Spring practices are already in the books and fall camps will be here before you know it, which means you’ll have an early jump into the 2006 NCAA football season. Knowing the teams now will save you time. in August and Matt Fargo is here to help you understand what to expect this coming year. We go from worst to first in this 2006 college football trailer.
#76 – Washington Huskies 2-9 SU; 4-7 ATS
Fargo’s once-proud Take The Huskies football program lies in shambles. Washington, after finishing 10-1 in 2000, slowed its win total over the next four years before halting that final season, surpassing its 2004 win total by one with two wins. Head coach Ty Willingham will be in his second season with the Huskies, but skeptics question whether he really is the right man for the job. He has the offensive talent to succeed, but it all comes down to working together as a team, something that didn’t happen last season with the inconsistent offense. On the other hand, there was no improvement on the defense that allowed 30.6 points per game, a slight increase from 2004. If anything good came out of last season, it was the fact that the Huskies were much more competitive than the year before. four of their losses were by eight points or less. Those close games must be won or Washington could have another long and frustrating season.
Returning starters on offense – 6 The offense increased its scoring production by more than one touchdown last season, but still finished 90th in the country in scoring offense. Washington scored 24+ points just twice all season and those were the only two wins of the year. Quarterback Isaiah Stanback is arguably one of the biggest losers in the entire country. He’s very skilled and very athletic, but he hasn’t been able to move the offense and his great playing ability is just that, skill. He looked great moving the offense in the spring, but the jury is still out on whether or not he can get the job done when needed. Running back Kenny James is back after being injured for most of last season and the receivers look strong once again. The problem is the offensive line where all but one starter needs to be replaced. If the line can come together quickly, the Huskies should be able to improve offensively once again, but it really falls into the hands of Stanback, who needs to prove he’s the right choice.
Returning starters on defense – 8 This is where the real problems occurred last season. The Huskies were ranked 94th in total defense and 89th in scoring defense, but the end of the season gave the Washington faithful some hope. He allowed just 19.3 points per game in his last three games and with eight starters returning, there could be a big development in 2006. The passing defense couldn’t stop anyone as they allowed a whopping 275.7 points per game, 106th in the country. Four secondary starters are back, which could be a good or a bad thing depending on their progress. If the spring game was any indication, it seems the latter is the case, as the unit repeatedly burned for big plays. The run defense put up its best numbers in three seasons and the front four once again appear to be the strength of the defense. Washington has lost its two best linebackers and replacing them will be difficult, but everything indicates that the return of Trenton Tuiasosopo will have the biggest impact.
Schedule The Pac Ten, with the exception of USC and Cal, appear to be very weak this season, but Washington is not the beneficiary of an easy conference schedule. The Huskies hit the road to face four of the top five teams, including the Trojans and Golden Bears, and five of their nine Pac Ten games are on the road. This includes the season finale in the Apple Cup against Washington St. With nine conference games, Washington has just three non-conference contests. After hosting San Jose St. in Game 1, the Huskies travel to Oklahoma before returning home to face a tough Fresno St. team. Game 1 against the Spartans is the only sure win on the entire schedule that is filled with many swing games. Washington couldn’t win those swing games last year, but with another year of experience, that may change.
You can bet… After going 22-4 at home from 2000-03, the Huskies have gone 2-11 the past two seasons and need to get that home edge back. The only home win last season came against Idaho, as they were outscored by 19.5 points per game in their four conference home games. Over the past two years, Washington has been outscored by 15.5 points per game in Pac Ten action overall. That has added to their uselessness in covering Pac Ten games, as they are now 15-31-2 ATS over the past six seasons. They host UCLA in their conference opener and while the Bruins aren’t going to be as strong as they were last season, Washington isn’t in a position to win just yet. The Huskies are just 2-9 ATS in their last 11 conference openers and that included an outright loss at home to UCLA in 2004. A win over the Bruins could be a big boost for a program that desperately needs good things to happen. .