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September 24, 2006
UCLA-Washington report card
This was a tough one to grade because, for the most part, I thought the team played ok, especially the defense. Yet, UCLA lost to a team with less talent, so the overall grade for the week has to suffer.
Washington 29, UCLA 19; Record: 2-1; Week 3 grade: C-
Quarterbacks
Ben Olson didn’t look comfortable in the pocket and miss-fired on several throws. He finished 18 of 31 for 135 yards and two INTs, but he also wasn’t put in the best position because of the unwillingness to throw the ball deep, or throw on first down.
Grade: D
Running backs
Chris Markey had another big day with 124 rushing yards, but Kahlil Bell is not resembling the tough runner who bowled over Northwestern in the Sun Bowl. He ran for 24 yards on nine lackluster carries.
Grade: B
Receivers
Plenty of receivers caught passes, led by Matt Willis (4 rec., 30 yds.), but this group still hasn’t proved there is a game-breaker among them. Again, though, it is proving to be a consistent group.
Grade: C
Offensive line
The coaching staff was putting its faith in this unit with its conservative play-calling, and it couldn’t deliver the big holes in the red zone for the running game. Olson was hurried too often, but the running game churned out a solid 143 yards on 34 attempts.
Grade: C-
Defensive line
This unit proved it can stop the run, shutting down UW’s running game by limiting the Huskies to 49 yards. DEs Bruce Davis and Justin Hickman did their jobs of containing QB Isaiah Stanback, and each had a sack and forced a fumble
Grade: B
Linebackers
Christian Taylor was active in shutting down the running game early, but this unit was taken out of the second half by UW’s game plan to spread the offense out and let Stanback either run off a draw, or throw. It forced the defense into nickel packages.
Grade: C+
Secondary
Chris Horton had an INT, Dennis Keyes forced a fumble and Alterraun Verner was solid. But the endearing image is of CB Rodney Van missing a few key tackles, something defensive coordinator DeWayne Walker said could cost the junior his starting job.
Grade: C-
Special teams
PK Justin Medlock had four FGs and Terrence Austin had a big punt return, but Medlock also had his kickoff to start the second half go out-of-bounds and give UW the ball on the 35. Aaron Perez averaged 35.8 yards on five punts.
Grade: C
Coaching
Walker again had a strong game plan, and if not for a few missed tackles the Bruins could have still won. However, the conservative play calling -- a run on third-and-goal from the 10 late in the third quarter is one of many examples – is impossible to overlook.
Grade: D
Posted by Brian Dohn at September 24, 2006 07:03 PM
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Comments
Brian, solid job on the grades. Unfortunately, I agree with you. A very disappointing loss after the team started strong. It would be interesting to know the team's mood and how this will affect their performance the rest of the season.
Here's my own breakdown of each down and the play call.
1st down 8 passes 19 runs
4-6 1 interception 1 sack, 42 yards passing
19 carries 82 yards 4.3 avg.
2nd down
13 passes 8 Runs
7-12 1 sack 28 yards passing
8 rushes for 73 yards, but 1 run for 63 yards, 9.1 avg, (1.1 avg without long run)
3rd down
12 passes, 4 runs
7-10, 1 sack, 1 interception, 67 yards passing
4 runs for 19 yards, 4.9 avg
Posted by: Happy4LA at September 24, 2006 07:59 PM
Accurate and appreciated writeup, save the "enduring" image...
Posted by: Tyler at September 24, 2006 09:10 PM
Excellent comments in today's paper accompanying your grades.
Posted by: David at September 25, 2006 05:49 AM
Great report, and on the mark. We would argue that the defensive play calling in the second half, bringing in the nickel packages for example, turned out to not work. Giving Taylor the positive nod then is a little generous. The Huskies did score on us rather easily once we went to the nickel.
Posted by: DumpDorrell at September 25, 2006 05:05 PM
Dorrel is ultimately responsible for the play calling and his coaching staff, the play calling and game plan was the worst I've ever seen. I'm surprised no one at the Rose Bowl heard me screaming all the way from Colorado. Step up and be a head coach, fix it before you lose to a team like Rice. I'm surprised the Rice game wasn't enough for you to take over calling plays for the rest of the season. It's D1, there is no time for coaching learning curves. Play for one thing and one thing only, a National Championship.
Ben Olsen had nothing to do with this loss, the lack of confidence in him and the unusual position the play calling put him in hopefully dosen't ruin his confidense for the rest of the season.
Bruins defense, when not expected to go back on the field after three and outs looked fabulous. After last season it's a grade A in my book.
Posted by: Bob at September 26, 2006 03:55 PM