29. Washington

Rivals says: Houston

I say.....

29. Washington Huskies

It seems sad that a program as dominant as the Huskies once were cannot crack the top 25 in a season that is the peak of what they have building to over the last few years but compared to recent seasons, Washington should be happy to find itself in the top 50. Washington is no longer an elite program in the PAC-10, not even close, but this year there is hope to recapture some of the glory it's heritage knew. The Huskies have not been bowling in seven years. Thats a longer drought than Iowa Sate, Vanderbilt, Ball State, and even the lowly cross-state Cougars. The fall from grace was capped two years ago with an embarassing 0-12 season.

Then came Steve Sarkisian. The former standout QB at USC has changed the culture quickly in western Washington, last year taking the Huskies to 5 wins against one of the nations hrdest schedules. Jake Locker, a lock for a top five selection in this years selection, opted to return for his senior year believing he can lead Washington to a PAC-10 title. While this is unlikely, he should be able to at least contend, and end the postseason drought.

The Huskies are stacked on offense. Locker is the real deal, and while his numbers are unlikely to be good enough to get him into the Heisman race, they really don't need to be. Washington runs a balanced attack on offense and Locker does not hurl the ball three downs every time around like many of the stars expected to contend. The Huskies have a great recieving corp and starting RB Chris Polk is better than the considerable hype he gets. With nine starters returning, the offense will not have too many adjustments to make to last years team.

The defense is average. The secondary should be decent, but it will have to improve to beat Stanford, USC, Oregon, and Arizona, all of whom throw the ball very well. The biggest problem is the pass rush, Washington's sack leader returing had 2.5 sacks last year. The secondary is good, but if there is not more pressure, the elite in the conference will carve them up.

The schedule might be the worst in the country and is the biggest reason why Washington won't be a BCS force. The out of conference schedule includes only one team not from a big 6 conference: BYU. Nebraska and Syracuse make up the rest of the list. The Huskies will always hit the road against Cal, USC, Oregon, and Arizona in conference play. The schedule also does not provide many gaps in he better opponents. BYU, Nebraksa, and USC make up three of the first four. After Syracuse in week two, the Huskies will play in consecutive weeks: Nebraska, USC, Arzona State, Oregon State, Arizona, Stanford, and Oregon. The season ends with three of the four worst teams in the PAC-10: UCLA, Cal, and Washington State, so if they can manage even .500 up to that point, and 7-9 win season could be within reach.

The Huskies will upset people this season, but will also probably lose one or two that they shouldn't. There is not enough here to win the conference, as great a story as that would be, but UW fans should be happy just to get back to a bowl. The Huskies should have no problem reaching seven wins.