Observations from the Stanford-Washington Game

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I was going into this game hoping with all my heart the Huskies would be 1-3. Then Jake Locker went down, and our defense showed signs of being as ineffective as last year, if not worse.

What is wrong on defense?

It seems there is not enough strength on the field. Defenders just could not seem to pull people down or stop them.

There was some penetration into Stanford's backfield, and there were a couple of tackles for loss, but where were the sacks?

Ed Donatell has a good track record in the NFL, so what is the problem? Are the offensive schemes just too plentiful for him to keep track of, or are the athletes just not there?

I'm not an expert by any stretch of the imagination, but it looks like every pass defense is based on not giving up the deep ball. However, there just are acres of space underneath that opposing quarterbacks have taken full advantage of.

The key is getting pressure up the middle in the form of stuffing the run or putting pressure on the quarterback. Otherwise, it is going to be a long remainder to the season.

Ronnie Fouch is a good option with the loss of Jake Locker.

His statistics don't indicate amazing production from a quarterback, only completing 48 percent of his passes, but I think he did an amazing job stepping right in and taking control.

He completed several key 20-plus yard passes and kept the drives alive. It seemed to me that while he missed some passes, he made the right throws at the right times.

The biggest statistic, however, zero interceptions. That's impressive as a back up coming in trying to come from behind.

Washington will be ok with Fouch.

The running game flashes both inspiration and frustration.

David Freeman averaged 9.1 rushes per carry, Jordan Polk added some valuable rushes, Brandon Johnson added two scores.

Yet in the fourth quarter, the running backs couldn't punch in from the 1-yard line, and Fouch had to jump over the pile to get it.

Just as worryingly, there is no settled running back in the system. David Freeman is the best choice, but he was only given seven carries for the whole game.

Also, the fullbacks need to be given a chance. Paul Homer and Luke Kravitz are great choices in short-yardage situations.

The tight ends are just a step above from last season.

Kavario Middleton made a splash in the first two games, making valuable catches to keep drives alive. And now that Michael Gottlieb is healthy he is showing he can be a valuable addition as well.

What springs to mind is an athletic diving catch early in the game for around 15 yards. He ended the game with the second-most receiving yardage at 65.

Credit new tight ends coach Brian White for increasing their production from last season.

Well, that's what I could see from the stands at the game. Next week is away at Arizona, and the Huskies will still be searching for that first win.

GO DAWGS!!!!