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Updated: August 20, 11:07 AM ET Can UW overcome offseason controversy? By Ted Miller Special to ESPN.com |
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Washington Huskies
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Coach: Keith Gilbertson (1st season) 2002 overall record: 7-6 Conference record: 4-4 Returning starters Offense: 8 Defense: 8 Kicker/Punter: 0 2002 statistical leaders (* - returners) Rushing: Rich Alexis* (688 yds) Passing: Cody Pickett* (4,458 yds) Receiving: Reggie Williams* (1,454 yds) Tackles: Marquis Cooper* and Ben Mahdavi (100 each) Sacks: Kai Ellis and Manase Hopoi* (7 each) Interceptions: Derrick Johnson* (5) Outlook: This could be a very good team. The Huskies should match up well with Ohio State -- seriously -- to open the season, and the rest of the schedule is forgiving. On the other hand, considering the tumultuous summer that saw coach Rick Neuheisel fired and offensive coordinator Keith Gilbertson promoted as his replacement, the jury remains in deliberations. A number of areas are concerns. Washington couldn't run the ball last year; its pass defense was poor most of the season; and both the kicker and punter figure to be true freshmen. On the positive side, quarterback Cody Pickett and receiver Reggie Williams are the best pass-catch combination in the country. Charles Frederick had 45 receptions last year and will complement Williams. Three tight ends, topped by athletic 285-pound Joe Toledo, look like potential weapons. Yet the remainder of the receiving corps will be green: seven true freshmen are battling for playing time. Four starters return on the offensive line, which figures to improve dramatically with the addition of hard-driving position coach Dan Cozzetto. Who the tailback will be is anyone's guess. Incumbent senior Rich Alexis has lacked instinct and battled injuries since an impressive freshman season, and he could lose his job to any of a number of challengers, particularly redshirt freshman Kenny James. The defense should improve under new co-coordinator Phil Snow. The line lacks depth, but tackle Terry Johnson and emerging star end Manase Hopoi (17 tackles for a loss last year) are quality anchors. The linebackers are solid, led by speedy Marquis Cooper. Cornerback Derrick Johnson had five interceptions last year, and the secondary has a number of experienced players. But instability due to injuries and inconsistency at safety are worries. Key game: USC's Oct. 25 trip to Husky Stadium may well determine the conference champion, considering Washington doesn't have to play Arizona State. The Trojans visit rival Notre Dame the previous weekend and will be playing their fourth game on the road over five weeks. If the Huskies win, the toughest part of their schedule is over. Keep an eye on: The running game. Washington turned in its worst rushing performance in school history last year. The Huskies starting tailback won't be tapped until well into preseason practices -- or beyond. With a veteran offensive line, this area should improve in order to support a potent passing attack. It's a good year if. . .: The Huskies unite behind Gilbertson and live up to their potential. This team is talented enough to win the conference and earn its second Rose Bowl berth in four years. Ted Miller covers the Pac-10 for the Seattle Post-Intelligencer.
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