Washington vs. Oregon Canceled Due to Huskies' COVID-19 Spike
Dec 10, 2020
Washington coach Jimmy Lake celebrates with the team after Washington defeated Utah 24-21 in an NCAA college football game Saturday, Nov. 28, 2020, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Ted S. Warren)
The Pac-12 announced Saturday's game between Washington and Oregon has been canceled.
TheSeattle Times'Mike Vorel and Bruce Feldman of The Athletic reported the Huskies have "well below" the Pac-12-minimum 53 scholarship players available.
"On Wednesday evening, UW reported 11 active positive COVID-19 [cases] within its athletics department—six more than a week ago," Vorel wrote. "However, a source also indicated not all 11 cases can be traced to the football program. It's university policy not to specify how many cases are tied to each team."
Washingtonpaused team activitiesWednesday after the school registered an increased number of positive COVID-19 tests. The situationremained unchangedThursday, causing the cancellation and raising questions over the Pac-12 Championship Game.
Washington is leading the Pac-12 North at 3-1, with Oregon in second at 3-2. Given their situation, the Huskies may have trouble getting above the necessary 53-man threshold. Were that to happen, a two-loss Ducks squad might head to the title game Dec. 18 ahead of what might be a 5-0 Colorado.
The Buffaloes are second in the Pac-12 South behind 4-0 USC, and they're one of two ranked teams in the Pac-12. Colorado is No. 21 in the College Football Playoff rankings, with the Trojans sitting 15th. These two have been the conference's two best teams, albeit in a small sample.
The Bay Area News Group's Jon Wilner reported there have at least been early conversations about postponing the Pac-12 championship, though the CFP's final rankings are set to come out Dec. 20:
Lots of chatter, understandably, about moving the Pac-12 champ game back a week. But remember, that's up to the owner of the game, FOX, which has millions invested and plenty of reasons for wanting it played with the others on champ weekend
The Big Ten removed its six-game requirement to qualify for its conference championship. That allowed 5-0 Ohio State to be crowned Big Ten East champions and potentially strengthen its playoff resume.
Whether it's delaying the game or amending the rules to alter who gets to compete, the Pac-12 might have to consider similarly drastic measures in response to the ongoing situation.
Former Washington Football Head Coach Jim Lambright Dies at Age 77
Mar 29, 2020
19 Sep 1998: Head coach Jim Lambright of the Washington Huskies looks on during the game against the Brgham Young University Cougars at the Husky Stadium in Seattle, Washington. The Huskies defeated the Cougars 20-10. Mandatory Credit: Otto Greule Jr. /
Former Washington football coach Jim Lambright died at the age of 77, his family confirmed through an announcement on the school's website.
"Coach Lambright was a legend at the UW, particularly when it came to playing the kind of physical, aggressive defense that his teams were known for," Huskies head coach Jimmy Lake said. "He was always supportive of the program that he loved so much. His impact on Husky football will not be forgotten."
Lambright was the defensive coordinator under Don James from 1978 to 1992. During that time, the Huskies won three Rose Bowls and were officially recognized as national champions in 1991.
He succeeded James in 1993 and spent six seasons as head coach. The team went 70-44 during that time and defeated Michigan State in the 1997 Aloha Bowl.
While the program was unable to match the success of the James era, Lambright had the difficult task of navigating Washington through a two-year bowl ban and additional sanctions following an NCAA investigation.
Lambright was let go after the 1998 season, with Rick Neuheisel replacing him. He laid the groundwork for the Huskies' 11-1 record in 2000, a year that ended with a Rose Bowl victory over Purdue.
"When Neuheisel came, he brought back the fun of the game," former defensive tackle Larry Tripplett said to ESPN's Ted Miller in May 2016. "Lambright had recruited a lot of tough, disciplined, hard guys. It was the perfect mix."
According to the Associated Press' Tim Booth, no cause of death was given.
Lambright was arrested in June 2014 for allegedly assaulting his granddaughter, per KIRO 7 in Seattle. He pleaded guilty to disorderly conduct in March 2015. His wife said at the time of his arrest he had dementia.
Washington QB Jacob Eason Declares for 2020 NFL Draft
Dec 26, 2019
SEATTLE, WASHINGTON - NOVEMBER 29: Jacob Eason #10 of the Washington Huskies reacts in the first quarter against the Washington State Cougars during their game at Husky Stadium on November 29, 2019 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Abbie Parr/Getty Images)
Jacob Eason gave NFL quarterback-needy teams a belated Christmas gift Thursday afternoon.
The University of Washington Huskies junior quarterback announced his decision to declare for the 2020 NFL draft.
"After contemplating my future with my family and coaches, I have decided to forego my 5th year of college and enter the 2020 NFL Draft," Eason wrote, in part. "The opportunity to play quarterback in the NFL has been a lifelong dream, and my heart is set on the challenge ahead."
Eason's collegiate career ended on Saturday when the Huskies topped Boise State 38-7 in the Mitsubishi Motors Las Vegas Bowl at Sam Boyd Stadium in Las Vegas. Washington finished 2019 at 8-5.
Eason threw for 210 yards and one touchdown on 22-of-32 passing against Boise State. This was the Lake Stevens, Washington, native's first year starting for the Huskies after redshirting 2018 following histransferfrom Georgia to the Huskies on Feb. 2018.
Overall this year, Eason recorded 3,132 yards, 23 touchdowns and eight picks on 64.2 percent completion across 13 starts.
Eason appeared in 13 games as a freshman for Georgia in 2016, recording 2,430 yards, 16 touchdowns and eight interceptions on 55.1 percent completion.
However, Eason's 2017 campaign was cut short. He suffered asprained knee three drives into the team's season opener. He appeared in three games total, but Jake Fromm took over the starting job.
Responding to Eason's announcement Thursday, Bleacher Report'sMatt Millersaid he expects him to "be a top 50 selection."
Miller previouslyrankedEason as the fifth-best quarterback in the 2020 draft class behind Joe Burrow, Tua Tagovailoa, Justin Herbert and Jordan Love. Though, he noted Eason has the best arm strength. Millerwrotemore extensively about Eason's potential on Dec. 18:
"There are warts with Eason—limited starting time is a big one, and critics will point to his struggles against better competition—but NFL coaches and scouts love big arms, tall quarterbacks and cocky passers. Eason is all three, and if he declares for the draft, he could become a first-round pick.
"It's easy to imagine Bruce Arians thinking about Eason as a replacement for Jameis Winston, or Tom Telesco thinking Eason can be the heir apparent to Philip Rivers. With supply and demand way out of whack at quarterback, players with Eason's gifts rarely fall in the draft."
The 2020 NFL draft will begin on April 23 in Las Vegas.
Jacob Eason, Washington Dominate No. 19 Boise State to Win 2019 Las Vegas Bowl
Dec 21, 2019
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - DECEMBER 21: Quarterback Jacob Eason #10 of the Washington Huskies looks to pass against the Boise State Broncos during the Mitsubishi Motors Las Vegas Bowl at Sam Boyd Stadium on December 21, 2019 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by David Becker/Getty Images)
Chris Petersen closed out his Washington tenure in winning style as the Huskies beat No. 19 Boise State 38-7 in the Las Vegas Bowl on Saturday at Sam Boyd Stadium.
Petersen was coaching his last game for the Huskies after he announced he was stepping down from his post. Secondary coach and defensive coordinator Jimmy Lake will take over as the head coach.
Saturday's game brought Petersen's coaching career full circle. He was Boise State's offensive coordinator for five years before succeeding Dan Hawkins as head coach ahead of the 2006 season. The Broncos went 92-12 and won the Fiesta Bowl twice during his eight years on the sideline.
Not only did Petersen beat his old school, but he also pulled out a trick play to compound the hurt. Richard Newton took a direct snap in the fourth quarter and hit Terrell Bynum for a 13-yard touchdown pass.
.@UW_Football pushes its lead back to 24 points with this 13-yard pitch & catch out of the Wildcat from Richard Newton to Terrell Bynum!
Washington forced three turnovers and held Boise State to 266 yards of offense.
Quite a send-off for Chris Petersen, dominating Boise State. Jimmy Lake’s defense holds the Broncos to single digits for the first time since the opener of the 2013 season against Washington, which was actually Petersen’s last year at Boise.
Jacob Eason, QB, Washington: 22-of-32, 210 yards, one touchdown
Richard Newton, RB, Washington: 15 carries, 69 yards, one touchdown; 1-of-1, 13 yards, one touchdown
Terrell Bynum, WR, Washington: five receptions, 67 yards, one touchdown
Hank Bachmeier, QB, Boise State: 15-of-26, 119 yards, two interceptions
George Holani, RB, Boise State: 11 carries, 35 yards
Huskies Defense Shoulders the Load for Short-Handed Offense
Washington was already without leading receiver Hunter Bryant and starting left tackle Trey Adams, who presumably decided to sit out the Las Vegas Bowl to prepare for the 2020 NFL draft.
That made Petersen's job hard enough. He then had to cope with injuries to his top two running backs, Salvon Ahmed and Newton, over the course of Saturday night.
So that's Hunter Bryant, Trey Adams, Jaxson Kirkland, Nick Harris, Richard Newton, and Salvon Ahmed who will have all missed at least a snap for the UW offense tonight. Ugh.
Washington's defense did its part and often helped to give the offense a short field with which to work. Interceptions preceded the Huskies' first scoring drives in the first and second halves.
Myles Bryant picked off a Hank Bachmeier pass in the opening possession of the game. Washington only needed to go 52 yards but ate 6:07 off the clock before Andre Baccellia's 17-yard touchdown reception.
The Huskies are on the 'board!@UW_Football caps a 12-play, 52-yard drive with a 17-yard TD pass - Jacob Eason to Andre Baccellia!
Then Elijah Molden set Washington up at the Boise State 24-yard line when he intercepted Bachmeier with 11:11 left in the third quarter. Three plays later, Newton punched it in on a two-yard touchdown run.
The Huskies have put another 7 points on the 'board.@UW_Football's Richard Newton twists & turns his way into the end zone for a 2-yard TD! The Huskies' drive went for 3 plays & a total of 34 yards.
Boise State looked to be building some momentum after Jaylon Henderson's 10-yard touchdown pass at the 4:44 mark of the third quarter. Washington forced a turnover on downs on the Broncos' next drive, however. Newton delivered what was effectively the final nail in the coffin.
As Washington looks to the offseason, Jacob Eason's future looms large. Bleacher Report's Matt Miller ranked the junior as the fifth-best quarterback in the 2020 draft class.
Saturday's game was a microcosm of his season.
So Jacob Eason on Washington drops ridiculously deep in the pocket. Like 10+ yards on the regular. Can crush the OL
Eason would benefit from spending another year at Washington, but he might be competing with Trevor Lawrence and Justin Fields in the 2021 draft class. Convincing him to spurn the draft now might be difficult.
Boise State Sputters at Final Hurdle
Bachmeier's interception in the first quarter set the tone of the evening for Boise State.
Moments after @BroncoSportsFB connects on a 20-yard completion, QB Hank Bachmeier throws an INT to @UW_Football's Myles Bryant!
The Huskies start their 1st drive on their own 48!
The Broncos entered Saturday averaging 441.5 yards and 36.8 points per game, and they closed out the regular season 31st in ESPN's SP+ offensive rating.
Their offense never found a groove against Washington.
Boise State was one of the schools that helped break through the lower expectations for programs outside of the Power Five conferences. In the grand scheme of things, little has changed, though, since a 12-1 season ultimately meant a return trip to the Las Vegas Bowl.
Losing to Washington on its own isn't that bad, but such a lopsided defeat will do little to help the Broncos and their Group of Five brethren.
If Group of Five contenders want to be taken seriously, don’t get trucked in lower-tier bowls.
Boise State welcomes Florida State to Albertsons Stadium next September for its biggest nonconference game on the schedule. Even with a win over the Seminoles, the team will still be fighting against the perception it remains a class below the best Power Five schools, a perception that many will argue was reinforced Saturday.
Chris Petersen to Step Down as Washington HC; Jimmy Lake Named as Replacement
Dec 2, 2019
Washington head coach Chris Petersen looks on from the sidelines during an NCAA college football game against Southern Cal Saturday, Sept. 28, 2019, in Seattle. Washington won 28-14. (AP Photo/Elaine Thompson)
Chris Petersenannounced Monday he will step down as head football coach for the Washington Huskies after six years with the program.
Defensive coordinator Jimmy Lake will take over as the team's next head coach after the bowl game. He is set to make $3 million annually on a five-year deal, per Steve Berkowitz of USA Today.
"I'll be a Husky for life, but now is the right time for me to step away from my head coaching duties and recharge," Petersen said in a statement.
The 55-year-old will serve in a leadership advisory role within Washington's athletic department.
Pete Thamel of Yahoo Sports provided insight on the coach's decision:
Just spoke to a someone close to Chris Petersen on him stepping down: “There’s no illness or ulterior motive to his retirement. He just needs to re-charge.”
Petersen helped bring Washington back into national prominence after some up-and-down years during the previous decade.
The Huskies had a winning record in all six seasons, including the 2019 campaign (7-5), and had double-digit victories in three different years. No other coach in school history led the team to three straight 10-win seasons before Petersen from 2016-18.
In 2016, the squad won the Pac-12 title and earned a spot in the College Football Playoff semifinals before losing to Alabama in the Peach Bowl, ending No. 4 in the final Associated Press poll.
"Chris has been transformational for not only our football program but our entire athletic department," athletic director Jennifer Cohen said of Petersen.
His run at Washington came after eight successful seasons at Boise State, where he earned 92 wins and finished with two undefeated seasons (2006 and 2009). Petersen will step away with a 146-38 career record and a .793 win percentage that ranks18th all-time.
Lake will take over the Huskies with no prior head coaching experience, but he has been working under Petersen since 2012, when the two were at Boise State, and helped lead the No. 5 scoring defense in college football in 2018.
Check out the latest edition of Stick to Football, discussing the latest job openings in college football, a 2020 NFL mock draft and more!
5-Star LB Sav'ell Smalls Commits to Washington over Alabama, Washington State
Sep 27, 2019
Five-star outside linebacker Sav'ell Smalls, the No. 9 prospect in 247Sports' class of 2020 composite rankings, committed to Washington on Friday.
Scott Eklund of 247Sports reported that Smalls made his choice public during an Under Armour Game jersey presentation at his school, Kennedy Catholic in Burien, Washington.
The 6'3", 230-pound Smalls started his high school career at Kennedy but transferred to Garfield High School in Seattle after his freshman year. He then headed back to Kennedy before this season.
Smalls had 31 offers, per 247Sports, which listed Alabama and Florida State as the most likely schools to land him. He wrote for USA Today in August that Oregon, Washington State and Tennessee rounded out his top six.
Smalls is also 37th in 247Sports' historical rankings, which date back to 2000. No outside linebacker has ever been listed higher.
Brandon Huffman, 247Sports' national recruiting editor, offered the following scouting report:
"Size indicates he can play both as a hybrid edge rusher with his hand down or as a standup rush end. Terrific instincts. Quickly reads and reacts. Outstanding pass rusher who can also drop into coverage on occasion. Cat quick at the line of scrimmage, with a quick first step. Can chase down backs and end the play. Has shown improved technique. Uses his hands extremely well. Played a lot of linebacker in 7v7 in offseason to work on pass coverage. Also plays tight end and receiver and has natural pass-catching ability. Projects as immediate Power 5 starter and projects as first-round NFL draft choice."
Huffman compared Smalls to Atlanta Falcons linebacker Takkarist McKinley, the team's first-round pick in 2017, who had seven sacks last year.
Garfield head coach Joey Thomas provided lofty praise for his team's defensive star before the 2018 season, telling Jayda Evans of the Seattle Times:
“We coach Sav'ell hard and hold him accountable. He's a special talent, but the thing that makes him so special is the way he works. It always gets overshadowed because people just see the results and think he was always good. Sav'ell Smalls worked to be the No. 1 player in the nation. Countless hours, studying his craft."
The 2018 season didn't go as well as hoped for Garfield, which went 3-7. Lauren Smith of the News Tribune noted that Smalls dealt with injuries but still had 21 tackles for loss and seven sacks.
This year, Kennedy Catholic has opened the season 3-0, and MaxPreps ranks the team as the third-best in the state.
Next year, Smalls will stay in-state to attend Washington. The Huskies are enjoying a sustained period of success and have won at least 10 games in their last three years. The highlight was a 12-2 campaign in 2016 and an appearance in the College Football Playoff.
The Washington defense has been tremendous during that span, ranking no worse than 14th in efficiency, per Football Outsiders. Smalls should add to the legacy.
Byron Murphy Declares for 2019 NFL Draft After 2 Seasons at Washington
Jan 7, 2019
After playing just two seasons at the University of Washington, cornerback Byron Murphy has declared for the 2019 NFL draft.
He announced as much with a Twitter message, thanking his coaches, teammates, family and Washington fans:
Murphy redshirted in 2016 and appeared in six games as a freshman in 2017 before becoming a full-time starter last season.
In his first full season in the Huskies' starting lineup, Murphy finished with 58 tackles, four interceptions—one of which he returned for a touchdown—and 13 passes defended.
He showed improvement in several key areas after registering 16 tackles, seven passes defended and two interceptions as a redshirt freshman.
Playing in a Pac-12 conference that features several high-octane offenses, Murphy held his own in 2018 and established himself as one of the premier cornerback prospects in college football.
In his latest mock draft, Bleacher Report's Matt Miller projected Murphy to go No. 21.
Miller isn't the only one who has been impressed by Murphy, as Dane Brugler of The Athletic provided an example of his ability to lock down opposing receivers:
The biggest question regarding the viability of Murphy entering the 2019 NFL draft was whether he had a large enough body of work to ensure a first-round grade.
Murphy could have solidified himself in that regard with another full season as a starter at Washington, but it may not have been necessary given his immense potential.
Based on his ability to excel against both the pass and the run at the cornerback position, Murphy has put himself in a good spot to be considered with a high pick in the 2019 draft.
