University of Washington Official Athletic Site - Football
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Football looking for sixth win to become bowl eligible.
Nov. 16, 1998
The Game
Washington (5-5, 3-4) travels to Pullman to meet cross-state rival Washington State (3-7, 0-7) at Martin Stadium. Kickoff is scheduled for 12:30 p.m. PT. The ABC affiliates across the state will televised the game. A capacity crowd of 38,000 is expected.
The Series
This will be the 91st meeting between Washington and Washington State with the Huskies holding a commanding 57-27-6 lead over the Cougars. Washington head Coach Jim Lambright owns a 3-2 record against WSU while Mike Price comes into the game 3-6 against Washington. UW is 24-13-1 in games played against the Cougars away from Husky Stadium. The series is split at 4-4 in games played at Martin Stadium.
The Cougars won last years contest 41-35 at Husky Stadium, snapping a two-game UW win streak, and a five-game home winning streak in the series for the Huskies. In that game, the Ryan Leaf-led Cougars amassed 520 yards of total offense, 358 in the air. After being down 10-points at the half, Washington scored 21 points in the third quarter to close the game to 31-28. Washington State held off a UW rally by adding 10 fourth-quarter point to post its first win in Seattle since 1985. UW quarterback Brock Huard threw for 283 yards including four touchdowns, but was intercepted five times. Notes: Washington has won six of the past 10, and 17 of the last 24 contests ...
Washington State is looking for its seventh back-to-back win against Washington ... Washington has not lost back-to-back games to WSU since losses in 1982 and 1983 ... the last three games in the series have been decided by a touchdown or less ... the 1984 and 1986 seasons marked the last time Washington registered back-to-back wins in Pullman ... the last time a team was shutout in the Apple Cup was 1968 when WSU handed Washington a 24-0 loss in Spokane ...
Washington has shutout Washington State 22 times in the series, the Cougs have blanked the Dawgs 11 times with two ties ... in Apple Cup games, since 1962, UW has a 25-11 advantage ... as a player, Jim Lambright never lost to the Cougars and he helped UW shut out WSU in both 1963 and 1964 ... .previous to 1962, the teams battled for the Governors Trophy, which was appropriately awarded to the winning team after each contest by the States governor ... the last Governors trophy was awarded to the 1961 Huskies by Albert Rosellini at Husky Stadium.
Television: The Apple Cup will be broadcast across the state of Washington by ABC affiliates in Seattle (KOMO), Spokane (KXLY), Yakima (KAPP) and the Tri-Cities (KVEW). Fox Sports Northwest will air a replay of the game on Sunday, Nov. 22 at 4 p.m. PT across the Northwest. Bud Namek, Clete Casper and Sonny Sixkiller will call the game for FSNW.
Radio: KOMO Radio (AM-1000) will air the game on its Husky Network. Working in the broadcast booth are Bob Rondeau (play-by-play) and former Husky All-American placekicker Chuck Nelson (color analyst). Bill Swartz will supply sideline reports. For Husky home games, the pregame tailgate show kicks off the Husky Networks lengthy coverage three hours before kickoff.
Teamline: Fans can pay to listen to the radio broadcast of each Washington football game by calling 1-800- 846-4700 and entering access code 5939. A Visa or MasterCard account is required. To contact Teamline regarding special listening rates, call 1-800-225-5321.
Coaches Show: Husky Talk with KOMO Radios (AM-1000) Bob Rondeau and Washington head coach Jim Lambright will air every Thursday during the season from 6-7 p.m. PT.
Internet: The radio broadcast of all Washington games is available on the internet at www.gohuskies.com. Pregame coverage starts two hours before kickoff.
Live Stats: Live stats of all Washington home games are available on the internet at www.gohuskies.com
The Polls
Neither team is ranked.
Injury Update Out: Senior defensive end Josh Smith (knee vs. Oregon), junior linebacker Odell George (torn knee ligament vs. Oregon State), junior tailback Maurice Shaw (back surgery), sophomore H-back Patrick Reddick (strained knee). Questionable: Jason Harris (pinched nerve vs. Oregon State), Redshirt freshman roverback Anthony Vontoure (broken finger vs. Oregon). Probable: Sophomore fullback Pat Conniff (sprained knee vs. Nebraska, aggrevated vs. Oregon State), senior center Brad Hutt (sprained ankle vs. Oregon).
More on the Injuries
Putting a consistent lineup on the field has been a problem for the Huskies this year due to injuries. Washington has had nine starters miss a total of 23 games this year due to injury. That list includes: QB Huard (Utah State, California), CB Jermaine Smith (Utah State, California, USC, Oregon), TB Maurice Shaw (Utah State, California), TB Jason Harris (USC) FB Pat Conniff (Arizona, Utah State, California, USC, Oregon, UCLA), SE Ja'Warren Hooker (Nebraska, Arizona, California), FL Gerald Harris (Arizona, Utah State, California), ILB Lester Towns (Utah State), HB Dane Looker (BYU).
The Apple Cup
The winner of the annual Washington-Washington State game receives the Apple Cup trophy. The trophy has been presented since the 1962 game. Washington is 25-11 since the Apple Cup trophy was originated.
Husky-Cougar Ties
Three of Washington's assistant coaches earned their undergraduate degrees from Washington State. Scott Pelluer ('81), Steve Morton ('76) and Dick Baird ('68) all graduated from Washington State and played football for the Cougars. Both WSU head coach Mike Price and UW head coach Jim Lambright grew up in Everett, WA (along with Seattle Seahawks head coach Dennis Erickson) at the same time. Lambright graduated from Everett High School in 1960 and Price did likewise four years later.
The UCLA Recap
UCLA used big plays to add a victory to its 19-game winning streak by defeating Washington 36-24 at Husky Stadium. The Bruins took the opening kickoff and drove 65 yards for its first score. UCLA answered a Husky field goal with the two field goals by Bruin kicker Chris Sailer to jump to a 13-3 lead after one quarter. Sailer would go on to boot five field goals. UW freshman Braxton Cleman scored the first of his two rushing TDs midway through the second quarter to bring the Huskies within 13-10.
With less than a minute to play in the half, Ryan Roques returned a punt 77-yards for a score to give the Bruins a 20-10 lead. Sailer booted two third-quarter field goals before Cleman rushed for his second score to close the third quarter wout the UCLA leading 26-17. The Bruins put the game out of reach when DeShaun Foster rushed for a score with 11:18 left to play. A Husky interception and fumble ended any hopes of a comeback. In addition to Roques' 77-yard punt return, he also had an 81-yard kickoff return that set up UCLA's first field goal.
Danny Farmer was the big-play receiver for the Bruins, with four catches for 134 yards. Foster carried 11 times for 73 yards while Durell Price had 44 rushing yards on five carries. Washington had its best rushing day of the season, gaining 248 yards. Freshmen Willie Hurst (114) and Cleman (100) both turned in their best performances. UCLA quarterback Cade McNown completed 12 of 24 passes for 233 yards, but did not record a TD. UW's Brock Huard completed 17 of 34 passes for 203 yards and one score.
Passing Problems
Washington has intercepted only four passes this season. The last time the Huskies failed to intercept at least 10 passes in a season was 1939 when the team totaled nine pickoffs. The lowest single-season interception total (records available since 1937) was in 1938 when Washington had eight interceptions. The Huskies are currently allowing 272.0 passing yards per game, which ranks last in the Pac-10. That average ranks as the highest ever against a UW team. The 14 passing TDs the team has allowed ranks second only to the 15 surrendered by the 1995 squad.
Smith Makes a Difference
Washington junior cornerback Jermaine Smith returned to the Huskies' starting lineup vs. UCLA and the results were noticable. Smith suffered a knee injury against Arizona at the end of the third quarter. Prior to his injury the Husky defense was giving up an average of 198.7 yards per game with Smith in the lineup. Without Smith, the Huskies were giving up an average of 331.8 yards per game in the 5 1/4 games he has missed. The Huskies alllowed UCLA to pass for 233 yards, 60 below their season average. UCLA did not record a passing touchdown for the first time this season.
Huard Eyeing Passing Record
Washington junior quarterback Brock Huard has had a hot hand since returing from a shoulder injury. In his last four games, Huard has averaged 263.3 yards per outing. He has completed 89 of 173 (.515) passes during that streak. He needs to pass for 35 yards against Washington State to break his brother Damon's record (5,692) for career passing yards at Washington. Damon set that record over a four-year career that included 36 games. The WSU game will be Brock's 30th career game.
DeSaussure Finishing Strong
Andre DeSaussure is coming off the best stretch of games of his UW career and is emerging as the deep-threat recevier the Husky offense has been searching for this season. DeSaussure recorded career highs against Oregon State with seven receptions for 167 yards. His yardage total was the 12th highest single-game effort in UW history. He had TD catches of 30 and 40 yards that helped UW jump out to a 28-7 lead in the 35-34 Husky victory. This season DeSaussure has 25 catches for 491 yards and leads the team with his 19.6 yard average per reception. His 1998 numbers are better than his 1996 and 1997 totals combinded. During his sophomore and junior seasons he caught only four passes for 69 yards in 13 game appearances. DeSaussure's two TD catches vs. the Beavers were the first of his career since his freshman season. As a freshman in 1995, DeSaussure topped the team with an 18.9 average on 14 catches. His receptions (14) and yardage (277) ranked fourth all-time at UW among freshman receivers.
Pacific Sack Exchange
Washington leads all NCAA Division I teams and the Pac-10 in sacks with 48 this year. The next closest Pac-10 schools are Arizona (41) and the Wildcats have played one more game than the Huskies. Washington has already bettered last year's sack total of 40 and could top the all-time single-season record of 52 set in 1990. Twice this season (California a Utah State) the Huskies set a school record with 13 sacks. Washington's previous school record for sacks was 10 set vs. BYU in 1986. Sack records are only available since 1982. Here's a look at Washington's top sack seasons:
Years Sacks
1. 1990 52
2. 1991 48
1998 48
4. 1982 47
5. 1996 46
Running on Empty
When Washington's defense held Oregon to 61 rushing yards it marked the 57th time this decade (104 games) the Huskies have held an opponent's rushing game to under 100 yards. Earlier this year the Huskies held California to five rushing yards, the eighth lowest total by an opponent during the 1990's.
Sack Leaders
Four of Washington's defensive lineman have recorded at least seven sacks this year. That group is led by junior nose tackle Jabari Issa and senior linebacker Todd Johnson with eight sacks each followed by senior defensive end Josh Smith, who has 7.5. Issa and Johnson are tied for the sacks lead in the Pac-10 individual stats along with USC's Abdul-Malik and Arizona's Daniel Greer. Sophomore strongside linebacker Jeremiah Pharms is also near the top of the Pac-10 with seven sacks. Last year those four players combinded to record six QB sacks. With one more sack Issa or Johnson will move into a tie for sixth place on UW's single-season sacks list. Jason Chorak set the Husky single-season record with 14.5 sacks in 1996. Johnson and Pharms each have 13 tackles for loss this year while Issa is right behind them with 12.
The Big Returns
Washington punt returner Joe Jarzynkas 91-yard return for a touchdown vs. California, when combined with Husky cornerback Toure Butlers 98-yard return of a BYU kickoff on Sept. 19th, gives the Huskies their first season with both a punt and a kickoff return for a TD since Dave Janoski scored on an Arizona State punt and Jerome Pathon brought back a Colorado kickoff for a TD in 1996. This season marks only the 13th time in Washingtons 109-year history in which the Huskies have returned both a punt and kickoff for a touchdown.
Juergens Making Mark as Frosh
Washington true freshman Chris Juergens has his Husky career off to a fast start. The backup H-back is currently tied for second on the team with 25 receptions for 395 yards. His yardage total is the best ever by a Husky freshman and his reception total ranks only behind Paul Skanski (31 in 1979). Juergens had a six-yard TD catch vs. UCLA to set the single-season record for the most TD receptions (five) by a freshman. Here is where Juergens figures on the freshman receptions list and the reception yardage list:
Name Yards
1. Chris Juergens (1998) 395
2. Jason Shelley (1992) 382
3. Paul Skanski (1979) 378
4. Scott Phillips (1973) 369
5. Andre DeSaussure (1995) 277
Name Receptions
1. Paul Skanski (1979) 31
2. Chris Juergens (1998) 25
3. Jason Shelley (1992) 20
4. Scott Phillips (1973) 18
Super Joe
Washington junior Joe Jarzynka is probably the most versatile player in college football. A two-way player? Jarzynka is college football's four-way player. Jarzynka shares time at H-back with Dane Looker and Chris Juergens. As a receiver, Jarzynka has 11 receptions for 92 yards. Jarzynka leads the Huskies in punt returns with 41 and is second in kickoff returns with 16. Jarzynka, who has a reputation of never fair catching a punt, averages 9.1 yards per return and 20.6 yards on kickoff returns. What really sets Jarzynka apart is his newest role of placekicker. Jarzynka made his college kicking debut vs. Utah State and booted 35- and 20-yard field goals in that game. Jarzynka has converted 18 of 20 PATs this season and five of seven field goals, including a 40-yarder at Oregon. A walkon who has been awarded a scholarship, Jarzynka is usually the smallest player on the field at 5-7 and 175 pounds. The Oakland Tribune named Jarzynka the Pac-10's top special teams player in its mid-season report card. Sports Illustrated cited him as one of the top 10 special teams players in the nation. Jarzynka leads the Huskies with 80.5 all-purpose yards per game.
Jarzynka's Big Day
Washington punt returner Joe Jarzynka etched his name in the record books thanks to his efforts vs. California. Jarzynka set UW and Pac-10 records vs. California when he piled up 166 yards on seven punt returns. Current USC athletic director Mike Garrett held the old Pac-10 record with 162 yards on four returns vs. California in 1965. Jarzynka's return total was more than the Huskies' single-game team record of 154 yards set vs. Utah in 1949. Jarzynka's total included a 91-yard return for a touchdown, the third longest return in UW history and the 12th longest in Pac-10 history.
Jarzynka's Returns
Joe Jarzynka is quickly making a name for himself as one of the best special teams players in UW history. Jarzynka has 41 punt returns this year to set a Husky single-season record. Jarzynka has more punt returns than eight of the other nine Pac-10 teams. His 374 return yards is more than six Pac-10 teams and ranks as the fourth best single-season total in UW history. Here's a look at Jarzynka on several special teams' lists:
Single-Season Punt Returns
Single-Season Punt Return Yards
Player No. Yds.
1. Beno Bryant (1990) 36 560
2. Bill Cahill (1971) 26 421
3. Andre Riley (1986) 36 392
4. Joe Jarzynka (1998) 41 374
5. Steve Bramwell (1964) 29 314
Career Punt Return Yards
1. Beno Bryant (1989-93) 106 1019
2. Steve Bramwell (1963-65) 59 704
3. Bill Cahill (1970-72) 49 668
4. Calvin Jones (1970-72) 47 596
5. Joe Jarzynka (1996-98) 53 579
Nesby Glasgow (1975-78) 86 579
Player No.
1. Joe Jarzynka (1998) 41
2. Nesby Glasgow (1978) 38
3. Beno Bryant (1990) 36
Andre Riley (1986) 36
5. William Doctor (1988) 35
(Pac-10 Record: 47 by Mike Battle, USC, 1967)
The Nickname Game
In mid-October Washingtons student newspaper, The Daily, held a nicknamed contest for Washington HB/PK Joe Jarzynka. Jarzynka had been dubbed "Joe the Toe" by some members of the media after he made his Husky kicking debut vs. Utah State. The winning entry, selected from three finalists picked by Jarzynka from the submissions, was "I Got My Mo Joe Working" Jarzynka.
Towns Returns to Form
Washington junior inside linebacker Lester Towns is finally back to playing at close to 100 percent after a rash of injuries limited him during the first half of Washington's season. Towns had major foot surgery last April after he dropped a 45-pound weight plate on his left foot during off-season conditioning. The surgery forced him to miss Spring drills and all two-a-day fall practices. To complicate things, he sprained an ankle during fall practice that limited his play early in the season. He sprained the other ankle in UW's third game of the season at Nebraska. Towns' injuries have allowed him to start only six games this season, but his last five outings have been his most productive. Towns had 12 tackles and one sack vs. California, eight tackles and two sacks vs. Oregon State, seven tackles and one sack at USC, five tackles at Oregon and six tackles vs. UCLA. He led the team in tackles in three of those games.
The Walkon Story
Walkon players have always played an important part in the Husky football program and this year's team is no exception. Several players who walked on at Washington are playing key roles this season. Joe Jarzynka (HB), Dane Looker (FL), Todd Johnson (WLB), Ryan Fleming (P), Jim Skurski (KO), Ryan Miletich (HOLD) and Scott Ask (SNP) are all walkons in starting roles. Backup roverback Hakim Weatherspoon and reserve inside linebacker Ken Walker are other walkons who have seen considerable playing time. Walker started vs. Oregon State.
The Running QB
Washington quarterback Marques Tuiasosopo is second on the team in rushing this year with 325 yards on 41 carries and in rushing TDs with seven. Only current Jacksonville Jaguar quarterback Mark Brunell has rushed for more TDs as a Husky quarterback. Brunell had 10 rushing TDs in 1990 and eight in 1992. Here's where Tuiasosopo ranks on UW's single-season lists for rushing yards by a QB and rushing TDs by a QB:
Name TDs
1. Mark Brunell (1990) 10
2. Mark Brunell (1992) 8
3. Marques Tuiasosopo (1998) 7
4. Dennis Fitzpatrick (1974) 6
5. Billy Joe Hobert (1991) 5
Tom Porras (1978) 5
Name Yds
1. Dennis Fitzpatrick (1974) 697
2. Tom Manke (1967) 483
3. Mark Brunell (1990) 444
4. Kermit Jorgensen (1961) 331
5 Marques Tuiasosopo (1998) 325
T.J. Steps Up
First-year starter Todd Johnson is making the most of his senior season. A former walkon player now on scholarship, Johnson leads the Husky defense with 62 tackles. He is tied for the team lead with eight sacks and 13 tackles for loss. Johnson has already racked up more tackles, sacks and tackles for loss this season than in his two previous years of play. Johnson had 3.5 sacks vs. Utah State, one of the best single-game performances in Husky history.
Offensive Notes
UW quarterback Brock Huard ranks 22nd in the nation in total offense at 235.0 yards per game ... Washington has been outscorded 90-28 in the fourth quarter this season ... the Huskies are averaging 16.5 points in the first half and 9.3 points in the second half of their games this year ... Washington had its first 100-yard rusher in the ninth game of the season when freshmen Willie Hurst (114) and Braxton Cleman (100) both hit the 100-yard mark ... 11 of UW's 36 touchdowns this year have been scored by true freshmen ... Washington's current per-game rushing average of 132.3 yards per game is the lowest since the 1989 team averaged 125.7 yards per game ... Washington's current passing average of 232.7 yards per game is the fourth best average over the past 25 years ... Washington has lost just eight fumbles this season and three came in the Nebraska game ... Washington's opponents have been whistled for 113 penalties this year, an average of 11.3 per game ... Washington has scored at least 50 points in one game for three consecutive seasons ... first-year players have caught 99 of Washington's 201 passes (49 percent) this year ... Washington has started three different players (Maurice Shaw, Willie Hurst and Jason Harris) at tailback ... the Huskies have had 22 different players start on offense this year ... Husky quarterback Marques Tuiasosopo owns the two longest TD runs this year, a 41-yard touchdown run vs. Oregon State and a 39-yarder vs. California ... Washingtons longest TD rush by a running back is a 22-yarder by tailback by Braxton Cleman vs. UCLA ... Tuiasosopo tied a career high with 15 pass completions vs. California ... senior WR Andre DeSaussure has 25 receptions this year after totaling just four over the past two seasons ... UW has won time of possession in six of 10 games ... against ASU, senior tight end Reggie Davis and junior h-back Dane Looker became the first UW receving tandem to reach 100 yards since Mario Bailey (108) and Orlando McKay (105) did it vs. Oregon in 1991 ... Washington's top rushing effort this year was 248 yards vs. UCLA, its second best outing was 175 yards vs. Arizona, the team that leads the Pac-10 in rushing defense this season.
Defensive Notes
Junior inside linebacker Lester Towns, last year's team leader in tackles with 89, has been slowed this year by several injuries. Towns had off-season surgery on his foot after dropping a 45-pound weight plate on it during off-season conditioning. This year he has been slowed by two sprained ankles ... Towns had his best game vs. California with 12 tackles. It marked the first time this year he has played an entire game ... If you take out Nebraska's 434 rushing yards, Washington has held its other nine opponents to an averge of 100.5 rushing yards per game ... even with Nebraska's huge rushing totals, the Huskies rank third in the Pac-10 in rushing defense at 133.9 yards per game ... Washington is second in the Pac-10 with 15 fumbles recovered this season.
Special Teams Notes
Washington has 45 punt returns this season which is the most in the Pac-10 ... the Huskies are first in nation and the Pac-10 in kickoff return average at 25.9 yards per return ... Washington is ninth in the Pac-10 in PAT conversions at .844 (27 of 32) ... Joe Jarzynka's eight punt returns vs. BYU ranks as the most by a Pac-10 player this season ... Jarzynka also has the longest return (91 yards) and most return yards (166) in a game this year ... Toure Butler's 98-yard kickoff return vs. BYU is the third longest in the league this season ... Butler ranks sixth nationally in kickoff returns at 28.45 per runback.
Playing the Freshmen
During Washington's first six seasons during the decade of the '90s, the Huskies had six freshmen see playing time. Since the 1996 season a total of 25 freshmen have played. That includes 10 freshmen last season and eight this year.
Missing the Big Play
Last season Washington presented one of the best big-play threats in college football. The Huskies posted 47 plays on offense that were at least 25 yards long. This season Washington has produced only 21 big plays of at least 25 yards. Only four of those have been rushes and all four were by backup quarterback Marques Tuiasosopo.
Productive Debut
Willie Hurst recorded the best rushing day ever by a true freshman making his first start against Arizona. Hurst carried 29 times for 93 yards and recorded his first touchdown on Washingtons first offensive play of the game. The other true freshmen running backs to start were Greg Martin (vs. Arizona State, 1975); Joe Steele (vs. Stanford, 1976) and Greg Lewis (vs. UCLA, 1987). Steele had the best debut of that trio, rushing for 41 yards on eight carries and one score. Hurst needs 39 rushing yards vs. Washington State to better Steele's single-season rushing record of 421 yards.
Fleming Gives It the Boot
Junior punter Ryan Fleming, a transfer from St. Olaf's (Minn.), has provided Washington with a solid figure on its special teams. Fleming is currenlty averaging 39.3 yards per punt on 63 kicks this season. While that average only ranks seventh in the latest Pac-10 statistics, Fleming has a chance to become the first Husky to average 40-yards per kick since John Werdel did it in 1991. Over the past 15 seasons, UW has had only three punters average better than 40 yards per kick.
The Butler Really Did Do It
Washington's home opener against BYU was a special game for sophomore cornerback Toure Butler. He was starting his first game at home and he wanted to improve upon his performance the previous year against the Cougars when he gave up a pair of long touchdown passes. During the week leading up to the game he said that he was going to dedicate his performance to his older brother, Marcus, who was shot and killed last January during a Martin Luther King Day parade in St. Petersburg, Fla. Butler did not let his brother down. He picked up a fumble by BYU's Ronney Jenkins and returned it 35 yards for a touchdown. Following a BYU field goal, Butler took the Cougar kickoff and raced 98 yards for a touchdown. The return ties as the third longest in Husky history and was the longest by a UW player since the 1979 season.
The Passing Game
With a lack of experience at running back, and veteran quarterback Brock Huard at quarterback, Washington has opted for a pass-oriendted offense this season. Washington unveiled a new offense in its opener vs. Arizona State when Huard set career highs for pass attempts (47), completions (27) and yards (318) in the Huskies' 42-38 win. It marked the most pass attempts and completions by a Husky team since Washington completed 28 of 47 throws for 281 yards vs. Wisconsin in 1992. Against USC, the Huskies crushed those numbers by setting school records with 68 pass attempts and 35 completions. Huard set career highs with 62 attempts and 33 completions. With two games left to play, the Huskies have already attempted more passes this season (386) than last year (308). If Washington attempts 30 passes vs. Washington State it will set a single-season record. The Huskies need to complete 17 passes to set a single-season record in that area. Here's a look at the top passing season by the Huskies:
Year Att. Comp. Yards
1970 *415 213 2721
1998 386 201 2327
1989 377 214 2626
1971 356 152 2606
1991 337 203 2640
1985 336 196 1993
1992 331 185 2125
1983 325 *217 2248
* School record
Looker's Coming Out
Considering his story, Washington junior wide receiver Dane Looker had one of the most impressive college debuts in UW 42-38 win at Arizona State. Coming out of Puyallup High School, he was considered too small (159 pounds) to play receiver at the major college level. He enrolled at Western Washington and played basketball for two seasons. Last year Looker transferred to Washington and redshirted the season as a transfer. He participated in spring drills, but missed the final week and the spring game due to a strained hamstring. Playing his first college game ever, Looker caught 11 passes (including eight in the first half) to tie a 28-year-old UW school record. He totaled 108 receiving yards and pulled in two TD passes, including one on a deflection. As a senior at Puyallup High School, he was quarterback Brock Huard's top receiver.
Looker Hits the Charts
Thanks to a pair of record-setting performances this year, junior H-back Dane Looker has positioned himself to have one of the top pass catching seasons in UW history. Against USC, Looker pulled in 12 catches to set Washington's single-game record. He had tied the old record of 11 receptions in the season opener vs. Arizona State. Looker currently leads UW with 60 catches for 611 yards. His 6.67 receptions per game average ranks third in the Pac-10. He has led the Huskies in receiving in seven of the nine games he has played this year. Here's where he ranks on the single-season records list:
Player No. Yds. TD
1. Jerome Pathon (1997) 69 1245 8
2. Mario Bailey (1991) 62 1037 2
3. Dane Looker (1998) 60 611 4
4. Jim Krieg (1970) 54 738 2
5. Andre Riley (1987) 53 1039 4
The Kick Returns
For the longest time it looked like Washington was never going to return a kickoff for a touchdown. When Anthony Allen ran back a kickoff 99 yards for a score in a 1979 game vs. Pittsburgh, he probably would have never guessed it would be 16 seasons before the next Husky would return a kickoff for a score. In 1996 Jerome Pathon broke the long streak with an 86-yard return vs. Colorado in the Holiday Bowl. Last season Ja'Warren Hooker returned the opening kickoff 89 yards for a TD at Arizona. This year Toure Butler accomplished the feat with a 98-yard return vs. BYU. The 1959-61 seasons marked the last time the Huskies have returned kickoff for scores in three consecutive seasons. Washington has recorded two kickoff returns for scores in the same season only two times -- 1979 and 1970.
Washington Head Coach Jim Lambright
Husky coach Jim Lambright is in his sixth year as the head coach at Washington in 1998. It is Lambrights 30th season on the Husky coaching staff. Lambright owns a 43-24-1 (.640) record at Washington. His Pac-10 record stands at 30-16-1 (.649) and 11-6 against UWs northwest rivals. He won more games (30) in his first four years as head coach at Washington than any of his predecessors. A native of nearby Everett, Wash., Lambright graduated from the UW in 1965 after playing under Jim Owens. He is the fourth alumnus to coach the Husky football program. He joined Owens staff as an assistant coach in 1969. As a player, assistant coach, and head coach, Lambright has been a part of 385 of the 978 games played in UW history - roughly 39 percent of the schools football games. Prior to taking over for Don James in August of 1993, Lambright served on the UW staff as an assistant for 24 years. Lambrights win total (43) ranks him sixth on the list of 22 coaches who have guided the Washington program. With the trip to the Sun Bowl in 1995, Lambright became the sixth UW coach to lead his team to a bowl berth. He is also the sixth UW coach to capture a conference championship.
No Sacks For You
Washington is currently second behind UCLA for the fewest sacks allowed among Pac-10 schools. The Huskies have allowed their quarterbacks to be sacked just 16 times in 10 games while the Bruins have allowed 10 in nine games. No team has managed more than three sacks in a game vs. UW.
The Red Zone
Here's Washington's breakdown in 1998 when it penetrates the opponent's Red Zone (20-yard line):
UW Opp.
Inside the Red Zone 41 43
Scores 28(.683 28 of 41) 32 (.744 32 of 43)
Touchdowns 24(.857 24 of 28) 24 (.750 24 of 32)
Field Goals 4 8
Missed FGs 4 7
Blocked FGs 1 -
Lost Fumbles 3 1
Interceptions - 1
Loss of Downs 3 2
Time Expired 1 -
Punt 1 -
T.V. Favorites
With the announcement that Washington's games vs. Washinton State will be televised, the Huskies will make nine television appearances this year. Over the past three seasons, 28 of UW's 35 games have been televised.
UW On The Internet:
The Washington athletic departments official home page on internet is http://www.gohuskies.com
The site features information on all 23 of Washingtons athletic programs and the athletic department.
Washington State on the Internet: Internet information on Washington State can be found on its official site at www.wsu.edu
Pac-10 On the Internet: Information regarding the Pac-10 Conference is available online at http://www.pac-10.org
The Huard Report
Junior quarterback Brock Huard returned to action Oct. 24 for the Oregon State game after missing the Utah State and California contests due to a partially seperated left shoulder he suffered at the end of the first half vs. Arizona. Huard has passed for 1840 yards in eight games this year to raise his career total to 5,658 yards. He currently figures in second place on the Huskies' all-time passing list. He needs to throw for 35 yards to pass his older brother, Damon, who owns the UW career passing record with 5,692 yards. A two-year returning starter, Huard already owns 19 Husky passing and offensive records. This year he has a new crop of wide receivers and running backs to work with following the graduation losses of UWs top two receivers, top two tight ends, leading rusher and fullback. Heres a look at Huards record book and his career statistics.
Huards Record Book
Single-Game Passing Attempts: 62 vs. USC, 1998
Single-Game Pass Completions: 33 vs. USC, 1998
Career 200-Yard Passing Games: 14
Season Passing Yards per Attempt: 8.77 in 1997
Career Passing Yards per Completion: 15.03
Career Touchdown Passes: 50
Season Touchdown Passes: 23 in 1997
Career Passing Attempts Without an Interception: 151
Career Passing Efficiency Rating: 143.281
Season Passing Efficiency Rating: 156.42 in 1997
Career Touchdown Passes per Game: 1.71
Season Touchdown Passes per Game: 2.30 in 1997
Touchdown Passes by Freshman: 13 in 1996
Touchdown Passes by Sophomore: 23 in 1997
Career Total Offense Yards per Attempt: 7.06
Season Total Offense Yards per Attempt: 7.48 in 1997
Career Points Responsible For per Game: 11.1
Passing Yards by a Freshman: 1,678 in 1996
Career 300-Yard Passing Games: 4
Huard Moves Up Pac-10 List
Husky junior quarterback Brock Huard currently ranks 15th on the Pac-10's career touchdowns list. Here's a look at several of the players in front of him:
6. Cade McNown, UCLA (1995-98) 59
Ryan Leaf, Washington State (1995-97) 59
8. Rob Johnson, USC (1991-94) 58
9. Pat Barnes, California (1993-96) 54
Rodney Peete, USC (1985-88) 54
Jim Plunkett, Stanford (1968-70) 53
Jack Thompson, Washington State (1975-78)53
13. Erik Wilhelm, Oregon State (1985-88) 52
14. Troy Taylor, California (1986-89) 51
15. Tom Ramsey, UCLA (1979-82) 50
Brock Huard, Washington (1996-98) 50
Noting Huard
Huard's Huard has 14 200-yard passing games in his career, setting a UW school record ... Huard set school records for pass attempts (62) and completions (33) vs. USC ... Huard set the school record for career 300-yard passing games when he registered his fourth vs. USC ... Huard's 318-yard passing performance vs. ASU was the 11th best passing day in UW history ... Huard had thrown a touchdown pass in 11 consecutive games before that streak came to an end vs. Arizona when he left the game at the end of the first half with a partially seperated shoulder. He has thrown 32 TD passes in his last 16 games ... Huard has completed .500 or better of his passes in 24 of the 29 games he has started.
Huards Season-by-Season Statistics
Passing
Year G-S Att. Comp. Int. Yds. Pct. TD LG
1996 11-8 217 108 5 1678 .498 13 83
1997 10-10 244 146 10 2140 .598 23 53
1998 8-8 301 160 12 1840 .532 14 66
Totals 29-26 762 414 27 5658 .543 50 83
Huard's Career Highs
Pass Attempts: 62 at USC, 1998
Pass Completions: 33 at USC, 1998
Passing Yards: 318 yards at Arizona State, 1998
Longest Completion: 83 yards to Corey Dillon vs. San Jose State, 1996
Longest TD Completion: 83 yards to Corey Dillon vs. San Jose State, 1996
Touchdowns: 4 vs. Oregon State, 1996; vs. San Diego State; vs Washington State, 1997; at Arizona State, 1998; vs. Oregon State, 1998
Interceptions: 5 vs. Washington State, 1997
1998 Game-by-Game Passing
A C I Yds. Pct. TD LG
Arizona State 47 27 0 318 .575 4 63
BYU 33 16 2 178 .484 1 52
Nebraska 32 18 2 160 .563 1 28
Arizona 16 10 0 131 .625 0 28
Utah State dnp - injured
California dnp - injured
Oregon State 40 20 1 260 .500 4 40
USC 62 33 4 301 .532 1 35
Oregon 37 19 2 289 .514 2 66
UCLA 34 17 1 203 .500 1 53
Huard Sizes Up the Record Book
Husky quarterback Brock Huard is currently ranked third on Washingtons career passing list. Huard has passed for 5,658 yards during his 29-game career and he needs to throw for 35 this season to surpass his older brother, Damon, as UWs career passing leader.
Career Passing PA PC PCT TD YDS
1. Damon Huard (1992-95) 764 458 .599 34 5692
2. Brock Huard (1996-98) 762 414 .543 50 5658
3. Sonny Sixkiller (1970-72) 811 385 .475 35 5496
4. Cary Conklin (1986-89) 747 401 .537 31 4850
5. Steve Pelluer (1980-83) 755 436 .577 30 4603
6. Don Heinrich (1949-52) 610 335 .549 33 4392
7. Chris Chandler (1984-87) 587 326 .546 32 4161
8. Mark Brunell (1989-92) 498 259 .521 23 3423
9. Warren Moon (1975-77) 496 242 .488 19 3277
10. Tom Flick (1976-80) 418 252 .603 24 3171
Huards TD Tosses
Brock Huard entered the 1998 season as the UW record holder for career touchdown passes. With 14 thus far, he has upped his total to 50. Sonny Sixkiller owned the old mark with 35 TD passes. Brocks older brother, Damon, is third on the list with 34 scoring tosses. Huards TDs per game average of 1.7 (50 in 29 games) is well ahead of the next best average of 1.25 held by Sonny Sixkiller (35 in 28 games).
Career TD Passes TD
1. Brock Huard (1996-98) 50
2. Sonny Sixkiller (1970-72) 35
3. Damon Huard (1992-95) 34
4. Don Heinrich (1949-52) 33
5. Chris Chandler (1984-87) 32
Huard on the Passing Lists
Heres where Brock Huard stands on several UW passing lists as the 1998 season winds down:
Passing Attempts Per Game
Name Year Att. Gms. Avg.
1. Brock Huard 1998 301 8 37.6
2. Sonny Sixkiller 1970 362 10 36.2
3. Cary Conklin 1989 365 11 33.2
4. Steve Pelluer 1983 317 11 28.8
5. Cary Conklin 1988 302 11 27.5
Passing Completions Per Game
Name Year Comp. Gms. Avg.
1. Brock Huard 1998 160 8 20.0
2. Steve Pelluer 1983 213 11 19.4
3. Cary Conklin 1989 208 11 18.9
4. Sonny Sixkiller 1970 186 10 18.6
5. Damon Huard 1995 184 11 16.7
Passing Yards Per Game
Name Year Yds. Gms. Avg.
1. Cary Conklin 1989 2569 11 233.5
2. Sonny Sixkiller 1970 2303 10 230.3
3. Brock Huard 1998 1840 8 230.0
4. Damon Huard 1995 2415 11 219.5
5. Brock Huard 1997 2140 10 214.0
6. Billy Joe Hobert 1991 2271 11 206.5
The Passing Game
Washingtons quarterbacking combination of sophomore Brock Huard and freshman Marques Tuiasosopo combined to lead Washington to its most productive passing season in the programs history in 1997. Huard (2,140 yards) and Tuiasosopo (650 yards) combined to pass for 2,790 yards, the best mark in UW history. Huard had six 200+ yard passing games, tying him for the third most in a single season in UW history.
Year Primary QB Passing Yards
1997 Brock Huard 2790
1970 Sonny Sixkiller 2721
1991 Billy Joe Hobert 2640
1989 Cary Conklin 2626
1971 Sonny Sixkiller 2606
Ranked-Wins Streak Grows
Washington's upset of 8th-ranked Arizona State marks the 10th straight year the Huskies have defeated an opponent ranked in the top 20 of the Associated Press poll. In fact, Washington has now defeated a top-20 team in 21 of its last 22 seasons. The only break in the streak came in 1988 when the Huskies played only two games against nationally-ranked foes -- UCLA (No. 2) and USC (No. 3), losing both of those games.
The Ranked Foes
Playing a team ranked in the Associated Press poll during a season opener is nothing new for the Huskies. Arizona State was the fifth nationally-ranked team in the past six years that Washington has faced in a season opener. The Huskies are 3-2 in those games. UCLA was the 19th opponent, in Washingtons last 40 games, that was nationally ranked in the AP poll. Since 1990 the Huskies have faced 41 ranked teams and posted a 21-19-1 record in those games.
Davis on the Move
A fifth-year senior in the Washington program, Reggie Davis can say he knows more about the teams offensive and defensive schemes than just about anyone. Last spring Davis was moved to tight end, the sixth position he has played for the Huskies. As a freshman, he practiced as a safety. As a redshirt freshman he was an outside linebacker and went on to be tried as an inside linebacker, defensive end and h-back over the past three seasons.
Weighing In at Tight End
At 230 pounds, senior tight end Reggie Davis is the lightest player to start at that position for Washington during the decade of the 90s. Cameron Cleeland, the starter in 1996 & 1997, tipped the scales at 275 pounds, while his backup, Jeremy Brigham, weighed 260. Ernie Conwell (1996) weighted 240, Mark Bruener (1992, 93, 94) weighted 245 and Aaron Pierce (1990, 91) played at 240 pounds.
Youth Movement
Washington has discovered a way to reverse the aging process. It seems like every week the Huskies' two-deep keeps getting younger and younger. Washington's lineup forWashington State is populated by underclassmen. A total of 22 of the 44 players listed on the two deep are underclassmen. This week's depth chart includes 13 players who never played for Washington prior to this season. Washingtons 105-man early reporting roster included 35 players who were freshmen or redshirt freshmen and 61 players who had never played in a Husky game.
Academic Standouts
Four Husky players have been named to this year's District VIII Academic All-American team. Junior quarterback Brock Huard, senior offensive tackle Aaron Dalan, senior offensive guard Tony Coats and senior roverback Nigel Burton were all named to the team. Huard, Dalan and Burton were repeat selections from last year. Huard is majoring in psychology with a 3.55 GPA, Dalan majors in biology with a 3.66 GPA and Burton majors in business. with a 3.33 GPA. Burton has served on the NCAAs national student-athlete advisory council. Dalan has been nominated for a National Football Foundation postgraduate scholarship. Backup roverback Hakim Weatherspoon is a candidate for a Rhodes Scholarship.
Hooker On Track
Heres a brief look at sophomore wide receiver JaWarren Hookers track accomplishments last year at Washington: Named the Pac-10s male track athlete of the year ... won the 55-meter title at the 1998 NCAA Indoor Championships in a time of 6.13 seconds ... UWs first track national champion since 1988 ... won the Pac-10 titles in both the 100 and 200 meters ... first UW athlete to be a double-event winner at Pac-10 Championships ... won 21 consecutive sprint races before finishing third at 1998 NCAA Outdoor Championships ... set the school record in the 100 meters with a time of 10.18 to break a 23-year-old University mark.
Coaching Moves
Washington has one new member to its coaching staff in 1998. Former quarterback Cary Conklin takes over as the wide receivers coachin in his first year as an assistant coach. Offensive coordinator Scott Linehan, who coached the wide receivers last season, will coach the quarterbacks. Gone from the staff is Bill Diedrick, who coached the quarterbacks. Diedrick accepted the offensive coordinator position at Stanford following the 1997 season.
More on Conklin
Former Washington standout quarterback Cary Conklin was named the Huskies wide receivers coach head on March 13. Conklin was Washingtons starting quarterback in 1988 and 1989 and finished his career with 4,850 passing yards including 31 touchdowns. He still holds five of Washingtons single-season passing records he set in 1989 including: total offense (2502); total offense per game (227.5); single-season passing yards (2569); passing yards per game (233.5) and passing attempts (365). When Conklin completed his playing career he ranked third on UWs career list for total offense and was second in passing yardage. Conklin was the most valuable player at the 1989 Freedom Bowl and the offensive player of the game in the 1990 Hula Bowl. Conklin was a member of the Washington Redskins from 1990 to 1994, including the 1991 team that won the Super Bowl. In 1995 he played for the San Francisco 49ers in his final NFL season.
The Numbers
The Huskies lost 28 lettermen (15 offense, 12 defense, 1 kicker), including six starters on offense and defense from last years squad. That group includes seven first-team all-Pac-10 selections and a second-team player. Ten players were drafted by NFL squads and two others signed free agent contracts. The 11 starting seniors combined to start 264 games during their careers. The list of departed players includes four All-Americans. Offensive linemen Olin Kreutz (center) and Benji Olson (guard) were both first-team picks by the Associated Press. The other All-Americans were strongside linebacker Jason Chorak and flanker Jerome Pathon. Washington has 39 returning lettermen from its 1997 team. That list includes five starters on offense and defense plus both kickers.
Missing Stanford
For the second straight year Washington will not play Stanford as part of its the Pac-10 schedule.
The Captains
Two seniors and two juniors will serve as the captains for the 1998 Washington football team. Roverback Nigel Burton and tight end Reggie Davis are the two senior captains. Quarterback Brock Huard and inside linebacker Lester Towns are the juniors.
Last Year
After shaking off a 27-14 loss to eventual national champion Nebraska in the third week of the season, the Huskies found themselves 7-1 after shutting out USC 27-0 on Nov. 1. It was at that point that injuries caught up to the Huskies and Washington dropped its final three regular-season games. All-Pac-10 tailback Rashaan Shehee suffered a knee injury vs. the Trojans and did not return to action until the Aloha Bowl. Sophomore quarterback Brock Huard had a sprained ankle reinjured vs. USC and missed Washingtons 31-28 loss to Oregon. During the course of the season the Huskies had 10 starters or key reserves miss 32 games during the year due to injuries. Washington was back to full strength for the Jeep Aloha Bowl and routed Michigan State 51-23 to finish the season with an 8-4 record. Washington finished the year ranked 18th in both the AP and Coaches Polls.
The 100-Yard Factor
Since the 1947 season, Washington is 140-32-3 (.809) when a Husky player rushes for 100 yards in a game. Washington's only 100-yard backs this season came against UCLA when both Willie Hurst (114) and Braxton Cleman (100) hit the mark. Both players are true freshmen.
Playing at Home
Washington has won 46 of its last 56 (.830) games at Husky Stadium with one tie (46-9-1). Since 1980, the Huskies stand 94-21-2 (.812) at home and are 64-14-2 (.813) since 1986. Washington is 27-8-1 (.764) in Husky Stadium under Jim Lambright. Washington piled up a perfect 6-0 record at home during the 1996 season. That marked the Huskies 11th perfect season in Husky Stadium. It was also the fourth perfect home slate in the 1990s, having won every game in 1991, 1992 and 1994.
The Shutout Streak
Washingtons 36-24 loss vs. UCLA marked the 202nd consecutive game in which Washington has not been shutout. Thats the best streak among Pac-10 schools. BYU has the nations longest streak at 297 games (NCAA record), while Texas is second with 211 games. The last opponent to hold the Huskies scoreless was UCLA (31-0) on Nov. 7, 1981. Washington has played 130 Pac-10 games since then without a shutout - the second best current streak among Pac-10 schools.
Team All Games Pac-10 Games
Washington 202 135
Washington State 164 179
Oregon 156 117
Arizona 88 60
UCLA 51 38
California 49 35
Arizona State 39 28
Stanford 29 67
USC 14 10
Oregon State 11 9
The Husky-Tiger
When the University of Pacific dropped its football program following the 1995 season, Washington was an unexpected benefactor. Nigel Burton transferred to UW after leading the Tigers in tackles (85) as a true freshman. A roverback, Burton started the last 10 games in 1996 for the Huskies and finished fourth on the defense with 55 tackles. Burton recorded the first interception of his UW career against Arizona State in 1997. Burton is pursuing a business degree at Washington and was named a District VIII Academic All-American in 1996 and 1997
Huskies in the NFL
Washington had 33 of its former players listed on NFL rosters for the start of the regular season. That list includes eight Huskies who were drafted from last year's squad. A total of 10 Washington players were drafted last year to lead all colleges. Two others signed free agent contracts. Washington had five quarterbacks (Mark Brunnell - Jacksonville; Chris Chandler - Atlanta; Billy Joe Hobert - New Orleans; Damon Huard - Miami and Warren Moon - Seattle) listed on NFL teams. All but Huard entered the season as a starter.
DJ in the Hall
Former Washington head football coach Don James will be inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame on Aug. 14 in South Bend, Ind. In his 18 seasons at Washington, James guided the Huskies to a 153-57-2 record, making him the winningest coach in the schools history. He took his teams to 15 bowl games (10-5) and the teams 1992 Rose Bowl win vs. Michigan clinched a share of the 1991 National Championship.
The Campaign
The Washington athletic department is currently in the middle of a $70-million fundraising effort known as the Campaign for the Student Athlete. Funds raised by the Campaign are allowing Washington to undertake a massive facilities upgrade in several areas:
In March of 1999 Hec Edmundson Pavilion will undergo a $36 million, 18-month renovation and will reopen for the 2000-2001 basketball season. Once open, the arena will be expanded to 10,000 seats, a new Hall of Fame and "Founders" Room will be established. New lockerrooms will be built for many sports, including football and mens and womens basketball. The equipment and training areas will be greatly expanded and a permanent basketball practice area will be established.
In March of 1999, groundbreaking is scheduled for a new multi-purpose indoor practice facility. The building will include a full football practice field and a four-lane running track.
Last fall a new soccer field was constructed on-campus and became the home for Washingtons highly-successful mens and womens soccer programs. In addition to the competition field, a new practice field was also finished. A stadium, with 3,500 seats, will be constructed as part of the Campaign.
Last spring the Husky baseball team opened its new field at Husky Ballpark. Complete with an artificial infield and a grass outfield, the Huskies hosted the Pac-10 championships and defeated No. 1 ranked Stanford for the Pac-10 Championship. A stadium, with 3,500 seats, will be constructed as part of the Campaign.
The Conibear Shellhouse, home of Washingtons much-decorated crew program, will be renovated as part of the Campaign.
77 Scott Ask
C ... 6-3 ... 270
Freshman
Olympia, WA (Olympia)
High School and Personal: Born July 7, 1979 ... parents are Joann and Dervin ... is the youngest of five children ... has two sisters, Shelia (36) and Sue (34) and two brothers, Steve (31) and Shawn (28) ... led Olympia High to a 10-2 record and a state tournament appearance in 1997 while amassing 64 tackles at defensive end ... a four-year starter at Olympia ... named to the 1997 All-State first team as an offensive tackle his senior year ... also named All-Area three times, and All-Black Hills League three times ... high school teammate of fellow Husky recruit Chris Juergens ... high school coach was Bill Beattie ... also a two-year starter as a center on the Olympia basketball team ... helped lead team to the state championship game in 1998 before losing to Rainier Beach ... interested in majoring in engineering.