Go Blawgs

It is the time of year to look back…the end of this decade gives Husky fans a moment of pause to reflect.  This week Bob Condotta of the Seattle Times presented his Top 10 games of the decade, a good comprehensive look back on the Dawgs from 2000-2009.  I will put my spin on this exercise by unveiling to you my Top 5 Husky Games of the Decade.  The rules for this exercise are fairly simple.  The following are all games that I saw in person:

5.)  UW 42 – Oregon 10, 2003 — The Keith Gilbertson era Huskies led by Cody Pickett lay the smack down on the hapless Ducks on a cold night at Husky Stadium.  This was the second of back to back wins against the Ducks, sadly the only for quite some time.  One of the main reasons for this game landing on my list is that my in-laws came up for the tailgate and game.  My father-in-law, Allen, a die-hard Ducks fan was there to share the game and incredible result.  As I write this Oregon pulls even in the Rose Bowl behind that thug Blount…reminds me of my philosophy…anyone but Oregon. 

4.)   UW 23 – Michigan 18, 2001 —  A great game by my former hometown (Maple Valley) hero, Omare Lowe.  A come from behind victory over #11 Michigan.  This game marks the first starts for both Cody Pickett and Reggie Williams.

3.)  UW 34 – Miami 29, 2000 — A great win over an extremely talented Hurricane bunch.  A ton of players from the Canes made an impact on the NFL.  This was #4 Miami’s only loss in this season and actually the next too, until their bowl game.  Husky defenders pressured Miami quarterback Ken Dorsey all day, but especially early as the Dawgs got out to a 21-3 lead.

2.)  UW 16- USC 13, 2009 — It is easy to see from as high as the Husky program started the decade to as low as possibly imagined in the 0-12 2008 season, why this game is hugely important to all Husky fans.  All of the hope the Steve Sarkisian era has brought us starts here with this signature win.  This win over the #3 Trojans marked the first cracks in the foundation of USC and the hold they have had on the PAC-10 since Pete Carroll took over.  This is the first time I have ever felt the need to rush the field.  A huge game in the maturation of  Jake Locker as he now looks forward to a Heisman touted 2010 Husky season.

1.)  UW 34 – Purdue 24, 2001 — It is the easiest decision for me to put this game #1.  After all it is the ROSE BOWL, the grandaddy of them all.  It is also the only Rose Bowl that I have had the priviledge to attend.  What an experience!  One I hope to have again…and soon.  Marques Tuiasosopo leads the Huskies over Drew Brees and the Purdue Boilermakers capping an 11-1 season at #3.

 I am going to add two other games I believe are of note, but I must admit that I only watched these two on TV.

Honorable Mention 1.)  UW 29 – WSU 26, 2002 — What list is complete without a win over the Cougs.   This game took the Huskies three overtimes to beat the #3 Cougars.  It was a back and forth affair kept you glued to the chair the entire game.

Honorable Mention 2.) UW 31 – Stanford 28, 2000 — Curtis Williams (RIP) was hurt in this game.  Huskies lead the game, lost the lead and had to win the game from behind to get to the Rose Bowl.  Marques Tuiasosopo engineered a three play drive with just seconds left in the game for the victory.

Filed under: Alan, Uncategorized