Inside the red zone
Ducks (2001), Huskies (2000) were likeminded
By: Malamute, 3 May 2002

 

Last season (2001), the Huskies finished sixth in the Pac-10 in total offense. Although the Dawgs were second in passing offense, they finished tenth in rushing offense, tenth in red zone offense and seventh in scoring offense in the Pac-10.

The season before (2000) in the Pac-10, the Rose Bowl champion Huskies finished first in rushing offense, eighth in passing offense, first in red-zone offense and second in scoring offense. Likewise, this season, conference-champion Oregon was third in scoring offense, eighth in passing offense, second in rushing offense and first in red-zone offense. The Ducks (2001) and the Huskies (2000) were certainly likeminded. (See Table 1).

Table 1. How Oregon and Washington have finished in the Pac-10 in four offensive categories. 

These statistics say, that to put more points on the board this upcoming season, the Huskies will need to develop a better running attack, so it will have a better red-zone offense. In other words, a balanced attack is necessary for putting points on the board inside the red zone. Running the ball effectively gets even more critical the closer a team gets to the end zone.

Oregon cashed in 95% of the time on their red-zone opportunities (37-39), running for 20 touchdowns, passing for 14 touchdowns, while kicking 3 out of 4 field goals. The Huskies failed to score 15 times when inside the red zone last season (37-52). Inside the red zone, the Dawgs missed 6 field goals and were intercepted 4 times (tops in the conference); obviously these two statistics need improvement. 

The Huskies have a multidimensional quarterback, Cody Pickett, who can operate in the limited field the red zone presents. He can throw short, precise routes or leg it in if he has to. The other ingredient needed is a running attack.

After the spring game last week, offensive coordinator Keith Gilbertson grumbled about the blocking of the offensive line, and coach Rick Neuheisel said, "Our running game has got to come around. We need a running back to take over, to be a dominant player."

During the spring game, which featured a clash between the Ones (Purples) and Twos (Whites), each defense effectively stopped the other's running game; the Purples were limited to 59 yards on the ground and the Whites to –2 yards. In part, these poor statistics were due to the fact that once the quarterback was touched, he was considered down on the play.  And sack (13 sacks in the game) losses count against the rushing statistics. During the game, rushing-wise, Chris Singleton ran 13 times for 37 yards and a touchdown, Rich Alexis was 4 for 27 yards, with a 13-yard run called back, and Braxton Cleman was 7 for 18 yards and two touchdowns. They were the leading rushers.

All in all, though, the Husky running game sputtered in the spring game, and its lackluster showing is highlighted by the fact that the Dawgs finished last in the Pac-10 in rushing defense last season. 

If Washington is to be a dominant factor in the Pac-10 race this upcoming season, it will need a strong running game to maintain ball control and keep the pressure off a questionable defense--questionable at this time because of injuries that kept a number of players from participating in the spring game and because of its so-so performance last year.  Not to mention that a strong running game will make the Dawgs more productive in red-zone offense, giving their opponents a two-dimensional look to worry about.

Until the Huskies battle Michigan in August, we really won't know where the Dawgs' rushing offense is at. Most likely, the running attack is a year away from gelling, considering the young linemen and questionable tailbacks. Of the two deeps on the offensive line, there are four sophomores, two red-shirt freshman, three juniors and one senior. Running back Rich Alexis must show he can hit the hole with authority and oft-inured Braxton Cleman must stay healthy if the Dawgs are to have any success running the ball.

Over the past ten years in the Rose Bowl game matching the Pac-10 and Big Ten, the team that has run the best has won.

Table 2. Offensive Statistics over the Last Two Seasons (Washington Huskies versus the Pac-10).