Washington vs. Portland State pre-game
Huskies prepare for Vikings by focusing on themselves[/B]
Kaelyn Sayles
This week, the Washington Huskies prepared for the Portland State Vikings by focusing on themselves.
It's the little things that needed to be fixed, according to the coaches, so they needed to get themselves right in practice so they could come out and execute Saturday like they believe they can.
The past couple games have left head coach Steve Sarkisian frustrated because he thinks they're a better football team than they've shown.
"We're a good football team and I know we probably haven't played to our capabilities these first two weeks of the season," Sarkisian said. "That's why the goal for Saturday night is to walk out of CenturyLink Field feeling good about ourselves as the preseason comes to an end as we get ready to go into the regular season of Pac-12 play."
So this past week, it's been all about the Huskies.
Sarkisian wants to ensure their ability to play the best football they can, and put the best product on the field "regardless of who our opponent is." He said the team needs to do that and see if it's good enough to win.
Not to take anything away from Portland State, Sarkisian said, but they're looking at this week from a self-focused standpoint.
"It's what's right here and the pride in which we play the game of football and the intelligence we play it with, the physicality we play it with and the execution we play it with," Sarkisian said. "Those are the main goals, and it's really not about who is lining up across from us this week."
Quarterback Keith Price understood the importance of focusing on himself this week after being disappointed with his performances the past two games.
He said the natural response for him when the offense isn't going the way he expects it to is to push too hard and force plays.
"I just need to settle down and let the offense work for me," Price said.
Sarkisian wants his quarterback to worry about himself and control what he can, not worrying about everyone else.
The offense won't be the only side of the ball that will need to stay on top of themselves and focus this Saturday.
Portland State's pistol offense will put the Washington defense to work.
"It's a nice offense and they do it well. They obviously have an expertise in it," Sarkisian said. "It's a difficult offense
a lot of misdirection to it, a lot of formation to it; there's a lot of deception."
Defensive coordinator Justin Wilcox said the pistol offense creates a lot of problems defensively, especially since the quarterback is a threat to run the ball. In order to defend against this offense, Wilcox said the Huskies need to worry about what they're doing in their technique and execution.
It's a message that hasn't wavered.
This Saturday, Sarkisian kept things simple for his offense.
First, they need to go out and play a good drive together. Then, they need to put another one together. Then another one.
It's about consistently doing things right
And putting on a good show.
"We've got a willing group that's coming to work and wants to get things fixed and wants to put on a great performance for a tremendous fan base Saturday afternoon when we get to play again," Sarkisian said.
