Originally published Wednesday, August 27, 2008 at 12:00 AM
PrintFive keys to UW's season
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DEAN RUTZ / THE SEATTLE TIMES
Coach Tyrone Willingham's young Huskies need to grow up quickly.
1. Keep Jake Locker healthy
Everything revolves around the maturing quarterback, who has had two injury scares since late last season. Washington coaches will try to keep him in the pocket a little more to reduce wear and tear.
2. Grow up quickly
This will be one of the youngest UW teams in recent memory, with the possibility that there could be as few as six senior starters. Youth will be particularly dominant at running back, receiver and the defensive line, positions where the Huskies will need some players to mature quickly.
3. Get some momentum
The Huskies once again have one of the toughest schedules in the nation, including an opening gantlet of games at Oregon and then home games against Brigham Young and Oklahoma in the first three weeks. Wins in one or two of those could give the Huskies some needed momentum heading into the more manageable portion of the schedule.
4. Get defensive
Last year's team was the worst in UW history in several statistical categories, causing a major overhaul of the unit, notably the firing of Kent Baer as defensive coordinator and hiring of Ed Donatell in his place. Donatell figures to unveil a few more varied looks than did Baer, and players seem excited by a new, more aggressive approach.
5. Be special on
special teams
The Huskies also changed special-teams coaches after last season, replacing Bob Simmons with Brian White. Some of the new talent will be called upon to spice up the return games, and White promises a renewed aggression on the coverage teams. The Huskies used to annually steal a game or two on special teams, and need to get back to that.
Bob Condotta
Copyright © 2008 The Seattle Times Company
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