The closest thing to a conference game on the schedule this year is today when Nebraska takes on Washington at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln. The Huskers will have seen the Huskies three times in one calendar year by the time this game is finished. Television coverage is on ABC with kickoff set for 2:37 p.m. (CDT).
Fans will remember the two games last season when Nebraska rolled the Huskies in the regular season, but Washington returned the favor with a shocking loss for the Big Red in the postseason. Today both teams are 2-0 and neither team has had an impressive win so far. Washington has slipped by with narrow wins over Eastern Washington and Hawaii. The Huskers defeated Chattanooga and Fresno State to open the 2011 season.
Washington is coached by Steve Sarkisian, who is 14-13 in his third year as a head coach. He is known as a solid offensive mind that has teams that will put up some points. The team is led by quarterback Keith Price (6-foot-1, 195 pounds, Sophomore). Price has been slowed by some knee issues that have limited his running ability in the first two games, although he has been known for his skills outside of the pocket. So far this season Price has completed 70 percent (35 of 50) of his passes with seven touchdowns and only one interception. He has averaged 208.5 yards passing per game. He is an accurate thrower that may give the Blackshirts some problems.
The receivers have big-play ability for the Huskies. Three players stand out for Washington. Jermaine Kearse (6-2, 208, Sr.) is a physical player that is a favorite target of Price. He leads the team with two touchdown receptions. Devin Aguilar (6-0, 195, Sr.) is the deep threat averaging over 23 yards per catch this season. Austin Seferian-Jenkins (6-6, 254, Fr.) has been a pleasant surprise for Husky fans at the tight end spot. He has four catches for 101 yards and a score on the year. His size may give the Husker defensive backs some issues if he gets in the open field.
The Huskies have a great running back in Chris Polk (5-11, 222, Jr.) Polk was instrumental in leading Washington to the 19-7 win over Nebraska at the end of last season. In 2011 Polk has averaged 116 yards per game with one touchdown rushing. He has a fine backup in sophomore Jesse Callier (5-10, 200). As a team Washington has averaged 149.5 yards per game on the ground this season.
Size is plentiful for Washington on the offensive line. The Huskies average over 6-4 and 303 pounds per man from tackle to tackle. The leader on the line is Senio Kelemente (6-4, 301, Sr.). Kelemente, a team captain is the only upperclassman starting for Washington. This group will need to play well if the Huskies are to pull off the upset.
Defensively Washington employs a 4-3 look with a solid player on each level of the defense. Up front, Alameda Ta'amu (6-3, 333, Sr.) is a major presence that can clog lanes in the running game. The Huskers must account for him if they are to be effective in the trenches. The Huskies have only allowed 43.5 yards rushing per game this season. The linebackers are led by Cort Dennison (6-1, 234, Sr.). His steady play keeps the Husky defense effective. Cornerback Desmond Trufant (6-0, 184, Jr.) leads the team with 15 total tackles and two interceptions this season. The secondary has given up an average of 403.5 yards passing per game against two pass happy teams. It is unlikely that the Huskers will put up those kind of statistics, but they can make it a tough day for the Washington defensive backs.
The Huskies have been solid place-kicking this season. Eric Folk(5-11, 185, Sr.) is perfect on four field goal attempts thus far including a 53-yarder. Punter Kiel Rasp (6-3, 225, Sr.) has averaged only 38.4 yards on eight punts this season. Kevin Smith (6-0, 209, So.) is a fine return man, that also gets some looks at a receiver spot, while Callier shows his quickness in the return game as well.
Nebraska needs to play with more consistency. Washington will score some points and try to establish the running game. If the Huskers take care of the football they will win this game at home. The passing game will make the difference in the Husker offense this week. Look for Nebraska to post a 35-24 win over Washington.
Thanks for reading Going Deep With Doze and look for my post game thoughts in my next posting.
Well done, Jim. I hope your prediction is right, at least as far as the 'W' is concerned. I think we have some revenge in mind, and we are playing at home. I think the game will be close. Go Big Red!
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