Huskies Looking for R-E-S-P-E-C-T

Anyone in Tiger Land that caught the media luncheon for the University of Washington knows that the Huskies have a new coach at the reigns with Coach Steve Sarkisian.

Coach Sarkisian; although being one of the youngest NCAA Div. I football coaches, brings a lot of knowledge and charisma to a storied program gone amok.

It’s hard to argue against how an excellent coach can turn around a program…or bring it to the next level…just ask an Alabama, Florida, or Ole Miss fan.

Listening to Coach Sarkisian, you can tell he’s a players coach…and brings an enthusiasm to Washington that’s infectious.

You can feel it’s more than just a hope…but knowledge of definite change and a new era in Husky Football based on what he is instilling in his players.

The new mantra is regardless of who and where they play…they will play with an effort and excitement that has been lost in recent years.

They will play with an unwavering determination that regardless of the score or the adversity, they will play with a constant, high level effort…and regardless of seniority, the best players will play.

Nicknamed “Sark," Coach Sarkisian while coaching under USC head coach Pete Carroll was the offensive coordinator for two years and was 22-3.

Coach “Sark” also coached two Heisman Trophy winners—Carson Palmer in 2002 and Matt Leinart in 2004. He has also mentored additional NFL-draft picks John David Booty and Mark Sanchez.

The bottom line with Washington’s new coach is that he’s a winner…and winners always find ways to win.

That can be bad news for the rest of the PAC-10...and for the LSU Tigers if they go to Seattle with a lackluster effort and lackadaisical mindset.

In addressing the Baton Rouge media with questions as to how he feels in playing a perennial top ten national football power in LSU, Coach Sarkisian was quick to answer in typical "coach speak," but you could tell he was almost happy for such questions.

You could see behind the body language and eyes that he really is looking forward to his team playing the Tigers.

All I know is that LSU better bring their hard hats and a lunch…because if the new and improved Washington Huskies have anything to say about it, the team wearing purple and gold leaving with a win…will be them.

Washington is playing to earn respect. Don’t be surprised if the game remains close the first half. LSU’s size and experience should start to take over by the end of the third quarter and should win.

One thing for sure is that regardless of the score, Coach Sarkisian is looking to bring Washington back to new heights.