Rotten Apples Produce Exciting Finish in Apple Cup

The Pac-10’s two worst teams played to an exciting 16-13 double overtime finish in what many expected to be an ugly affair.

Washington coach Tyrone Willingham seemed to have positioned his team, and himself, for its first victory of a very disappointing, and thus far winless, season. With just over one minute remaining in the game, the Huskies punted the ball away—the game was now in the hands of their defense.

During Washington State’s final drive, QB Kevin Lopina marched his team down field 69 yards in seven plays leaving just enough time for the Cougars to send the game in to overtime on Nico Grasu’s 28-yard field goal.

Each team exchanged field goals sending the game to a second overtime. After Huskies kicker Ryan Perkins missed a 37 yard attempt, the game was once again in the hands—or on the foot, rather—of Grasu as he booted the game winning 37 yarder.

This is Washington State’s fourth Apple Cup victory in the last five years.

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Never Too Old To Dream: For Tripper Johnson, Football Dreams Do Come True

Tripper Johnson is not your typical freshman football player. Oh sure, he has practice, studies film of opposing teams, and attends classes. But at 26 years of age, Tripper is oldest player on the University of Washington^W football team.

Johnson, who originally signed a letter of intent to play baseball at the UW in 2000, ended up being selected 32nd overall in the 2000 Major League Baseball draft by the Baltimore Orioles. He had high hopes for his baseball career; so did the Orioles. So much so they offered Johnson a reported $1.05 million signing bonus.

So what happened? He spent the better part of eight years in the minors, but never rose above the AA level. At 25 Tripper started to feel the toll of minor league ball. It was decision time—keep forging ahead in hopes of making the majors one day, or take another path in life.

“In the back of my head I always wanted to play college football,” said Johnson. “I’ve always wanted to do it and I’m fortunate enough to get the chance now.”

It was more than a chance. Due to injuries to the UW secondary, Tripper has been called upon to play a bigger role for the team. He’s played in all five of UW’s games this season, has 14 tackles (8 solo, 6 assists) and two fumble recoveries.

He may only have two years of eligibility rather than four (the NCAA is looking into his eligibility due to Univ. of Phoenix online courses Tripper had taken), but, even if only those two years, Tripper is on the football field living the life of a kid again.

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Pac-10 Volleyball Taking Over the Polls

Seven teams from the Pac-10 are ranked 24th or higher on the CBS College Sports Network/AVCA Division I Coaches Poll.

Stanford is leading the way for the Pac at No. 4, followed by Cal (No. 5), Oregon (No. 7), UCLA (No. 8), Washington (No. 10), USC (No. 11), and Oregon State (No. 24). It’s the 20th consecutive week with at least six Pac-10 teams ranked among the Top 25. Arizona just dropped from the Top 25 and is currently leading the Others Receiving Votes category. The Big 12 Conference currently has six teams in the Top 25.

As an interesting side note, No. 7 Oregon will face No. 24 Oregon State on Sunday the 12th at McArthur Court in Eugene. This is the first time both teams have been ranked at the same time, making this Civil War extra special.

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Injury Report - 10/03/08

Here are the Injury Report updates for 10/3/2008:

• Arizona State Sun Devils - Thomas Weber - P - Probable - Hand
• Arizona State Sun Devils - Saia Falahola - DT - Probable - Hand
• Arizona State Sun Devils - Matt Hustad - OL - Probable - Knee
• Cal Bears - Mike Tepper - OL - Doubtful - Pectoral
• Oregon Ducks - Jeremiah Masoli - QB - Named the Started against USC
• USC Trojans - Rey Maualuga - LB - Doubtful - Knee
• UCLA Bruins - Marcus Everett - WR - Doubtful - Toe
• Washington Huskies - Johri Fogerson - S -Questionable - Ankle
• Washington Huskies -Donald Butler - LB - Probable - Concussion
• Washington Huskies -Brandon Yakaboski - RB - Out - Knee

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Changes Ahead for Washington?

The Huskies lost at home to Stanford 28-35 and are now 0-4 to start the season. It looks as though the Huskies are going to be the bottom-feeder of the Pac-10.

More bad news for Washington is the loss of QB Jake Locker (out infinitely) who went down with a broken thumb.

Could this be the end for Tyrone Willingham who is now 11-29 as Washington’s coach?

I just can’t see how the Washington Huskies can keep him on-board for next season—let alone the rest of this season.

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