Go Blawgs

‘Tis the season for taking stock of the things that you are thankful for.  After a Beaver hunt turned into a Husky 38-21 defeat and the Dawgs third straight loss, there was not much for the Husky fan to be thankful.  A 2-8 Oregon State team hand the Huskies what has to be the worst loss since Coach Sark took over.  If the TV show Survivor has the mantra outwit, outlast, outplay.  This Husky game the Dawgs were outschemed, outplayed, and outcoached by the evil Beaver. At this point in the season there only was one possibility worse and I will not mention that here.

Thankfully, that is not where the story ends.  The last game of this season happens to be the first “home” game at CenturyLink Field while the Husky Stadium renovation occurs.  The 104th playing of the Apple Cup brought the Cougars into town.  Just in time too, the Dawgs needed to get off the schnied.  The Huskies retain the cup, beating the Cougs 38-21.  For the nearly 65,000 in attendance and for WSU cornerback, Nolan Washington it will be a game to remember.  Kasen Williams had his coming out party scoring two touchdowns and most notably a jaw-dropping, crowd gasping leap over the would be Cougar tackler.  The hurdle over Washington gave fans a glimpse into a bright future this Parade All-American receiver will have as a Husky.  Simply one of the most athletic plays you may see as a college football fan.

As amazing as the “Leap” was, there were a couple more standout performances of note in the Husky victory.  Sophomore quarterback, Keith Price set the all-time Husky season record with 29 touchdowns.  He threw for 3 touchdowns and went 21 for 29 with no interceptions.  His 29th touchdown pass eclipsed the 28 by Cody Pickett in 2002.  Expect to see the Price to Williams connection many times in the next few seasons, but the Husky record-breaking touchdown pass actually went to Chris Polk.  Polk also added on to his school record for 100 yard rushing games, notching his 20th as a Dawg.  Polk was soon thereafter named to the first team All Pac-12 team.

So regardless of what you think of the ebb and flow of this season.  No matter what you believe should be done about the defense or even defensive coordinator.  Even if you saw the Dawgs get drilled by the ranked teams on this years schedule…

Truth be told this is still a program rebuilding from the lowest of lows, three seasons ago.  After all of this…this Dawg fan feels there is much for all Dawg fans to be thankful for.  A 7-5 season, another notch up the win column.  A bright future for a number of young players gaining valuable game experience and 15 extra practices the bowl game brings.  An Alamo Bowl invitation that gives them a shot at the Baylor Bears, one of the most exciting teams in the country.  The combination  of RG3 and the second ranked offense in the nation, paired with a porous defense like the Huskies, promises a potential shootout.  Dawg fans have reason to be excited for what is coming up in both the short and long-term future.

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