Operation Sports Forums - View Single Post - Turn Back the Clock

mattrd39 · 07-09-2015, 05:33 PM

WEEK SEVEN PREVIEW
Biggest news: Following their 44-35 win over Oregon, ASU jumps 10 spots in the AP poll but only three in the coaches. The Ducks fell from #3/3 to #10/9 with Pac-10 foe UCLA replacing them in the top three.

Ohio State dropped from #5/4 all the way down to #16/14 following their 31-21 loss in Evanston to Northwestern. Auburn, LSU, and Stanford all lost their second game, likely ending their National Championship ambitions and sending them tumbling to the lower half of the top 25.

Top games:
Not a huge week, with only one game featuring both teams in the top 25 (#24/23 Washington at #9/10 Oregon), but there are several interesting regional matchups.

Red River Shootout - #4/5 Oklahoma (3-0) vs. Texas (0-3): The 'Horns have struggled mightily in the first season under Charlie Strong, but all three of their losses have been fairly close games to quality teams (Arkansas, Utah, and West Virginia). This will be the toughest test to date for the Sooners in the annual showdown at the Cotton Bowl.

West Virginia (4-1) at #16/14 Ohio State (2-1): The Buckeyes look to rebound from their loss at Northwestern and host the Mountaineers at the Horseshoe. WVU's offense has been excellent with Clint Trickett under center, as they are averaging over 45 points per game.

#20/19 USC (3-1) at Arizona (3-1): The Trojans looked dominant last week in a 48-0 thrashing of Southern Miss, but hit the road for their fourth conference road game of the young season. The Wildcats had a bye week to prepare for this game after suffering their first loss at Washington two weeks ago.

Again, no movement in the Heisman race as the three in the top five who were active last week all played very well. Mariota could have dropped following the loss at Arizona State, but the defeat wasn't all his fault.

HUSKY PREVIEW
Depending on the Husky fan you talk to, this border battle could be the biggest rivalry game UW plays. The Ducks have won the past 10 meetings all by at least 17 points, allowing some Oregon fans to claim they "Win the Decade," rather than just their typical "Win the Day" motto.

There are a lot of reasons why Oregon has dominated the series - coaching, scheme, but most of all, they've just flat out had more talent. Marcus Mariota has a rating over 200 and several talented receivers so is difficult for anyone to stop. RB Royce Freeman may contend for Freshman of the Year and their Quack Attack defense is #1 in the country against the run.

Practices were intense leading up to this game, and unfortunately, the Dawgs lost a pair of players to injury. Senior DE Andrew Hudson, who leads the team in sacks, and junior guard Dexter Charles both suffered leg injuries that will sideline them. Sophomore Joe Mathis and senior Michael Criste are expected to start in their absence.

07-09-2015, 05:33 PM	#41
mattrd39 Pro OVR: 1 Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Seattle, WA	Re: Turn Back the Clock - University of Washington Huskies WEEK SEVEN PREVIEW Biggest news: Following their 44-35 win over Oregon, ASU jumps 10 spots in the AP poll but only three in the coaches. The Ducks fell from #3/3 to #10/9 with Pac-10 foe UCLA replacing them in the top three. Ohio State dropped from #5/4 all the way down to #16/14 following their 31-21 loss in Evanston to Northwestern. Auburn, LSU, and Stanford all lost their second game, likely ending their National Championship ambitions and sending them tumbling to the lower half of the top 25. Top games: Not a huge week, with only one game featuring both teams in the top 25 (#24/23 Washington at #9/10 Oregon), but there are several interesting regional matchups. Red River Shootout - #4/5 Oklahoma (3-0) vs. Texas (0-3): The 'Horns have struggled mightily in the first season under Charlie Strong, but all three of their losses have been fairly close games to quality teams (Arkansas, Utah, and West Virginia). This will be the toughest test to date for the Sooners in the annual showdown at the Cotton Bowl. West Virginia (4-1) at #16/14 Ohio State (2-1): The Buckeyes look to rebound from their loss at Northwestern and host the Mountaineers at the Horseshoe. WVU's offense has been excellent with Clint Trickett under center, as they are averaging over 45 points per game. #20/19 USC (3-1) at Arizona (3-1): The Trojans looked dominant last week in a 48-0 thrashing of Southern Miss, but hit the road for their fourth conference road game of the young season. The Wildcats had a bye week to prepare for this game after suffering their first loss at Washington two weeks ago. Again, no movement in the Heisman race as the three in the top five who were active last week all played very well. Mariota could have dropped following the loss at Arizona State, but the defeat wasn't all his fault. HUSKY PREVIEW Depending on the Husky fan you talk to, this border battle could be the biggest rivalry game UW plays. The Ducks have won the past 10 meetings all by at least 17 points, allowing some Oregon fans to claim they "Win the Decade," rather than just their typical "Win the Day" motto. There are a lot of reasons why Oregon has dominated the series - coaching, scheme, but most of all, they've just flat out had more talent. Marcus Mariota has a rating over 200 and several talented receivers so is difficult for anyone to stop. RB Royce Freeman may contend for Freshman of the Year and their Quack Attack defense is #1 in the country against the run. Practices were intense leading up to this game, and unfortunately, the Dawgs lost a pair of players to injury. Senior DE Andrew Hudson, who leads the team in sacks, and junior guard Dexter Charles both suffered leg injuries that will sideline them. Sophomore Joe Mathis and senior Michael Criste are expected to start in their absence.