Defensive shakeup due
SEATTLE – Five hundred and forty-six yards of UCLA total offense later, there could be several position changes this week for a manhandled Washington defensive unit, starting with a possible complete shuffle of its ineffective front four.
That was football coach Keith Gilbertson’s frank message at his weekly media luncheon after getting a second look on film of his team’s 37-31 loss last Saturday night at Husky Stadium.
Only senior Manase Hopoi has a guaranteed starting job across the Huskies’ defensive line, but he might have to switch positions, from tackle to end, because junior end Mike Mapuolesega will be sidelined three to four weeks by a partially torn knee ligament suffered against the Bruins.
“The defensive line has to really improve,” Gilbertson vowed. “We’ve got to find three other guys who can step up.”
The second-year coach left open the possibility that two promising freshmen defenders, tackle Jordan White-Frisbee and end Greyson Gunheim, who have received increased playing time in each of the first two games, could be inserted into the lineup Saturday when the Huskies visit Notre Dame.
“They’re going to get looks,” Gilbertson said.
One safety job also could changes hands, with sophomore C.J. Wallace stepping in for junior college transfer Dashon Goldson, who played poorly against UCLA.
“We’re going to play with whoever wants to get out and play and hit people and knows what he’s doing,” commented junior linebacker Evan Benjamin.
Only the UW linebacking corps of Joe Lobendahn, Scott White and Benjamin escaped serious criticism for the defensive lapse against UCLA, which included Maurice Drew’s 322-yard, five-touchdown rushing outburst.
Gilbertson said his linebackers mostly were overtaxed after UW linemen repeatedly ran around blocks and missed tackles.
“Dick Butkus would have had trouble playing with what happened last weekend,” Gilbertson said.
Defensive linemen whose jobs are in jeopardy are sophomores Brandon Ala and Dan Milsten. Besides White-Frisbee and Gunheim, Gilbertson also ticked off the names of sophomore tackle Donny Mateaki, junior end Ty Eriks and senior Tui Alailefaleula as players who would have a chance to move up.
Gilbertson also expressed a desire in getting more playing time for his backup safeties, freshman Chris Hemphill and Wallace. Senior strong safety Jimmy Newell was banged up after the loss, while Goldson had an off day at free safety and was replaced by Wallace, who impressed the coaches with a couple of big hits.
As for Goldson, he was hit in the back early, retaliated and was penalized, and his play seemed to go downhill from there. He sat out much of the second half.
“He hasn’t been on Dr. Gilbertson’s couch,” the coach wisecracked, when asked if he had spoken with Goldson since the game was played. “He started bad. He missed a couple of tackles. It wasn’t a good day for him. I think he’s a capable player and will bounce back.”
Still, changes no doubt will be made in the UW lineup. After what happened against the Bruins, there’s the feeling something has to be done.
“Obviously, they (Bruins) had too much confidence because they were running it down our throats,” said senior cornerback Derrick Johnson, who was forced to make 14 tackles when his norm is five or six. “(Drew) had two holes wide open every time and he could take his choice. We really have to change that.
“Three hundred and twenty-two yards by one running back is ridiculous.”
Sneak preview
Growing up in the Chicago suburbs, Huskies junior quarterback Casey Paus attended three Notre Dame games as a middle-schooler, so he knows what he’s getting into this weekend.
He promises not to be overwhelmed by the regal college football atmosphere, and set an example for his teammates.
“I’m going to try and stay calm and collected and let the guys feed off that,” Paus said.
Job description
Sophomore Isaiah Stanback remains the No. 3 quarterback after missing a week of practices with an ankle injury and losing his backup spot to freshman Carl Bonnell.
There is no plan to give Stanback playing time as a wide receiver, as he did last year while operating as the third signal caller.
“Isaiah’s a quarterback,” Gilbertson maintained.
Film critic
While the UW offense rang up 31 points and 414 yards of total offense, all was not entirely in sync with his unit, junior center Brad Vanneman said with refreshing candor.
“It looks like we had a good day, but it wasn’t a great performance by us. We were two yards short (of the winning TD). We could have caught a few more balls, made a few more blocks. I watched the film of it and we didn’t play as well as the numbers indicated.
“We can play better.”