SB Nation User Blog: John Berkowitz

Big Ten Expansion could get the dominoes rolling

John Berkowitz — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 16:56:36 -0000

The Big Ten is looking at expanding in the next 18 months. We have heard it before but this time it appears they are serious about it. The reason for the expansion is the league would like to add a conference championship game to it's portfolio.

Adding a conference championship game wouldn't be guaranteed to generate a lot of extra money for each school but it would give the conference some exposure in early December which it lacks right now. Coaches and AD's are saying that the Big Ten goes to sleep until the bowl games start and that hurts recruiting, prestige, and exposure.

In a perfect world the league would add Notre Dame and all the tradition and prestige that goes with it. Since the Irish have their own national TV deal with NBC and enjoy being an independent they will just say no like they did the last time. If Notre Dame ever joins a league it will likely be the Big East since they already have an agreement to play five Big East opponents per year in football going forward. Since all the other Irish athletic teams play full big East schedules with full conference memebership it makes sense to keep moving in that direction.

Which direction does the Big Ten move? Do they plunder the Big East or do they plunder the Big Twelve?

Joe Paterno would like to see an Eastern team added to the conference and the most likely candidates that have been discussed in the past are Pittsburgh, West Virginia, Syracuse, and Rutgers. Pitt would give Penn State the natural in conference rivarly it currently lacks and it would give the league ownership of every TV set in Pennsylvania.

As far as the BCS is concerned adding Notre Dame or a Big East school would cause the least chaos. When you poach a team from the Big 12 it could get the dominoes falling again and they could fall all the way to the West coast.

The two schools the Big Ten would look at in the Big 12 would be Missouri and Nebraska with Missouri being the most likely fit because it would lock up the St. Louis TV market and also add Kansas City to the fold. Nebraska has had the most success in football but how many TV sets are there in Missouri compared to Omaha? Expansion is all about adding the most TV sets.

The best overall fit if you are looking East or West is going to be Missouri. They have the television sets and they also have the type of academic standards that will fit in nicely with the rest of the Big Ten.

So lets say Missouri joins the Big Ten. How would that affect the Pac Ten?

The Pac Ten would be the only major conference left without a championship game. Sure the Big East is still regarded as a major but they are in a position to expand anytime they want to because they have plenty of candidates close by that would be a good fit.

Out on the West coast it isn't so easy because of geographic isolation and the lack of TV sets in the mountain states. The last time the conference looked to expand it offered Colorado and Texas a spot when the old SWC broke up. Texas declined the invitation for a number of good reasons. Colorado on the other hand has always felt that the Pac Ten would be a better fit.

When you talk about Pac Ten expansion there are really only two logical candidates and they would be Utah and Colorado. Both schools would have the same challenges that Arizona and Arizona State had when they joined the conference because neither are on a par with the other Pac Ten schools at this time from and academic standpoint. They are however close enough to pull it off and joining the league would give both schools added academic prestige.

If the Big 12 loses two teams it could go a couple of different ways. Arkansas has been buried ever since it joined the SEC. The Razorbacks could be very interested in rejoining the Texas and Oklahoma schools. Texas Christian and BYU from the WAC would jump at the chance to join a restructured Big 12.

Anyway you slice it if a Big 12 team makes the move to the Big Ten the dominoes may start rolling once again.

2010 Roster Overview

John Berkowitz — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 19:31:38 -0000

More photos » by Elaine Thompson - AP

Steve Sarkisian enters 2010 with another Heisman Trophy (Jake Locker) hopeful in hand. (AP Photo/Elaine Thompson)

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It is still a little early to analyze all the pieces the coaches will have to work with in 2010 since they probably will sign up to six more players to fill out the 2010 class. Add a couple of kids to the defense such as Pullard, Fehoko, and Shirley could yield some more immediate impact. If they don't come to UW the class is far from being a failure because Scout currently ranks it as being the 7th best in the country and number one in the Pac 10.

Steve Sarkisian said it best when he remarked that Jake's decision to come back for another year was like signing a 10 star recruit. Make no doubt about it keeping Locker on the field one more year makes Washington a championship contender if they can fill a couple holes on defense.

Offense

The future looks bright on offense with the return of Jake Locker. a year of experience plus the loss of only two starters bodes well for this unit in 2010. with the skill positions intact the key to improvement is getting more productivity and depth out of the offensive ine.

QB: Jake Locker - Sr.*

Depth: Ronnie Fouch - Jr., Keith Price - Fr.

Newcomer: Nick Montana - Fr.

Possible Attrition: None

It is all about Jake Locker returning in 2010. Washington would have taken a step backwards if he hadn't decided to return. Locker will start the year as perhaps the leading Heisman candidate in the country. Even more importantly he gives Keith Price and Nick Montana an extra year to get ready to compete with Ronnie Fouch for the starting job when Jake leaves.

Washington doesn't have optimimum depth at this position. You usually like to see one QB for every class. With Jake returning Washington will have four on the roster next season.

RB: Chris Polk - So.*

Depth: Demitrius Bronson - So., Johri Fogerson - Jr., Curtis Shaw - Jr., Willie Griffin - Jr., Brandon Yakaboski - Jr.

Newcomers: Deontae Cooper - Fr., Melvin Davis - Fr., Jessie Callier - Fr.

Possible Attrition: Willie Griffin - Jr., Brandon Yakaboski - Jr.

Make no mistake about it Chris Polk is a star and he may end leaving UW as the schools all time career rushing leader if he stays healthy. Bronson didn't get a lot of carries and while he did look strang when he did holding onto the ball was a problem. Curtis Shaw played sparingly so he could be a transfer candidate despite of his straight ahead speed which I think the coaches could have used in kickoffs. Fogerson moved to TB from Safety and was used primarily as a receiver out of the backfield. His use diminished during the second half of the season.

Willie Griffin was MIA all season so I would guess that he is a probable candidate to move on. Yakaboski has been hurt since he arrived on campus and I don't expect to see him on the fall roster.

Washington has verbals from three of the better running backs in California. Cooper will compete for playing time in 2010 and could end up winning the backup job. Davis is a big back that may not qualify so keep your fingers crossed. Callier will arrive ealry this spring with Polk. His future could be at CB but expect the coaches to give him a long look at RB in the spring.

FB: Austin Sylvester - Sr.

Depth: Kimo Makaula - Fr

Newcomers: Zach Fogerson - Fr.

Possible Attrition: None

Makaula and Sylvester will fight it out this spring for the starting job. The coaches like both players but I think in the end Kimo gets the majority of the snaps next fall. The one thing he has in his favor is he can catch the ball. That type of versatility may also take playing time away from Johri Fogerson who had more of an H-Back type role last season.

Zach Fogerson arrives from O'Dea and I would think he would be a good RS candidate based on who is ahead of him. He could also be a kid they give a look at over on defense.

WR: Jermaine Kearse - Jr.*, Devin Aguilar - Jr.*, James Johnson - So.*

Depth: Jordan Polk - Jr., D'Andre Goodwin - So. Cody Bruns - Jr., Luther Leonard - So., Vince Taylor -So.

Newcomers: Keanon Lowe - Fr., DiAndre Campbell - Fr., Kevin Smith - Fr.

Possible Attrition: Luther Leonard - So., Vince Taylor -So.

Kearse, Aguilar, and Johnson may be the best returning receiving trio in the Pac 10. D'Andre Goodwin never got it going this season after getting injured last spring. It will be tough for him to supplant the guys ahead of him. The coaches like Cody Bruns but he didn't end up getting a lot of playing time because of the success of the kids ahead of him. Leonard and Taylor are both very good candidates to leave the program. Both of them are entering their third season and the prospects of them ever seeing the playing field is pretty slight at this point.

I could see all three frosh sitting out the year but if anyone does play it would probably be Lowe who could find a place on offense or defense. Smith is another kid that could see time at safety if the WR thing doesn't work out.

TE: Kavario Middleton - Jr.*

Rotation: Chris Izbicki - Jr., Dorson Boyce, Sr.

Depth: Marlion Bennett - Fr.

Newcomer: Michael Hartvigson - Fr.

Kavario Middleton can be an All American and a first round draft choice if he wants it bad enough. What he needs to do is spend a lot of time in the weight room this winter to transform his body. Izbicki is a depth guy who saw time on and off all season. Boyce was just OK and serves as filler for a year until UW builds up depth at the position.

Mike Hartvigson is going to be better than a lot of people think. He has the ability to block and catch the ball which is what the position is all about. I see him sitting out next season but being in the rotation all four years he is eligible to play.

OT: Senio Kelemete - Jr.*, Cody Habben - Sr.*

Depth: Drew Schaefer So.*, Skyler Fancher - Jr., Terence Thomas - So., Mark Armelin - Jr.

Newcomers: Erik Kohler - Fr., Micah Hatchie - Fr.

Possible Attrition: Terence Thomas - So., Mark Armelin - Jr.

The plan has always been to move Kelemete outside and I think it is a good bet that they do it this spring. Kelemete had a solid year inside and he gained some post season recognition. Habben is never going to be great but he has improved along the way and will continue to do so.

Drew Schaefer crashed the starting lineup during the second half of the season and will at the very least be in the rotation next year. Skyler Fancher is a potential starter while healthy. He missed the entire season after having three surgeries last year. If he can return at full strength this spring Washington will be in pretty good shape at tackle in 2010.

Erik Kohler and Michah Hatchie are the future of this position. I would like to see them both sit out next year and that will happen if Kelemete moves to tackle and Fancher comes back healthy. If that doesn't happen they are both prime candidates for playing time.

OG: Ryan Tolar - Sr.*, Nick Wood - Jr.*

Depth: Greg Christine - Sr., Scott Shugert - Jr.

Newcomers: Colin Porter - Fr., Ben Riva - Fr.

Possible Attrition: Scott Shugert - Jr.

I like Ryan Tolar a lot better at guard than center and I think the coaches are in agreement. Nick Wood surprised everyone with his early season switch to OG and starting time after former walk on Greg Christine went down with a broken leg. I don't think either Christine or Wood are great answers at the other guard position even though they both play hard.

That being said it gives an opening to true frosh Colin Porter to earn a starting job in his first year at UW. If you want to move Kelemete outside you have to take a long look at Porter and see if he is ready. The four star Husky legacy recruit from Bothell may be the first to play from this very talented OL class. Ben Riva will need a year in the weight room before he is ready to contribute.

This should be the year that Scott Shugert and Mark Armelin step up for some playing time. If they don't do it this spring you could see them leave the program.

C: Mykenna Ikehara - So.

Depth: Ryan Tolar - Sr.*, Greg Christine - Sr

Newcomers: Colin Tanigawa - Fr.

Possible Attrition: None

Mykena Ikehara is a stud. He is the nastiest kid we have but a virus cost him around 25 pounds so he spent the past season in a back up role. He started in the final game as Tolar's replacement when Washington pounded California. Once again if you want to move Kelemete outside Ikehara has to start at center next season.

Colin Tanigawa is a good looking recruit who needs a year in the weight room. Ikehara will be backed up Tolar and Christine who can step in if he gets injured.

Defense

The Huskies head into spring with some holes to fill at DE and LB. If Savannah gets a 6th year it will give the coaching staff some time and flexibility at LB. DE is not so easy to solve with all time sack leader Daniel Teo Nesheim leaving. the youth has to come through at DE and if I was Josh shirley I would be taking a long look at the opportunity to start for four years at UW.

DE: Everette Thompson - Jr., Talia Crichton - So.

Depth: Andru Pulu - So., Kalani Aldrich - Jr.

Newcomers: Andrew Hudson - Fr., Brent Williams - Fr (UW may take one more DE)

Possible Attrition: None

Washington has some serious questions at this position going into 2009.

Everette Thompson did a nice job this season inside and if his foot heals properly he could be in line for a big season in 2010. I think it is crucial that they move him outside since the Huskies graduate both of their starting DE's. Kalani Aldrich has looked promising at times but a chronic knee problem cost him plenty of playing time. A knee that has to be constantly drained is never a good thing.

Chrichton and Pulu got a lot of experience this past season but they played like freshmen. In other words they were playing way too early to make much of an impact.

On the recruiting front the Huskies picked up a couple of good one's in Hudson and Williams. I can see Hudson playing early. Williams needs a year int he weight room to contribute over here. Darius Waters is another kid they recruited who they could possibly move here even though they will look at him first at LB. Recruiting isn't over yet and a kid like Josh Shirley could compete for a starting job right away if he opts for UW.

DT: Alameda Ta'amu - Jr.*, Cameron Elisara - Sr.*

Depth: De'Shon Matthews - Sr., Tyrone Duncan - Jr., Semisi Tokolahi - So., Chris Robinson - Fr.

Newcomers: Sione Potoae - Fr., Lawrence Lagafuaina - Fr. (UW may take one more DT)

Possible Attrition: None

Alameda Ta'amu made a lot of progress in 2009. The type of progress he makes in 2010 will depend on how well he does in the conditioning program between now and next fall. If he can build up his stamina he could develop into an All conference type of player. If the last two games are any indication he may be well on his way.

Cameron Elisara is a hard worker who isn't going to live up to his hype coming out of HS. Stingers bothered him this season and when he was out of the lineup mid season you could feel the loss of his veteran presence. Deshon Matthews is another hyled recruit who has sunk into the depth but played more than expected this year.

Semisi Tokolahi should have sat out last season but he played in four games which blew his chance to redshirt. An injury cost him further opportunities in 2009. The coaches think he can be a force and with a year in the conditioning program he should be able to contend for time in the rotation.

Sione Potoae is one of the top recruits in the country and I could see him getting time in the roatation early and taking over for Elisara by mid year. Lawrence Lagafuiana is another big body from Hawaii the Kuskies are bringing in this fall. Chances are he will spend his first year in the weight room.

MLB: Tim Tucker - Fr.

Depth: Kurt Mangum - So.

Newcomers: .Victor Burnett - Fr.

Possible Attrition: Kurt Mangum - So

The loss of Donald Butler will be felt next season. Even in good years it is tough to replace a quality player like him. Cort Dennison will start somewhere next season and this is a possible spot if they coaches don't like what they have here right now. The coaches are also high on Tim Tucker. Kurt Mangum has been mired in the depth since he arrived at Washington so if he doesn't break into the rotation this spring I could see him heading elsewhere.

I could see Victor Burnett who plans to arrive by spring coming in and making an immediate impact at the position. Hayes Pullard is another guy UW still has a shot at that could come in and do the same if he chooses UW.

WLB: Cort Dennison - Jr.* (EJ Savannah Sr.)

Depth: Jordan Wallace - So., Alvin Logan, Jr.

Newcomer: Chris Young - Fr, Princeton Fuimaono Fr

Possible Attrition: Alvin Logan - Jr

Cort Dennison did a great job filling in for EJ when he was injured last year. IF EJ doesn't get a sixth year the position probably his. If EJ does get a sixth year they will move him inside to take over for Butler. The coaches like Wallace enough that he could be a potential starter. Alvin Logan made the move to the position during bye week and is still learning the ropes. Logan hit the field as a WR but most thought he would make more impact at safety and that experiment didn't work out. If he has a good spring it will be a plus for a position without a lot of depth.

If Chris Young gets his act together he could come and make an impact at the position. Waters could play here, WLB, or just grow into a DE.

OLB: Mason Foster - Sr.*

Depth: Matt Houston - Sr.

Newcomer: Darius Waters - Fr.

Possible Attrition: Matt Houston - Sr.

Foster is an all conference player so no problems here. The depth though is unproven so it will be interesting to see how everything sorts out between now and fall. Obviously if EJ comes back it will give the coaches a lot more flexibility and some time to season the young depth they are bringing in.

Matt Houston has played here and there without much of an impact so it will be interesting to see how things sort out after spring practice.

CB: Desmond Trufant - So.*, Adam Long - So.*

Depth: Vonzell McDowell - Sr., Quentin Richardson - Jr., Anthony Boyles, So., Anthony Gobern - So., Marquis Persley - Jr.

Possible Attrition: Anthony Gobern - So., Marquis Persley - Jr.

Newcomers: None yet but UW is expected to sign one true corner. Jesse Callier and Keanon Lowe could find homes over here.

I think Long and Trufant are going to end up being four year starters at Washington. Both of these players came a long way at the right time this season to emerge as starters with all league potential. Trufant seems to have more potential but Long actually was the more respected of the two by opposing teams.

Richardson and Mc Dowell return to supply experience and depth. I wouldn't write Richardson either because he ankle sprain was worse than publically revealed. Keep an eye on Anthony Boyles who should make a big move for playing time this spring. He has a ton of athletic ability but didn't make the cut at WR. A position where he doesn't have to think as much may be the right place for him. The coaches like him and he is going to get his shot.

Gobern and Persley were buried this season. I would think that it is a safe bet that Marquis never see's the field. I also think it is a safe bet that the coaches don't run him off because his HS has been a pipeline in recent years for Washington. If he leaves it will be on his own in pursuit of some playing time.

Safety: Justin Glenn - So.*, Nate Williams - Sr.*

Depth: Victor Aiyewa - Sr., Nate Fellner - So., Greg Walker - *So., Will Shamburger - Fr.

Newcomers: Jamaal Kearse - Fr., Taz Stevenson - Fr., John Timu - Fr. (UW may take one more Safety)

Possible Attrition: None

The defense took an audible hit when Glenn went down for the season against Notre Dame. He should be ready fall to take over the position again. The coaches love Nate Williams but Nate Fellner who showed a great nose for the ball last year could take over his starting spot.

Nate Williams has durability problems. He seemed to rebound late in the season when he was teamed with Jason Wells who will be missed. Greg Walker started early but the coaches lost faith in him. He is young so he has a chance to rebound. Anthony Boyes could get a look here too because he played safety in HS. Safety is a cerebral position and Boyles isn't exactly cerebral.

Kearse, Timu, and Stevenson will all probably RS. All are capable of playing either WR or S. UW is still looking at bringing in another big time safety. Timu's career could be delayed because of a knee injury.

The Monday Morning Wash

John Berkowitz — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 22:02:04 -0000

More photos » by Elaine Thompson - AP

2 days ago: FILE - This is a Dec. 5, 2009, file photo showing Washington quarterback Jake Locker preparing to take a snap against California in the second half of an NCAA football game, in Seattle. Locker announced Monday, Dec. 14, 2009, he will return to Washington for his senior season, quickly putting to rest any lingering questions about his future. (AP Photo/Elaine Thompson, File)

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It isn't exactly morning but when you are taking the red eye in from Maui to LA with a final destination of Chicago it will do. The big news is that QB Jake Locker is coming back for his senior year despite the fact that he is probably a top ten draft pick in this years NFL draft.

What is comes down to is Jake wants to finish what he came to Washington for and that is to lead the program backs to depths it has sunk to over the last decade. The level of coaching he received this season from the new staff was also a huge factor.

Jake raised his passing percentage nearly ten points this season while barely scratching the true potential he has to work with. Give Jake another year with Sarkisian and he is going to be ready to come in and lead an NFL team and not just draw a huge paycheck and hold a clipboard.

Locker's 5,374 career passing yards is sixth on the UW career charts. Locker is also just two yards shy of Marques Tuiasosopo's record as the UW's all-time leading rusher at the quarterback position. By staying one more year Jake puts himself in the position to become one of the top QB's statisticall to every play at Washington. He should also be the odds on favorite to win the Heisman Trophy next season. No Husky has ever won the Heisman.

If you are a diehard Husky fan you can breathe a huge sigh of relief today because even though Sarkisian was on the right track the loss of Jake could have set the program back a couple more years. His return along with with a boat load of starters on offense and defense means the Huskies should seriously challenge for the upper division of the Pac 10 next season.

If you ask Jake and the rest of the team they will tell you they are thinking Rose Bowl and Heisman Trophy. Jake's return gives the Huskies a decent shot at that even though Oregon will be the odds on favorite to win it all next season.

Poll

Did Jake make the right decision to return to Washington for his senior year?

Musings on another beach day

John Berkowitz — Thu, 10 Dec 2009 23:21:22 -0000

I decided to write a few lines today while pool side over here in Maui. Can't believe the timing we have had on this trip since it seems the entire Northern half of the country is getting pummeled by snow and low temps. A guy from Tillamook sat next to me yesterday and said it was under ten degrees at the coast...yikes!

So enough about the sun...lets talk a little about recruiting. Looks like our coaches have got to the point where they are being extremely picky in how they are going to fill up the rest of the class. They don't even have a recruiting weekend scheduled again until mid January.

Washington currently has 26 officially on the books at this time with room for probably no more than 3-4 more. OL Michael Criste is not one of these 26 according to Scout. That doesn't mean that he won't eventually be in the class it just means that UW is waiting on a couple of other kids before deciding on him. Same can be said for MLB Garret Gilliland.

The kids UW are waiting on right now are all highly rated playmakers, MLB Hayes Pullard, MLB VJ Fehoko, DE Josh Shirley, DT Kirifi Taula, CB Demetrious Wright are the major names who come to mind.

It doesn't really matter who is coaching at UW...whoever is signed by Christmas in a non transition year is who they usually end up with. January is usually a Plan B phase for Washington unless there is a five star in state that is waiting to sign. That isn't the case this season.

Currently the class is rated #1 in the Pac 10 and #8 in the nation which is incredible. It will be intersting to see how UW fills this class.

Do you remember Nathan Rhodes?

Nathan was a five star offensive line recruit out of Bakersfield who never played a single down for Washington because of congenital back problems. He declined surgery but still earned a medical scholarship at Washington. He was never very close to the program but had a part time job with the athletic department as a security job while as as a student at UW.

Our hearts go out to him tonight because his young child passed away after complications from a rare form of cancer. He was treated at St Jude's in Memphis which was started by a hero of mine named Danny Thomas.

Diesel Rhodes Link

2010 Schedule

John Berkowitz — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 21:11:19 -0000

Sept. 4 --- at BYU

Sept. 11 --- Syracuse

Sept. 18 --- Nebraska

Sept. 25 --- Bye week

Oct. 2 --- at USC

Oct. 9 --- Arizona State

Oct. 16 --- Oregon State

Oct. 23 --- at Arizona

Oct. 30 --- Stanford

Nov. 6 --- at Oregon

Nov. 13 --- UCLA

Nov. 20 --- Bye week

Nov. 27 --- at Cal

Dec. 4 --- at Washington State

Hatchie a Husky

John Berkowitz — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 18:07:46 -0000

Washington picked up another four star recruit last night when Micah Hatchie confirmed his intention to be a Husky during an in home visit. Hatchie is the sixth HS offensive lineman in this class. Hatchie is probably the top rated lineman that UW was recruiting this season even though he is now the third four star commit on the line in this class.

Will have more on this later after I get back from the beach.

Washington now has the eight ranked recruiting class in the country according to Scout and the top class in the Pac 10.

The Monday Morning Wash

John Berkowitz — Mon, 07 Dec 2009 20:53:44 -0000

More photos » by Elaine Thompson - AP

11 days ago: Washington's Jermaine Kearse (15) celebrates after Devin Aguilar (9) scored against California on a 13-yard pass reception in the second half of an NCAA football game Saturday, Dec. 5, 2009, in Seattle. Washington won 42-10. (AP Photo/Elaine Thompson)

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Another football season has come and gone except this time it exits with considerable hope for Washington football fans. Steve Sarkisian and his staff did a great job in year one and by finishing with two solid wins over WSU and Cal they hit the off season and the end of recruiting in full stride.

If you follow the Huskies closely you realize that the second season has officially arrived and Washington is very close to putting together one of its best recruiting classes in decades. Expect the Dawgs to sign approximately thirty players with at least three of them arriving by spring practice. TB Jessie Callier, TB Denotae Cooper and now LB Victor Burnett have all said they will enroll early which pushes the potential size of this class up to 28 true frosh.

Not sure if the Huskies will sign any JC players. It looks like the coaches are starting to back off in that area. We will know soon anyway because any JC's they do sign need to be on campus right after the start of the year.

The Huskies picked up a couple of recent big time commits over the past couple of days. Four star WR/S Kevin Smith made it official last night that he was coming to Washington. Three star DT Lawrence Lagafuiana also committed after his trip this past weekend. Both are pretty solid to Washington but may take another trip or two just to make sure and enjoy the experience.

Huskies on the All Pac 10 Team

The All-Pac-10 Football Team has been announced and three Huskies are represented. WR Jermaine Kearse, DE Daniel Te'o-Nesheim and LB Donald Butler all cracked the second team.

WR Devin Aguilar, OLB Mason Foster, OG Senio Kelemete, QB Jake Locker, TB Chris Polk, C Ryan Tolar and CB Desmond Trufant were all named honorable mention.

Pac 10 Power Ratings - Final Edition

1. Oregon...The Ducks did a lot better than I thought they would this season. I thought the overall youth and lack of experience at the WR positions would hold them back and it did not. Oregon goes out as the indisputed champ and starts 2010 as the favorite to win it again.

2. Oregon State...The Beavers had anothe fine season after the annual slow start and were only a defensive stop away from winning the conference title.

3. Stanford...Great year by Harbaugh and the Cardinal. Hard to fathom how Cal could have ever beat these guys.

4. Arizona...Strong win to finish the season over USC cements this as being a great season for Mike Stoops and his team. Next year they will be rebuilding since this was one of the most experienced squads int he league.

5. USC...Troy has fallen for a season yet they will bounce back just fine with plenty of young talent and an excellent coaching staff.

6. Washington...More than one pro writer chided me for picking UW this high at the start of the season and it looks like I don't have to eat crow either on this pick despite the absence of a bowl invitiation.

7. California...The Bears arrived in Seattle as one of the conferences hottest teams and they left in shame with a might plunge in the power ratings.

8 . UCLA...How did Washington lose to these guys?

9. Arizona State...How did Washington lose to these guys Part Deux?

10. Washington State...Wulff will have to scramble to keep his job past 2010.

Pac Ten Player of the Week

Jake Locker....The Husky QB was perfect against California.

Pac Ten Player of the Year

Toby Gerhart of Stanford also gets my vote for the Heisman if I had one.

Grading the game

John Berkowitz — Sun, 06 Dec 2009 18:05:35 -0000

More photos » by Elaine Thompson - AP

11 days ago: Washington quarterback Jake Locker, right, is embraced by coach Steve Sarkisian after the team beat California in an NCAA college football game Saturday, Dec. 5, 2009, in Seattle. Washington won 42-10. (AP Photo/Elaine Thompson)

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Quarterback - Grade A

If this was Jake's last game as a husky he saved the best for last. He was cirtually perfect all day when either running or throwing.

Running Back - Grade A

Chris Polk picked up 94 tough yards on the ground and Cal's early emphasis on shutting the UW running game down opened up the airways for Jake who took full advantage.

Receivers - Grade A

What more can you say about Kearse and Aguilar who controlled the game all night with big plays. How about Cody Bruns and his long pass? Kavario Middleton had his best game of the year too.

Offensive Line - Grade A

So this is what Jake can do when he has plenty of time? Keep an eye on Mykena Ikehara next season...he will be anchoring the line as long as he keeps his weight on in 2010.

Defensive Line - Grade A

Pressure was the name of the game yesterday and DTN went out as the all time sack leader at Washington with three in his last game. Five sacks overall by Washington kept Riley on his heals most of the day.

Linebacker - Grade A

We are all going to miss Donald Butler who went out in style. Foster and Dennison were also solid all day. Cal had one big running play all day. UW shut the run down which is the way you humble the Bears. I like what Dennison brings on a weeky basis.

Secondary - Grade A

You have to wonder how many more games this team would hav won with a healthy Jason Wells back there. Trufant and Long continue to improve every game.

Special Teams - Grade A minus

Nothing really special and nothing terrible either. Keeping Cal's return game in check was one of the keys of the game.

Coaching - A

Washington dominated from the the first to the last snap in the final game of the season. this team could have packed it in after the UCLA game and it looked like that was happening after OSU. give the coaches credit for keeping these guys motivated enough the last two weeks to finish the season strong.

5-7 is a win or two off from what we all really wanted but a five win improvement led by four conference wins is pretty impressive. If you are a top flight recruit it doesn't take much to buy into what is going on at Washington.

Huskies Pound Cal 42-10

John Berkowitz — Sun, 06 Dec 2009 03:43:06 -0000

More photos » by Elaine Thompson - AP

11 days ago: Washington quarterback Jake Locker reacts after keeping the ball for a 9-yard gain against California in the second half of an NCAA football game Saturday, Dec. 5, 2009, in Seattle. Washington won 42-10. (AP Photo/Elaine Thompson)

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If this was Jake Lockers last game he picked a great way to go out. Washington astounded every expert in the country today routing the Golden Bears at home 42-10. The Huskies fall one game short of qualifying for that elusive bowl berth but consider this they are only the 11th BCS team since 1946 to rebound so high coming off a winless season.

Jake started with a 40-yard TD pass to Jermaine Kearse on Washington's first drive, then added touchdown runs of 19 and 2 yards in the second quarter as the Huskies jumped to a 21-3 lead and were never challenged.

Locker added TD throws in the third quarter of 21 yards and 13 yards to Devin Aguilar and the Huskies (5-7, 4-5) made an impressive final statement against a bowl-bound Cal (8-4, 5-4) that didn't look happy to be in Seattle in December.

Locker completed 19 of 23 passes for 248 yards while exposing Cal's secondary. He also ran 14 times for 77 yards. Chris Polk added 94 yards rushing and a touchdown for Washington. Jermaine Kearse had seven catches for 147 yards and a TD -- all in the first half -- while Aguilar grabbed five passes for 72 yards and two scores.

Washington's defense was also a star for the second straight week holding Shane Vereen under 100 yards and putting constant pressure on Cal QB Kevin Riley. Riley was sacked five times, including three times by Washington senior Daniel Te'o-Neshehim, who became the Huskies' all-time leader in career sacks in his final game with 30. Riley was only 14 of 32 for 215 yards.

Cal at Washington Game Thread

John Berkowitz — Sat, 05 Dec 2009 16:55:14 -0000

The final game of the season is upon us with the Golden Bears invading Husky Stadium today for an afternoon contest. The weather will be clearand a bit chilly in Seattle with high temperatues only forecasted for the mid 40's. Weather canbe a factor in this one since California teams historically don't enjoy late season visits to Seattle.

Position Matchups

Quarterback...Washington...Jake Locker has the edge over Riley now that he is healthy and back to his dual threat self. Riley's performance has been a problemfor Cal this season so if the game is completely on his shoulders it bodes well for Washington.

Running Back...California...Jahvid Best won't be playing today but Shane Vereen is just as good. Chris Polk will end 2009 with another 100 yard gain but Cal has more big play ability from this spot because of a superior offensive line. For Washington to have a chance in this one they have to shut down the Cal rushing game.

Wide Receivers...Washington...The Huskies have a slight edge with Kearse and Aguilar if Jake is accurate today. James Johnson who has faded into the background over the second half of the season is due for a big game. TE Kavario Middleton is another guy who is due. Cal's secondary can be beat so this is an area Washington can exploit today.

Offensive Line...California...The Bears have the edge here in experience and depth. Washington at best has been adequate this season. The Bears on the other hand have had games where they have dominated the opposition.

Defensive Line...California...Trevor Guyton is a reserve biding his time at Cal for Washington he would be a starter. That right there tells you all you need to know about Cal depth at the position. They aren't Oregon State but they have enough of a rotation to tire Washington out.

Linebacker...Washington...This is Donald Butler's last game in purple and gold and I expect him to go out in style. EJ Savannah remains sidelined. Mason foster has had an all star season. Cort Dennison has done everything the coaches have asked of him this season.

Secondary...Even...The Huskies are getting better and Jason Wells will be healthy enough to start his last game as a Husky which is a big plus now that he has the rust off. The two young corners improve every game. The late season bye's have helped Nate Williams return to form. Nate Fellner has proved himself to be a promising player when needed. Cal's Sydquan Thompson is a big time talent when he decides to show up. the Bears have more talent on paper but I like the way the Huskies have been playing lately.

Special Teams...California...Cal has more speed, depth, and big play ability than Washington has. The Huskies are not a threat to score via the return game. Cal has enoug speed to take it back to the house every time we kick to them so coverage is a big key today.