Updated projections for Pac-12 bids: 1 bid: 45% (Cal) Action: Cal rallies past Stanford in Pac-12 quarterfinals.Reaction I: Behind Jorge Gutierrez — who played like Jorge Gutierrez — the Bears scored 54 points in the second half, turning a seven-point deficit into a six-point win.Reaction II: You could see 2.5 games of frustration melt away as the Bears kicked their transition game into high gear and the rhythm returned to their offense. That was the team we watched for most of the Pac-12 season.Reaction III: Did the win lock up an at-large berth for the Bears? You’d think so, but what if they turn around and lose to Colorado by 15? What if there are a bevy of upsets in tournaments elsewhere? Suffice it to say, the Bears are not in good enough shape that they can kick back and relax at 3 p.m. Sunday. (Part of the problem: The victory at Washington has lost some value in the past few weeks.) Reaction IV: And so ends another disappointing season for Stanford. Yes, … [Read more...] about Action/reaction: Cal KOs Stanford, Washington falls and thoughts on Dick Davey
Washington
Pac-10 basketball ratings: It’s Washington, then everyone else
Have to admit, it’s tempting – very, very tempting – to declare Washington the regular season championship right here and now, one week into league play. The Huskies were heavy favorites from the start. Opening with a road sweep of the L.A. schools – UW’s toughest trip – only increases their advantage. But I’ll wait … maybe one more week, maybe two … before declaring the race over. Let’s get to the first weekly ratings, with a reminder that they are not based exclusively on the first weekend of league play. I’ve taken the months of Nov. and Dec. into account. Washington Results: Won at USC 73-67 (OT) and UCLA 74-63 Next up: vs. Oregon and Oregon State Comment: Matthew VBryan-Amaning had 39 and 18 Oregon State (7-6, 2-0) Results: Beat ASU 80-58 and Arizona 76-75 Next up: at Washington State and Washington Comment: if the bveavers can get Haynes and Cunningham going at the same time – they combined for 35 against Az … [Read more...] about Pac-10 basketball ratings: It’s Washington, then everyone else
Washington picks Sarkisian: It’s not a slam-dunk hire, Husky fans
I’ll have an action-reaction item soon on Pac-10 football happenings. But I wanted to post something ASAP on the Huskies hiring USC playcaller Steve Sarkisian. There’s no doubt that three or four years from now, Sarkisian could prove me all wrong (and if he does, I’ll write how he did). He could turn out to be one of the brightest young head coaches in the game. He could turn out to prove UW president Mark “We think we got our guy” Emmert right as Purple Reign. But I’m a long way from sold on this hire. Has anyone watched the USC offense the past three year and thought: That’s a well-coached unit. Has anyone watched the USC offense and thought: They’re creative, they’re fundamentally sound, and they make the most of their talent. Has anyone watched the USC offense and thought: Those five-star recruits get better every season. I don’t think Patrick Turner has made the most of his ability. Or that Joe McKnight has improved … [Read more...] about Washington picks Sarkisian: It’s not a slam-dunk hire, Husky fans
College Picks, playoff semifinal edition: OK, I’ll grab the 13.5 with Washington vs. Alabama and cross my fingers
I’ve been dropping the ball on the college picks for several weeks–while Purdy has diligently continued to send me picks, I’ve just neglected to do my own or post anything. Here’s the last full edition (I’ll post a Championship Game pick next week, if I remember)… —KAWAKAMI (last edition 2-1, overall 23-18-1)/ * STANFORD -2.5, over North Carolina in the Sun Bowl: This has been an underdog bowl season, but I’m going with the Cardinal here because without Christian McCaffrey the red team feels sort of like the ‘dog in this one. Can the Stanford defense slow down North Carolina QB Mitch Trubisky? Yeah, I think when healthy, the Cardinal has matched up with just about any offense, and they are healthy going into this bowl game. * WASHINGTON +13.5, over Alabama in a semifinal game: This pick is almost entirely based on my faith that Chris Petersen with extra time to prepare can figure out a way to stick with Alabama and maybe that fast … [Read more...] about College Picks, playoff semifinal edition: OK, I’ll grab the 13.5 with Washington vs. Alabama and cross my fingers
Sharks vs. Capitals pregame: Alex Ovechkin out of Washington’s lineup for personal reasons
*Updated The Sharks did not have to deal with Alex Ovechkin on Tuesday night, as the Washington Capitals announced roughly 45 minutes before game time that their captain would be out of the lineup for personal reasons. Capitals coach Barry Trotz said earlier Tuesday that Ovechkin was a game time decision after the three-time Hart Trophy winner missed the morning skate. Ovechkin has 11 points in 13 career games against the Sharks, including four points in two games last season. The Sharks beat the Capitals 6-5 in a shootout in Washington last October, but the Capitals won 5-4 in San Jose in overtime on a goal by Joel Ward. Ovechkin had a goal and an assist for the Capitals in their 5-3 win over New Jersey on Saturday. Matt Niskanen, Justin Williams, Jason Chimera and John Carlson also had two points each for Washington. Ovechkin played on a line with Evgeny Kuznetsov and T.J. Oshie against the Devils. “I don’t think it changes anything. They’re a deep team,” … [Read more...] about Sharks vs. Capitals pregame: Alex Ovechkin out of Washington’s lineup for personal reasons