterback Griffin who was 18-24 passing for 192 yards with a touchdown while rushing for 46 yards with another touchdown. The Huskies had 17 first downs while gaining 313 yards while going six for eight on third downs while converting their only fourth down. Price led the Huskies going 12-18 passing for 179 yards with two touchdowns while rushing for 27 yards with two more touchdowns. Polk ran for 107 yards with a touchdown while catching a pass for six yards. Aguilar had three receptions for 47 yards with a touchdown while Kearse had two receptions for 45 yards. The first half had 59 combined points and the second half would feature even more scoring.

The Huskies began the second half with the ball and wasted little time in maintaining momentum. On the second play of the half Price scrambled left found a streaking Kearse for an 80 yard touchdown pass to give the Huskies a 42-24 lead. The Huskies had just outscored the Bears 35-3 since the first quarter. The Bears offense would answer back though. Starting from their own 20 yard line Griffin completed a 13 yard pass to Wright to the 33 yard line. Wright ran for nine more yards to the 42 yard line. Ganaway would rush for eight yards on the next two carries as the Huskies would committ a 15 yard penalty putting the ball on the Huskies 35 yard line. Griffin completed a six yard pass then would rush for 15 yards on the next two plays to the Huskies 14 yard line. On third and one from the eight yard line Ganaway rushed for a yard to the seven. Salubi rushed it in from seven yards out to pull the game to within 42-31. The Bears then forced a three and out on the Huskies getting the ball back on their own 15 yard line.

The Huskies defense responded by forcing a three and out themselves. Punting from their own 10 yard line Kasen Williams almost broke it to the house on the punt return. Williams ran the punt back 46 yards to the Bears 16 yard line as the Huskies look to extend their lead to 18 again. Instead something happened that hadn't happened all season long. Polk fumbled the ball as the Bears recovered on their own 11 yard line. Just like what happened in the first half the Bears immediately took advantage like the Huskies did when they stopped the Bears on fourth down. Ganaway busted the run up the middle 89 yards for the touchdown. Griffin completed the pass for the two point conversation as the Bears cut the lead to 42-39 still in the third quarter.

With all momentum now on Baylor's side the Huskies took over on their own 27 yard line. For most sophomore quarterbacks facing basically a Baylor crowd this would rattle them but not Price who never seems to be rattled. Price delivered a 60 yard pass to Kearse who used his speed to go down to the Bears 13 yard line. Price still not done yet on the next play found Aguilar in the back of the endzone for the touchdown and Aguilar's second of the game. For Price that was his fourth and final touchdown pass of the game. This was also the fourth time during the season Price had thrown for four touchdown passes in a game more importantly the Huskies responded with a score of their own giving them a 49-39 lead over the Bears.

Starting on their own 26 yard line the Bears took over on offense. Reese their leading receiver ran for 23 yards to their own 49 yard line. Facing a third and seven from the Huskies 48 yard line Griffin completed a 23 yard pass to Levi Norwood down to the Huskies 25 yard line. Salubi rushed to the right for 24 yards down to the Huskies one yard line. Ganaway would rush for his second of many touchdowns from one yard out cutting the lead to 49-46 as this game was still in the third quarter.

After a kick went out of bounds the Huskies took over on their own 40 yard line. Polk ran for nine yards then Price hit Johnson for 24 yards down to the Bears 27 yard line. After Kearse ran the wrong route senior kicker Erik Folk would miss the 43 yard field goal that he normally would make. The Huskies had two possessions in the Bears Red Zone in the second half and came away with zero. After another Shirley sack Reese the receiver would bust it 78 yards down the Huskies two yard line. After Griffin was denied from one yard out Ganaway would rush for his third touchdown of the quarter from one yard out giving the Bears a 53-49 lead heading into the fourth quarter. A quarter which saw the Bears outscore the Huskies 29-7(overall 29-14) after falling behind by 18 after the Huskies opening possession.

Starting from their own 24 yard line the Huskies would amount a long scoring drive. The Huskies would go on a 13 play 76 yard drive. After a run of four yards by Polk then a Price pass to Polk for two yards the Huskies were facing a critical third and four from the 30 yard line. Price completed another pass to Kearse down the middle for 13 yards to the 43 yard line. Polk would rush for four yards, Price another four then Polk one yard setting up a fourth and one from the Bears 48 yard line. Polk like he did all game in short yardage got the first down with a gain of three yards. On the next play Price again making plays with his feet found Aguilar for 30 yards to the Bears 15 yard line. After a short run Price hit Seferian-Jenkins for a gain of nine yards down to the Bears four yard line. After an incomplete pass and a loss of four by Callier the Huskies were facing a third and goal from the eight yard line. Price rolled to his right saw nobody was open then went up the sideline and finally as he dove put the ball on the pylon for the touchdown from eight yards out. The Huskies took a 56-53 lead as Price rushed for his third touchdown of the game and seventh touchdown overall in the game.

Starting from their own 30 yard line after a short two yard gain is when the heisman put his foot forward. Griffin hit Wright for a gain of 48 yards to the Huskies 20 yard line. Griffin hit Wright again for seven yards to the 13 yard line. Ganaway rushed to the left for nine yards setting up a first and goal from the four yard line. Ganaway then scored the goahead touchdown from four yards out giving the Bears an incredible 60-56 lead over the Huskies with 8:40 left in the game. On that critical drive which lasted on five plays Griffin was two for two passing for 55 yards while also rushing for two yards. For Ganaway that was the fourth straight scoring drive for the Bears where he ended the drive scoring a touchdown. The Huskies offense who had punted just once all second half would take over on their own 22 yard line knowing they had to score considering their defense had just allowed 36 points in the second half.

Starting from their own 22 the Huskies pounded Polk hoping to go on a long game winning drive so the Bears wouldn't touch the ball again. Polk ran for two yards to their own 24 yard line. Polk rushed up the middle for six yards to the 30 yard line then ran for a yard. Facing a fourth and one from the 31 yard line with 7:15 left Sarkisian knowing his defense wasn't recording any stops decided to go for it. Polk would extend the drive with a two yard run. After a run of no gain by Callier, Price would hit Seferian-Jenkins for a gain of nine yards setting up a third and one from their own 42 yard line. Price on play action would hit Seferian-Jenkins again for 17 yards to the Bears 41 yard line. After an incomplete pass, Polk would rush for two yards setting up a third and eight from the 39 yard line. Sarkisian out thinking himself called a shovel pass which the Bears defense had sniffed out so Price elected to ditch the play eventually the lateral to Johnson was ruled an incomplete pass setting up a fourth and eight. Facing a three man rush the pressure got to Price hitting him as he threw the ball intended for Williams out of bounds as the Bears offense took over.

The game although not over as the Huskies still had their timeouts that felt like the game. Making sure that was the game the Bears offense looked to put the Huskies pathetic defense away. Salubi ran for 11 yards to the 50 yard line. Ganaway would rush for seven yards to the 43 yard line. Ganaway put the game away after that busting a 43 yard run untouched up the middle for his fifth touchdown of the second half alone giving the Bears a 67-56 lead with 2:36 left in the game. On the ensuing kickoff Huskies true freshman Danny Shelton who is a defensive tackle took the kickoff 16 yards but finally fumbled the ball as the Bears recovered. The Bears would run out the clock as they would win their 10th game of the season. While the Huskies who scored 56 points were left wondering what exactly happened in this game.

For the Bears this is how they were winning games all season long. Led by Robert Griffin III who finished his college career completing 24-33(72.7%) of his passes for 295 yards(8.9 YPA) with a touchdown while rushing for 55 yards(73 if you don't include sacks) with another touchdown. His favorite receivers were Kendall Wright who had seven catches for 91 yards with a touchdown. Tevin Reese also had five for 66 yards. The Bears had three different guys go over 100 yards rushing led by Terrance Ganaway who ran for 200 yards on 21 carries(9.5 YPC) with five touchdowns. Reese had 101 yards rushing despite being a receiver. Jarred Salubi ran for 101 yards with two touchdowns. As a team the Bears had 33 first downs and 777 total yards of offense including 482 yards(9.3 YPC). The Huskies offense was terrific but the Bears offense was amazing.

For the Huskies despite the loss saw a breakout performace from their sophomore quarterback Keith Price. Price completed 23-37(62.2%) of his passes for a career high 438 yards(11.8 YPA) with four touchdowns to zero interceptions. Price also ran for 39 yards and a career high three touchdowns giving him seven total for the game. His main targets were Jermaine Kearse who had five receptions for 198 yards with a touchdown in his final game as a Husky. Devin Aguilar playing in his final game also had five receptions for 90 yards with two touchdowns. Tight end Austin Seferian-Jenkins had five receptions for 59 yards showing he has a bright future. James Johnson had two receptions for 36 yards with a touchdown. Kasen Williams added three receptions for 19 yards while having 53 yards in two punt returns. Also playing in his final game Chris Polk finished his Husky career with 147 yards rushing on 30 carries(4.9 YPC) with a touchdown while having two receptions for eight yards. The Huskies offense put up 26 first downs and 620 yards of offense.

All in all, offense sells tickets but defense wins championships. The offensive output for this game and for this season was incredible. Until the Huskies are playing good defense though they'll forever remain playing in second tier bowl games in the Sarkisian era. What a contrast from a year ago for Sarkisian who saw his team end the season winning four straight games then carried that momentum into this year with the 5-1 start. Now the Huskies ended the year losing five of their last seven(only two wins were against 4-8 Arizona and WSU) showing that progress is harder than many had hoped in year three. The Huskies this year went 7-1 against non ranked teams but were 0-5 against ranked opponents showing they are above the half nots but quite ready to join the halves company quite yet. When the Huskies start playing some defense it won't matter what their quarterback does as they'll be winning more ball games. What Sarkisian has going in Seattle is quite exciting but sometimes boring football like the SEC plays is better since that is winning football.

Observations:

-  Keith Price exceeded all expectations for him this season. For this bowl game Price tied a school record last set in 1919 for most touchdowns in a game. Price in this game with his 438 yards passing was also tied for second all-time in passing yardage for a single game behind only Cody Pickett. Price who had been banged up all season long was mainly a pocket passer but today finally healthy he was moving around. Price was making plenty of plays with his legs and it showed with his three rushing touchdowns when prior to that he had zero rushing touchdowns in his career.

For his sophomore year Price finishes the year having thrown for over 3,000 yards and 30 touchdowns. To be exact Price set the single season record for highest completion percentage completing 66.9% of his passes for 3,063 yards(8.5 YPA) with 33 touchdowns to just 11 interceptions while rushing for three touchdowns in the process. Price set single season records for QB rating, completion percentage and touchdowns thrown while having a 3:1 ratio in the process. Price is already fifth in Huskies history for most passing touchdowns and is only 18 away from Jake Lockers school record of 53. Locker overall had 80 touchdowns in his career while Price is already at 38 so he has a chance to surprass Locker's total touchdown record as well since he has two more years remaining. Price going into this year was thought to be the weakness while next year he'll have plenty of hype and must deal with teams game planning to stop just him.

- The two senior receivers who both made all-conference Devin Aguilar and Jermaine Kearse left on a high note. Both had good games and neither one dropped any passes. For these two who arrived in 2008 and have been starting together since 2009 it will be strange next fall not seeing either in a Huskies uniform. For Aguilar he had a nice bounce back season finishing his career with five receptions for 90 and two touchdowns. Aguilar finished the year with 41 receptions for a career high 611 yards receiving with another career high six touchdown receptions.

For Jermaine Kearse who ranks in the top two in every major receiving category at Washington he finished his career with five receptions for 198 yards with a touchdown. He had a long 80 yard touchdown reception along with another 60 yard reception. Kearse was a big play receiver for the Huskies and that is how he should be remembered. He had a step back as he was clearly Locker's favorite receiver, due to more talent and Price spreading the ball around his numbers suffered a bit. For Kearse he finished the season leading the team with 47 receptions, leading the team with 699 yards and leading the team with seven touchdowns. This was the third straight year Kearse led the team in all three categories as he'll be missed. These two receivers came in when the program went 0-12 and now are leaving the program in good hands as they set the bar very high.

- The two guys to my right will be asked to carry the load in the passing game next season in tight end Austin Seferian-Jenkins and Kasen Williams. Throw in James Johnson and Kevin Smith the program is in good hands far as the passing game goes. For Seferian-Jenkins he bounced back from his freshman wall that he had hit late in the season with five receptions for 59 yards. He earned honorable mention all pac-12 as a true freshman. Seferian-Jenkins was tied with Aguilar for second on the team in receptions with 41 while having 544 yards receiving. He was also tied with Aguilar and Williams for second on the team with six touchdown receptions.

Kasen Williams who only had three receptions for 19 yards dazzled all the fans with that long 46 yard punt return. Williams who started the season off slow finished the year terrific. He finished fourth on the team in receptions with 36, fourth in yards with 427 and tied for second with six touchdowns. These two five star recruits showed everyone why they were rated so high. As sophomores look for both guys to develope more consistency week in and week out as Price evolves as an even better passer.

-  Kind of hard to brag about a defensive player having a breakout game when you allow 777 yards and 67 points. Well redshirt freshman defensive end Josh Shirley did just that with four sacks against Griffin. For the year Shirley finished with 8.5 sacks on the season not bad for being a freshman. The other freshman defensive end Andrew Hudson also had a sack while forcing a fumble against Griffin and he had 3.5 sacks for the season. Throw in Hau'oli Jamora who will be returning the Huskies will have enough talent on the edge to compete next year defensively. The Huskies were pretty young this year on defense starting more underclassman than everyone besides the Washington State Cougars. Now that Nick Holt has been fired hopefully with a new coaching staff on the defensive side of the ball they can finally get the most out of this defense which does feature some pretty talented players.

- Chris Polk announced today that he is going to the NFL. So this was Polk's last game in a Huskies uniform meaning he was 48 yards shy of Napoleon Kaufman's school rushing record putting him second place all-time. Polk finished his career rushing for over 100 yards for the 10th time this year while rushing for a career high 12th touchdown on the season. Polk this year showed he isn't just a power back that he is capable of busting long runs and being used as a receiver. Not  a guy who catches checkdowns but a guy who can line up as a receiver and catch fade passes or seam routes for a touchdown on you.

For the year Polk finished with 1,488 yards(5.1 YPC) rushing with 12 rushing touchdowns. Polk also added 31 receptions for 332 yards with four touchdowns this season giving him over 1,800 total yards of offense with 16 touchdowns. For his Huskies career he finishes with 4,049 yards rushing(5.1 YPC) with 26 rushing touchdowns. He also caught 79 passes for for 683 yards with four touchdowns all in just 40 career games meaning he averaged over 100 yards rushing per game in his career.  Polk will leave behind a strong legacy as he and Kaufman are the only backs to ever rush for over 1,000 yards three straight seasons. Jesse Callier and Bishop Sankey have bigger shoes to fill in Polk than Price did with Locker in my opinion. You just don't replace a guy of Polk's calibar who was the first Husky offensive player to be named first team all Pac-12 since Reggie Williams in 2003.

- The honeymoon period appears to be over for Sarkisian and the Huskies. When he took over the program was 0-12 and he immediately got the Huskies to 5-7 and within a game of a bowl game. He then brought in a ranked recruiting class which had the hype machine going. Last year after a 3-6 start Sarkisian saw his Huskies win four in a row including beat heavily favored Nebraska Cornhuskers in the rematch in the Holiday Bowl while bringing in another ranked recruiting class. Well this year as of now the Huskies aren't recruiting so hot losing out on home state kids Joshua Garnett(#1 offensive guard in the nation has eliminated UW recently) and on the same day as the Alamo Bowl Kavario Russell(four star running back from Mariner High School) committed to Notre Dame. You factor in the Huskies collapse for this season and just like that Sarkisian goes from a coach everyone in the nation wants to a coach even his own fan base is having second thoughts on.

Sarkisian is heading into a critical year four and he knows it. He just fired his friends Nick Holt, Mike Cox and Jeff Mills. Despite an offense that made great strides this season the defense regressed so poorly that the offense was overshadowed. Sarkisian hired two quality coaches today from Tennessee in Justin Wilcox(former Oregon Ducks player, Boise State and Tennesse Defensive Coordinator) showing he is serious about changing the culture of his defense. Sarkisian although not on the hot seat quite yet could find himself there if he were to have a disaster season and continue to get blown out mixed in with a loss to the wrong teams. The honeymoon period is over for Sarkisian and the Husky fans now is time to work on the marriage and in this case work on his coaching legacy at Washington.

In conclusion, this was a terrible way to end the season and a sad way to waste such an incredible performance by Keith Price. In a game that featured high draft picks in Robert Griffin III and Chris Polk it was Keith Price who was the best player on the field. Instead of this game being remembered as the Keith Price game this will be referred to as the Nick Holt game. This was the final straw in the Holt era at Washington as Sarkisian was left with no choice to make a change. The Huskies must find a way to play good defense. With an average defense this year the Huskies go 10-3 instead they remain at 7-6 which was rock bottom in the Rick Neuheisel and Jim Lambright days. The Huskies blew a great opportunity to make some noise against the 12th team in the nation on ESPN in a highly rated bowl game. Instead the defense like they have all season long let them down once again. Hopefully next year I'll be recapping some games where the defense is making strides and actually making some plays. For now the Huskies have to settle on being that exciting offense that has no defense. Basically the Huskies are the Texas Tech Red Raiders under Mike Leach which is okay for those on the other side of the mountains. That isn't okay for those on this side as the Huskies are sick of going 7-6, next year should be fun with Price having two more seasons left.

Alamo Bowl preview

By Kshell

The Washington Huskies(7-5,5-4) are set to take on the #12 Baylor Bears(9-3,6-3) in the Alamo Bowl set in San Antonio, Texas which is three hours from the Baylor campus. Both teams feature explosive offenses led by Baylor's Robert Griffin III who won the heisman trophy. The Baylor offense is averaging 43.5 points per game which is good for seventh in the entire nation. While the Huskies offense which is led by Chris Polk is averaging 31.5 point per game which is good for 36th in the nation. This should be a high scoring game with two quality offenses going up against two weak defenses. The Bears defense is allowing 35.7 points per game which ranks 109th in the country while the Huskies defense is allowing 33.3 points per game which ranks 99th in the country. For what has been a boring bowl season so far this game should generate plenty of excitement to the casual fans.

You can't talk about the Bears mighty offense without first talking about heisman trophy winner Robert Griffin III who if he leaves for the NFL would be a top 10 pick in the draft. Griffin is trying to lead the Bears to a 10 win season which was once unthinkable. For the year he completed 72.4% of his passes for 3,998 yards(10.8 YPA). He threw for 36 touchdowns to only six interceptions during the season. His passing stats alone are terrific then you factor in his 644 yards rushing(4.0 YPC) with nine touchdowns and you can see why he won the heisman trophy. His favorite targets are Kendall Wright who hauled in 101 receptions for 1,572 yards(15.6 YPC) with 13 TD's. The second weapon for this passing offense which ranks fifth in the nation is Terrance Williams who caught 53 passes for 895 yards(16.9 YPC) with 11 touchdowns. The Bears have a third receiver who is having a fine season in Tevin Reese who has caught 46 passes for 811 yards(17.6) with seven touchdowns. The Bears can also run the ball as they feature Terrence Ganaway who rushed for 1,347(5.9 YPC) with 16 touchdowns. The Bears offense features plenty of weapons on offense and for the Huskies to win they must keep that offense on the sidelines.

The Huskies need to do what they did last year in the Holiday Bowl win. Last year Sarkisian fed Chris Polk the ball over and over again as the Nebraska offense sat on the sidelines. Polk on the year has rushed for 1,341 yards(5.1 YPC) with 11 rushing touchdowns. He also caught 29 passes for 324 yards(11.2 YPC) with four touchdowns. Which earned Polk first team all pac-12 selection.  Polk currently trails Napoleon Kaufman by 200 yards for the all-time rushing lead in school history. Polk also has quality backup running backs if he needs a breather. Jesse Callier for the season has rushed for 264 yards(5.9 YPC) with a touchdown. He has also caught six passes. Remember last year in the Holiday Bowl Callier completed a 14 yard pass to Jake Locker to set up the first score. Bishop Sankey has ran for 187 yards(6.7 YPC) with a touchdown and also has caught six passes. Sankey is pretty quick and can bust a long run everytime he touches the ball. The Bears defense allows 198 yards rushing per game so the Huskies should pound the ball on them. If the Bears decide to stack the box well the Huskies also have a good passing game too.

The Huskies passing offense is led by sophomore quarterback Keith Price. Price who is filling in for Jake Locker who set plenty of records at Washington. For this year it was Price who set a record for most passing touchdowns in a single season. Price for the year completed 67.4% of his passes for 2,625 yards(8.1 YPA) with 29 touchdown passes(school record) to just 11 interceptions. Price has plenty of weapons to throw to as well as he spreads the ball around the field to multiple talented receivers.  Price was selected to honorable mention all pac-12 and in a normal year could have been more but with Andrew Luch and Matt Barkley that makes it tough. His two leading receivers are both seniors and honorable all pac-12 receivers Devin Aguilar and Jermaine Kearse. Aguilar caught 36 passes for 521 yards(14.5 YPC) with four touchdowns. Kearse caught 42 for 501(11.9) with six touchdowns while also rushing for a touchdown as well. Freshman sensation Kasen Williams has emerged lately and has caught 33 passes for 408 yards(12.4 YPC) with six touchdowns. James Johnson added 26 receptions for 330 yards(12.7 YPC) with three touchdowns. The Huskies also feature honorable mention all pac-12 freshman tight end Austin Seferian-Jenkins who caught 36 passes for 479 yards(13.3 YPC) with six touchdowns. The Huskies also have plenty of offensive weapons to compete with the Bears. The key to this game will also be how the defense responds.

Last year when the Huskies won the Holiday Bowl all the attention was on the offense. When in reality the Huskies won 19-7 as the defense stepped up setting up the first score and eventually getting a safety. Mason Foster was the defensive MVP as he was all over the field. While Alameda Ta'amu just as easily could have been the MVP as well. He recovered the fumble that set up the first score, recorded two sacks and was also held which allowed the safety. Ta'amu who is a projected late first or early second round draft pick is playing his final game as a Husky. Ta'amu was honorable mention this year as he was injured throughout the season. Another Husky defender playing in his final game is Cort Dennison who led the Pac-12 in tackles and earned second team all pac-12 selection. The defense must step up if they expect to pull off this upset. Nobody is expecting them to shut down Baylor like they did last year with Nebraska but nobody will accept games where they allow over 40 like they did against Nebraska, Stanford, and USC. The defense must play tough in the redzone and hold the Bears to three points instead of seven points that could be the difference between winning and losing.

In conclusion, with Griffin winning the Heisman this will be the featured bowl game amongst the games not in the BCS. The Huskies have a great chance to impress the nation with a win against a quality opponent for the second straight year. For Sarkisian who is having a rough day losing out on an in-state recruit earlier today he can remove the doubt that he is the guy with a win today. With a win today Sarkisian will tie Jim Owens for second all-time in Huskies history for most bowl victories with two. With a win today the program will have made progress improving their win total each season under Sarkisian. With a win to day the Huskies will have won back to back bowl games for the first time in 20 years. This game is huge for the Huskies and their opponent for the second straight year is favored to destroy them. This is a huge test for the Huskies who failed so many throughout the year. Maybe tonight is the night the Huskies finally pass that final exam.