Even though the season won't kick off until early September, I thought it would be fun to take a look around the conference for a quick preview of the other eleven teams -- in no particular order. We'll get more in depth during the week before the Cardinal plays each team, but for now we've got a quick overview of how the team looks at this point as seen through the eyes of a blogger who knows that team best. Enjoy.
Washington Huskies (Pac-12 North)
Head Coach: Steve Sarkisian (12-13)
2010: (6-6, 5-4, 5th)
Lost to Stanford, 41-0
When last we saw the Washington Huskies, they were probably at their lowest point of the 2010 season, having suffered a crushing home loss at the hands of the Cardinal, 41-0. The 2010 season had begun with some of the same feelings of optimism Stanford fans have entering this fall. In senior Jake Locker, the Huskies had a quarterback who likely would've been the top pick in the 2010 draft had he left school, but he chose instead to return and entered the season as a front-runner for the Heisman Trophy. Sound familiar?
What happened next is enough to keep Cardinal fans up at night. Locker's offensive line was never able to protect him, and he suffered through a season marred by injury. With Locker now gone, the focus of the team switches to running back Chris Polk, who gained over 1,400 yards while starting all thirteen games at tailback as a redshirt sophomore. That's about all I know, so John Berkowitz from UW Dawg Pound will take it from here. Take a look...
GoMightyCard: What are fans excited about for this season?
John Berkowitz: Washington is coming off a big bowl win over Nebraska and is welcoming back 17 starters from last year's team.
GMC: What are the biggest concerns facing the team?
JB: Replacing QB Jake Locker on offense and LB Mason Foster on defense are obvious concerns. QB Keith Price looked good this spring and Washington has a number of young talented linebackers who are expected to fill the holes there.
GMC: What's the best-case scenario for the team?
JB: I think eight to nine wins is the best possible scenario but most of us are thinking that a record in the proximity of .500 and another bowl invitation would be a worthy accomplishment while breaking in a young QB.
GMC: What's the worst-case scenario for the team?
JB: If the wheels come off four wins would likely be the worst scenario. Injuries to our running backs are one thing that could dim expectations during the season.
GMC: Realistically, how do you expect the season to pan out?
JB: I am thinking six to seven wins and a minor bowl invite which is just fine for a young program that is rebuilding.
Previously previewed:
