There will be no defense if Huskies can’t tackle in Sound Bend
TODD MILLES; The News Tribune
The confusion the hesitation was detectable in Notre Dame star quarterback Jimmy Clausens voice when he was asked about the University of Washington defense.Good or bad?
Not sure, Clausen admitted.
Its tough to say which team youre going to get this week, Clausen said, trying to come up with a definitive answer. We just have to prepare like were going to get the team that just beat USC, obviously. We dont want to underestimate them or anything like that.
When the Huskies take the field today at Notre Dame Stadium for their non-conference showdown against the Fighting Irish, the UW defense will start its fifth game under new coordinator Nick Holt, who, in recent weeks, has not minced his words about the lack of talent on that side of the ball.
But Clausen is correct even though the then-No. 3 Trojans amassed 250 rushing yards against the UW on Sept. 19, they could not convert any of their 11 third-down opportunities, and were turned away on three red-zone drives on two fumbles and an interception in the 16-13 loss.
Last week, the Huskies allowed 321 rushing yards to Stanford, and got blasted, 34-14.
Maybe thats going to be the recipe for the remainder of the season bend on the yardage, dont break in the red zone.
Thats the problem with going up against things ... when you dont have a lot of depth, or a lot of older guys, Holt said.
For as much recognition Clausen has been getting hes on the fringe of serious Heisman Trophy consideration as a junior the Notre Dame offense has been a chew-you-up, spit-you-out rushing attack:
The Irish are 18-0 when they outrush opponents under coach Charlie Weis.
Notre Dame has held the ball longer in all four games this season, by an average of seven minutes in time of possession.
Regardless of whether you start off throwing or start off running, Weis said, when you run the ball effectively, it makes it easier for everything else you are doing.
Now, its up to the Huskies to try and slow down the Irish. And they have obstacles, starting on the defensive line where, aside from senior Daniel Teo-Nesheim, nobody has been reliable in making plays.
Its a line that will continue to feature newcomers, notably true freshmen Talia Crichton and Andru Pulu, and sophomore Alameda Taamu, who had their worst games last week against the Cardinal.
I told Andru Pulu and Talia, just going through the season, you can be a no-tackle-, one-tackle-per-game guy at the start, and be a really good player at the end of the season, Teo-Nesheim said. I told them not to get down on themselves if they have a bad game, because every game is a new chance.
Teo-Nesheim echoed the same point UW coach Steve Sarkisian made earlier this week about tackling: Dont be a hero by yourself, be part of a group of defenders who stop plays.
Were a team that has wrapped up extremely well, Sarkisian said. Thats why weve been able to play so successful in the red zone against teams that have moved the ball.
The Huskies know whats coming today power running by tailback Armando Allen, a sprinkle of the Wildcat offense and more of both varieties if they cant get a hold of either of them.
People should run it at us until we prove we can stop it, Sarkisian said. And I believe we will.
Todd Milles: 253-597-8442
todd.milles@thenewstribune.com
