Huskies focused on halting three-game skid

SEATTLE — The question was relevant and simple.

Steve Sarkisian’s response was short and telling.

Asked in general terms about California’s defense — which the University of Washington football team will combat tonight at Husky Stadium — the coach quickly made clear he didn’t want to discuss his opponent.

“It’s not about Cal,” Sarkisian said after Thursday’s practice. “This is all about us.”

Point taken. But when the Huskies (4-3, 1-3 Pacific-12 Conference) try to snap their three-game losing streak against the woeful Bears (1-6, 0-4), it will be at least partially about California, whose defense is ranked as one of the nation’s worst.

It’s why many expect the Huskies to win easily, despite suffering blowouts against Oregon and Arizona State in their past two games. Las Vegas oddsmakers peg UW as a 23-point favorite.

The 8 p.m. kickoff time will be the latest start for the Huskies this season. But attendance may be bolstered by the remembrances

planned before the game and at halftime for longtime coach Don James, who died Sunday.

Washington and Cal players will both wear “DJ” decals on their helmets, and UW’s coaching staff will wear a patch on their shirts.

“I think it’ll be a really good atmosphere Saturday night here in Husky Stadium,” Sarkisian said. “I think our fans will be fired up. I know our guys will be charged up. I think we’ll come out with a chip on our shoulder and ready to play good football.”

That likely will mean returning the Huskies’ offense to its run-first roots. Put another way: Bishop Sankey, who needs just 78 yards to surpass the 1,000-yard mark, should have more carries than the 13 he had in last week’s 53-24 loss at ASU.

“You guys know me enough by now (to know) that I love running the ball,” Sarkisian said. “I love giving the ball to Bishop. To go and stand in front of you guys and look at the stat sheet, and he has 13 carries in a critical ballgame in a season, that’s not enough.”

Cal’s defense, plagued by injuries and inexperience, seems susceptible to allowing Sankey a big game. The Bears rank 121st in total defense, allowing 525.4 yards per game. They rank 123rd (dead last) in passing yards allowed per game, 122nd in scoring defense (44.4 points a game) and are tied for 120th in turnover margin (minus-1.6).

“We’re capable of” bouncing back from the losing skid, fifth-year senior quarterback Keith Price said, “We have a good team, a very talented team.”

There had been some question as to wether Price would start, but Sarkisian said during a Friday radio interview that Price will.

Cal coach Sonny Dykes wasn’t sure this week who would start at quarterback for his team, but announced Friday that he’s sticking with true freshman Jared Goff. The Bears do have some decent weapons in the passing game, like receivers Bryce Treggs and Chris Harper. Cal ranks seventh nationally in passing yards per game with 359.9, though their pass efficiency ranks just 80th.

Asked whether this week of practice served as a wakeup call, Sarkisian said: “You get a feeling sometimes one way or the other, then the game comes, sometimes it validates that feeling and sometimes it contradicts that feeling. I’d like to think so, but again I’ll answer that question better Saturday at about midnight, if it was a wakeup call or not.”

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Sports

Dennis Williams, head coach and GM of the Everett Silvertips, shakes hands with an assistant coach at the end of a season opening victory over the Vancouver Giants on Saturday, Sep. 24, 2022, at Angel of the Winds Arena in Everett, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
Coach, GM Williams leaving Silvertips for Bowling Green State

After seven successful season leading Everett, Dennis Williams is heading back to his alma mater. He’ll stay with the Tips through the WHL playoffs.

Everett’s Alana Washington poses for a photo at Everett High School on March 24, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
The Herald’s 2023-24 Girls Basketball Player of the Year: Alana Washington

The Everett senior upped her game in the postseason to help the Seagulls overcome injuries and claim their first state trophy in 41 years.

Left to right, Arlington’s Samara Morrow, Kamiak’s Bella Hasan, Everett’s Alana Washington, Lake Steven’s Nisa Ellis, Lynnwood’s Aniya Hooker, and Meadowdale’s Gia Powell, pose for a photo at Everett High School on March 24, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
The Herald’s 2023-24 All-Area girls basketball teams

A look at the top prep girls basketball players in the area from the 2023-24 season.

Silvertips players celebrate during a game between the Everett Silvertips and Tri-City Americans at the Angel of the Winds Arena on Sunday, Jan. 21, 2024. The Silvertips won, 5-3. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
Silvertips land No. 1 pick, chance to draft generational talent

Landon DuPont is the consensus top pick in next WHL prospects draft. Everett chief operating officer Zoran Rajcic said the team intends to select him.

Mountlake Terrace’s Jaxon Dubiel talks with head coach Nalin Sood during the 3A boys state basketball game against Todd Beamer on Wednesday, Feb. 28, 2024 in Tacoma, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
‘It was just time’: Mountlake Terrace basketball coach Sood steps down

Nalin Sood guided his alma mater to 381 wins and 15 state berths in 24 seasons as head coach. He spent over four decades with the program.

Stanwood High School student athletes during their signing day ceremony. (Courtesy of Stanwood High School)
Local class of 2024 athletes who have signed to play in college

A running list of 2024 high school athletes who are set to compete at the next level.

X
Prep roundup for Tuesday, March 26

Prep roundup for Tuesday, March 26: (Note for coaches/scorekeepers: To report results… Continue reading

Silvertips’ Kaden Hammell (47) enters the rink during a game between the Everett Silvertips and the Tri-City Americans at the Angel of the Winds Arena on Sunday, March 24, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
Patterson: Overachieving Silvertips had season worth celebrating

In a season when some thought the team’s playoff streak could end, Everett put together one of its greatest campaigns.

Washington State athletic director Pat Chun, center, watches players on the first day of NCAA college football practice, Friday, Aug. 6, 2021, in Pullman, Wash. (AP Photo/Ted S. Warren)
Washington hires AD Chun away from rival Washington State

UW quickly targeted its in-state rival’s athletic director after Troy Dannen’s sudden departure.

Seattle Mariners' Mitch Haniger hits a single against the San Diego Padres during the fourth inning of a spring training baseball game Monday, March 11, 2024, in Peoria, Ariz. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)
Why the Mariners could win the AL West, and what could hold them back

Starting pitching, a renovated offense and regression in the AL West are in Seattle’s favor, but injury issues, bullpen concerns and the Houston Astros could be a problem.

X
Vote for The Herald’s Prep Athlete of the Week for March 18-24

The Athlete of the Week nominees for March 18-24. Voting closes at… Continue reading

X
Prep roundup for Wednesday, March 27

Prep roundup for Wednesday, March 27: (Note for coaches/scorekeepers: To report results… Continue reading

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.