Head coach Kyle Whittingham, offensive coordinator Troy Taylor, as well as defensive coordinator Morgan Scalley answered a couple questions from the media following this afternoon's practice, here is what they had to say.
Kyle Whittingham:
Kyle Whittingham:
- The Washington Huskies are worthy of all of the hype they have received up to this point and still are the favorites in this league. They are well coached and have a very high level of talent.
- Often times, games of this caliber come down to three or four big momentum shifter type plays and whoever wins these couple of plays, usually ends up on top.
- The preparation is the same going into every game, obviously the team understands how important this game but the players are smart guys and they know how to handle themselves.
- This game is also important because of recruiting due to the fact that Washington has been able to sign a couple of in-state kids that Utah was also recruiting.
- It does not matter when the bye week comes. Whenever it comes, the coaches try to make it into a positive.
- Every player that is on the list of possible redshirts has not played yet. It's still too early for the coaches to tell.
- Jake Browning has lived up to his expectations. He has a great demeanor and is a very consistent player. (Coach Taylor knows Browning since he was just 12 years old)
- The 6 sacks that occurred on Saturday were not all the offensive line's fault. There were a couple that Huntley got off of his progression and held on to the ball for a second too long and then there were a couple at the end of the half when the offense was trying to throw deep. It's not all on the offensive line though, it's the play caller, the quarterback as well as the whole offense.
- The offense wasn't necessarily bad last Saturday, all position groups were inconsistent. There weren't any big runs from Zack Moss, but the offense was able to move the ball on the ground getting four to five yards a crack.
- The biggest concern for the coaches is just trying to score as many points as possible. It doesn't matter how many times they pass the ball or run the ball. The goal is to put as many points on the board as possible.
- There is a high level competition this week at the receiver position this week due to the drops. Everybody is going to have an opportunity this week, even the young guys, and then on Saturday the best guys will be on the field and get the opportunities they deserve.
- Chase Hansen has been very productive for the defense due to his quick nose to the ball but also due to the great line play, that creates opportunities for the linebackers.
- Both Cody Barton and Chase Hansen have stepped up so far this season and are great examples of what happens when studying football means something to you and using your time as a stepping stone for the next level.
- The high statistical numbers on the defense don't mean too much at this point of the season, but the team will be able to find out more of what they are made of this week against a very efficient offense.
- The players have the right mentality going into this week and all of the hype and anticipation doesn't matter when you are on the field.
