"The Boys In The Boat" Resonates At U-Dub

((HT: KING5-TV))

Full disclosure

The HQ has the Daniel James Brown book to the right of the computer monitor at our desk at work.

It tells the story of nine guys of various backgrounds- farmer, logger, ship builder, etc.- that got together at the University of Washington and ended up winning gold in Berlin in 1936.

It's a cool story that almost never got told...

Here's Eric Wilkinson

The HQ also recommends picking it up and visiting the U-Dub campus if you have the chance.

DEVELOPING: Petersen Reportedly To U-Dub

((HT: KTVB-TV))

After years of turning down better gigs at the top of his momentum curve, Boise State University head coach Chris Petersen looks to be heading to the University of Washington...

Petersen had been linked to bigger schools in, mainly, western US programs. But it had been believed that Petersen has turned down jobs in the past because of the notion that the treatment of his special needs child kept him in Boise- a place where the treatment could be continuous.

From Joe Schad at ESPN through his Twitter:

Chris Petersen is ready for a new challenge and views the professional and family timing and UW destination as the perfect next step

Here's the reports out of Boise...

Petersen is expected to be one of the highest paid coaches in the Pac-12 Conference when he signs...

Former U of Washington Coaching Legend Don James Passes Away

((ht: seattletimes.com))

He was arguably the guy that made University of Washington football great back in the 70's, 80's and early 90's. And he won at least a share of a national title in 1991.

He is Don James and he passed away Sunday at the age of 80 after a long battle with Pancreatic Cancer.

James coached the Huskies from 1978 until he retired in 1992. In that stretch of time, he won 157 games losing only 53.

He was inducted to the College Football Hall of Fame in 1997. No word yet on Washington's plans to honor James next week.

Here's the early reports form KOMO News...

Stanford's David Shaw vs. Washington's Steve Sarkasian: Who ya got?

Sounds like a little chirping going on from the suddenly powerful Pac 12 football conference.

On the heels of Stanford holding off Washington, 31-28 this past Saturday, a war-of-words has broken out between Stanford head coach David Shaw and Washington coach Steve Sarkasian.

It started after the game when Sarkasian accused Stanford of faking injuries to slow down the Husky offense. He told local radio station KJR; "Their defensive line coach was telling them to sit down" "I guess that's how we play here at Stanford, so we'll have to prepare for that next time. At some point, we'll get repaid for it. That never serves a purpose for us, and we'll never do that"

Ironically, Washington had an assistant suspended in 2010, for doing just that. Tosh Lupoi, then an assistant at Washington sat for a game after having players fake injuries.

Shaw fired back Tuesday on his teleconference saying "We don't fake injuries and never will. I don't teach it, don't condone it, don't allow it. I don't care what Steve Sarkasian thinks he saw. We don't do it. We didn't do it vs. Oregon, so why would we do it against UW? We are one of the most respected programs in the country and I won't put that on the line just to beat Washington."

Oooohhh....slap...

Of course Stanford is not beyond reproach either. The Cardinal, according to many, did exactly what they are being accused of in 2010, when Shaw was the offensive coordinator, against Oregon.

GT's Cheat Sheet... Volume One... The Silly Season...

Every once in a while, FOSG Gil Tyree will be dropping his knowledge on all of us as to the events of the day...

First stop...

College hoops...

The Trigger has been pulled on coaching merry go round.

UCLA's firing of Ben Howland leaves Athletic Director Dan Guerrero in a quandary. Does he go for a big name like you did in football by hiring JL Mora? That move seems to have restored some dignity to the football program.

But the Basketball program is a different animal. Do you go big name and try to hire Butler's Brad Stevens (Hard to imagine him leaving Indianapolis because the Bulldogs will become part of the New BIG East and Stevens top assistant Matthew Graves just bolted to replace Ronnie Arrow at South Alabama.

The micro-managing alumni who yearn for the days of the legendary John Wooden want spice and sizzle, aka Shaka Smart.

I would urge Guerrero to talk to Alabama's Mal Moore and see what he did when reached out and hired Nick Saban to run Crimson Tide Nation. Saban's multiple national championships have quieted the Bear Bryant obsessed culture. What Bama is to football, basketball programs like UCLA, Kentucky, North Carolina, Duke, Syracuse, Indiana, and Louisville live in that same world.

Bama seemed to eventually have gotten that hire right. Learning their playbook is key for Guerrero. How about Michigan State Tom Izzo? There is history of Big 10 coaches moving west, Lute Olson left Iowa to go to Arizona, and Bill Frieder left Michigan right at the tournament in 1989 to go to Arizona State. The then Sun Devil AD Charles Harris was admonished by the then Wolverines AD Bo Schembechler, who said he wanted a Michigan man to coach the basketball. Steve Fisher now at San Diego State led a team with stars like Rumeal Robinson, Loy Vaught, and Terry Mills to a National Championship. Could we see another Big 10 coach head West...?

Just sayin'...

You will also hear names like NC State's Mark Gottfried, and Washington's Lorenzo Romar (both served as assistants on UCLA's last National Championship team coached by Jim Harrick).

My darkhorse would be John Groce of Illinois (an up and comer) or somebody currently in the NBA who has had the great success in college. The Brooklyn Nets current interim head coach PJ Carlissimo could be that guy.

As far as March Madness is concerned...

Ratings are 23% higher on CBS/Turner/TBS/TruTV. The Nation right now is IN LOVE with Florida Gulf Coast University, coached by Andy Enfield (even as we speak FGCU hierarchy are trying to increase his base salary package of 157-thousand dollars.

Enfield is self-made millionaire but still to keep him you are going to have to take care of him. He is hot coaching commodity right now along with LaSalle's John Giannini and Wichita State Gregg Marshall, both their teams will meet in the West Regional in Los Angeles.

I met Andy, his former super model wife Amanda (Marcum) with their 3 kids at breakfast while I working for Georgia Public Broadcasting's coverage of GHSA basketball championships. They were staying at the same hotel as we were. They are an AWESOME story. They are REAL people, who exude everything that is right in our society. I wish them, their staff, and players the very best now they are in the Sweet 16. They became the 1st 15 seed to make the Sweet 16. How ironic as that as the NCAA celebrates its 75th anniversary of the Final 4?

Isn't ironic that both UCLA and USC are looking for head coaches at the same time. In the Land of Troy you hear names like Tim Floyd (former Trojans coach now at UTEP, and Gonzaga's Mark Few who is linked to the UCLA opening. I will give you a darkhorse what about George Mason's Paul Hewitt, who before he was at Sienna, Georgia Tech, and Villanova was a one-time assistant for George Raveling at Southern Cal.

Raveling was Hewitt's mentor and is still held in high regard at SC. Good Luck Pat Haden (USC AD). Hewitt will also be linked to a possible opening at Villanova should Jay Wright go to Minnesota now that Tubby Smith is out. The target of Minn AD is Shaka Smart, both worked together at VCU. I would also tell folk Alabama's Anthony Grant could also be in play in the Twin Cities. And then there is Buzz Williams at Marquette. What will his coaching future look like after the Golden Eagles are ousted from the Sweet 16 or Elite 8?

Lots of coaching dominoes will be falling and should be straight by the time the Final 4 rolls to Atlanta or shortly thereafter.

You can add names like Seth Greenberg and Flip Saunders to the coaching dominoes. Both are trying to stay relevant by doing television. They both have the itch to get back into coaching. I think to New Mexico's Steve Alford and Arizona State's Herb Sendek may look to exit their programs as well seeing what has happened to Tubby Smith and Ben Howland. You have some disgruntled and impatient alumni out there these days. It is what have you done for me lately mentality and show me deep tournament runs and National titles.

ICYMI: Washington St. salvages pride beats Washington

It wasn't a lot, but for the Washington State Cougars a win over your arch rival is enough.

Granted, the 31-28 overtime win against arch rival Washington only helped Washington State finish the year at 3-9. And for a rivalry game, it probably didn't do much to help the now previously 25th ranked Huskies. Washington still will go to a bowl, but they finish the regular season 7-5.

The win came in the first overtime on an Andrew Furney 27-yd field goal. But the game story is more about how the Cougars scored 18-straight points to tie the game and 21 when you add the field goal.

It was a rough season for Washington State who dealt with players accusing coach Mike Leach of harassment and a string of 8 straight losses previous to the game on Friday.

Your highlights from the folks at KING-TV:

Washington Upsets Oregon State, Sean Mannion Pulled Late In Game

Sorry Oregon State but you just don't waltz into CenturyLink Field (was Husky Stadium) in Seattle with an unbeaten record and expect to stay that way.  Just ask Stanford who were beaten down in Seattle a month ago.

Especially against a desperate Washington Husky team that had lost three in a row coming in.

And when the Huskies broke out the black jerseys the “black magic” voodoo would get the best of the Beavers.

Husky quarterback Keith Price was efficient going 18-30 passing for 194 yards.  Bishop Sankey rushed for 92 yards and scored both of U-Dubs two touchdowns as the Huskies were a perfect 3 of 3 in the red zone as the Dawgs upset the Beavers 20-17.

The guys who called the game for the PAC-12 Network, Ted Robinson and Glenn Parker, say it was the Husky defense that shined in this one. (Thanks PAC-12 Network)

“It was a tremendous amount of adversity that they were faced with in the game and they continued to show the mental and physical toughness that teams need to possess to beat a top 10-ranked team opponent.” Washington head coach Steve Sarkisian said. “I was proud of the character ours guys possessed, their ability to persevere when the game could’ve really started swaying in Oregon State’s favor when they notched it up 10-10 but our defense continually came up with stops.”

Here’s more post game sound right after the game. (Thanks KING-TV Seattle)

Oregon State quarterback Sean Mannion looked rusty following a three game lay off due to a knee injury throwing three interceptions.  Cody Yaz come in late in the game and led the Beavers to the tying touchdown.

“It was one of those things where I thought that it would just be good for our team.” Oregon State head coach Mike Riley said. “Cody made some good plays, almost made a couple there at the end.”

“Would I have liked to play? Obviously, but at the same time I know it’s about the team and not me. I’m behind Cody 110%.” Oregon State quarterback Sean Mannion said.

Oregon State has only one tough road game left, in two weeks at Stanford.  All the Beavers want to do now is hold serve for the Civil War showdown with Oregon, this year it’s in Corvallis. 

ICYMI: Washington brings Stanford back to earth

So much for Stanford being a Top 10 team.

The Cardinal/Tree moved up to #8 after beating Sports Writer favorites USC two weeks ago. That may prove to be the highlight of their season.

The Washington Huskies took care of Stanford late Thursday night in Seattle, scoring with just under 5 minutes left and holding on for a 17-13 win.

The celebrating commenced as the Huskies claimed their 1st win over a top 10 team in 3-years.

The game wasn't pretty, it was dominated by defense. But when the pressure was on, it was Keith Price and the Huskies who stepped up and yes, the storming of the field by the fans commenced...

The win put the 1-0 in the PAC-12 and 3-1 overall, Stanford goes to 1-1 in the conference and 3-1 overall.

Since video highlights don't exist as of right now, KING-TV gives us Washington Coach Steve Sarkisian:

OSG High: U-Dub Gets Verbal From 14-YO

And, no, the HQ isn't kidding...

Tathan "Tate" Martell is a 14-year-old San Diego QB who attended something called the Innovations Academy Charter School in San Diego last year will be home-schooled this year. Martell attended quarterback guru Steve Clarkson's Throwback Football League in Southern California, and is now the youngest student to commit to a Division 1 school since David Sills committed to USC in 2010.

Here’s the email sent out to by Clarkson's Pee-Ahr firm...

“8th grade quarterback and San Diego native Tate Martell has just made a verbal commitment to the University of Washington. Discovered by renowned quarterback coach Steve Clarkson, Martell was a part of the Throwback Football League as a member of the Mira Mesa Chargers, and was named MVP of the 2012 season. He is the youngest student to commit to a Division 1 school since Clarkson’s discovery David Sills committed to USC in 2010.”

And, yes, there are actual highlights his family have put up on the Interwebs...


Clarkson goes way back with U-Dub coach Steve Sarkisian and has taught Sills, Nate Montana, and Matt Barkley...

Obviously, the school can't comment on a commit that is that early...
But Clarkson is supposed to talk about it later on...

Baylor over Washington 67-56 in Football

No, it wasn't a Basketball game. Though the score might indicate otherwise.

Last night the Baylor Bears beat the Washington Huskies 67-56 in the Alamo Bowl.

Yes, 67-56.

No, we didn't stay up and watch the game, which kicked off around 9 p.m eastern time, because we would have had to stay up way too late.

The game, featuring Baylor's Heisman Trophy winner Robert Griffin the III (RG3), also featured nearly 1,400 yards of total offense and a running back for Baylor (Terrance Ganaway) who ran for 5 TD's.

And for what it is worth, the losing QB, Keith Price of Washington, well he threw for 438 yards and 4 TD's...along with running for 3 more.

Here is your wrap up from the folks at KWTX TV in Waco, TX.