UW and The Biggest Turnarounds in NCAA History

If before the season started, I asked a casual, out-of-state observer how many games the Huskies would win this year, what would you set the over/under of their answer at?  After the gusty (if not victorious) performance the Dawgs put on just over week ago, I am here to break down (with only a slightly biased spin), game by game, the contests remaining on the schedule for UW.

Week 2: UW Huskies hosting Idaho Vandals.

With a seasoned and powerful running game, the Vandals should finish in the middle of the WAC.  However, they may not be able to penetrate the Dawgs D-line until after the half when Sark reaches for the third teamers.  UW wins 44-10.

Week 3: UW Huskies hosting USC Trojans.

With a far more seasoned and powerful running game, the Trojans should be able to move the ball at ease.  UW's run stopping looks much improved this year, and with a less than mobile QB at the helm of the Trojans attack, the game should be closer than it looks on paper.  If the So. Cal. Defense doesn't show up after a big win over thee Ohio State, it could be a big upset.  USC wins a scare 34-30.

Week 4: UW Huskies traveling to Stanford.

Stanford looked less than impressive against the hapless WSU Cougars in Week 1.  They can run the ball, but as the 4th best rushing offense the Dawgs will face this season I am confident they can stuff Gerhart and pull off the win.  UW wins 28-20.

Week 5: UW Huskies traveling to Notre Dame.

A full judgment can't be made on the Irish until Week 2 when they take on a real team in Michigan.  They have the talent but they don't have the coach.  It's a toss up but I'll say Notre Dame wins (in the 3rd OT) 52-49.

Week 6: UW Huskies hosting Arizona Wildcats.

Arizona could surprise this year, but with an untested QB with big shoes to fill, and a middle of the pack O-Line, I see this as the Dawgs game to lose.  UW wins 35-17.

Week 7: UW Huskies traveling to Arizona Sate Sun Devils.

ASU sports a big time defense led by Super Frosh Vontaze Burfict.  It will be interesting to see if it can stifle a surprising UW offense hitting its mid-season stride.  It'll be very close but I'll go out on a limb, ASU wins 21-17.

Week 8: UW hosting Oregon Ducks.

Oregon looked hapless before "the punch", and I see their season taking a similar route.  The UW Offense should lay up some points, and the now grizzled D-line should shut up the UO backfield.  UW wins 45-35.

Week 9: Bye

Week 10: UW Huskies traveling to UCLA Bruins.

UCLA is like ASU; they sport a big-time defense, but just can't seem to get over the hump to a rolling offense.  I see the Huskies exploiting this weakness enroot to a victory.  UW wins 28-14.

Week 11: UW Huskies traveling to Oregon State Beavers.

The Beavers should be a solid team this year, and with James and Jaquizz Rogers heading up a potent well rounded offense, it could be a rough day for the Dawgs.  UW loses a heartbreaker 28-24.

Week 12: Bye

Week 13: UW Huskies hosting Washington State Cougars.

I keep trying to find some sort of kind words to describe the Cougars.  I can't so UW wins 55-20.

Week 14: UW Huskies hosting California Golden Bears.

Javid Best led Cal is among the elite teams in the nation this year, and could very well be the best rushing offense the Dawgs face all year.  UW will not be able to stop the 2009 Heisman Trophy winning tailback as the Dawgs suffer their most crushing defeat of the season.  Cal wins 44-24.

For those of you scoring at home, I have the Huskies at 6-6.  If it all plays out according to my clairvoyant plan, UW should be playing in Las Vegas Bowl come December.  If the Huskies were to win the aforementioned game and finish the season at 7-6 it would cap one of the most incredible recovery stories in sports over the past 50 years.

That casual observer told me one game.  One game in a two BCS team conference, with a top 10 (in strength) out of conference schedule, was a very realistic prognosticion.  I obviously see it differently.  Can it happen, yes.  Will it happen, maybe.  Certainly it will be monumental.