Huskies hope easier schedule translates to victories

SEATTLE – Will things get better for Washington now that the schedule appears to be easing up?

The Huskies had certainly better hope so, because if results don’t improve over these last four games, this season will be one for the record book. None of the records in danger of falling is one the Huskies would want.

Sure, the Huskies would like to get a few wins in these last four games, but even in losses there is a little bit of damage control that can be done to keep this season from being a bigger disaster than the win-loss record will indicate.

On the way to a 0-8 start, the Huskies have faced eight teams that all have winning records and have a combined record of 49-19. Washington’s next three opponents, starting with today’s game against Arizona State, are a combined 7-19.

As Arizona State coach and Everett native Dennis Erickson put in on Monday, “Obviously, the New York Giants aren’t coming in there to play them. I’m sure that they look at us as a game that they can win.”

So can the Huskies turn things around, if not in the win column then at least statistically? If not, 2008 will certainly go down as one of worst, if not the worst, seasons in school history.

This season is not just bad, but bad in all facets of the game. The Huskies rank 86th or worse out of 119 teams in all 17 statistical categories, are 100th or worse in 15 of 17, 113th or worse in 10, and dead last in three.

UW allowed a school-worst 446.4 yards per game last season, and the thought coming into this season was that that number couldn’t get worse. Yet somehow, eight games into the season, the Huskies are much worse, allowing 480.25 yards per game.

At least they’re balanced. If Washington’s numbers don’t improve dramatically, then the averages of 237 passing yards allowed and 243.25 rushing yards allowed would mark the first time the Huskies have allowed opponents to pass and rush for 200 yards per game in one season.

At 89.5 yards per game, the Huskies are also in danger of becoming the second team to average less than 100 rushing yards going back to 1937, the first year detailed stats were recorded.

So can these numbers get any better? If they are going to, it likely has to start today against Arizona State, which has lost six straight. Coaches and players have pointed out how difficult the schedule has been, and it has been tough, but that excuse won’t work in the next three games against ASU, UCLA and Washington State.

If they don’t, this could be a season for the record books for Washington – and not in a good way.