December 29, 2010: Huskies Open Conference Play Tonight

The Scoop on USC: The Trojans were the only Pac-10 team to sweep the Huskies last year. This year they’ve beat Texas, Tennessee, and were down to the last possession against Kansas. Their defense-first philosophy stymies teams that like run, i.e., teams like Washington. They want to hold you to one shot, and they want it to be a contested one. So they play very slow (their pace is 290th in the nation), and they crash the defensive glass (15th in the nation at defensive rebounding). They will exploit your attempts to run if you let them, snaring steals and garnering easy baskets. Which is why, in my view, the Huskies shouldn’t try to run at all. They are good enough to beat the Trojans at their own game. We’ll see how Romar plays it.

A Seahawks-less Pro Bowl? For Shame, NFL! Not a single Seahawk made the Pro Bowl. This is an absolute travesty of justice, and, as a protest, I will this year deny myself the incomparable pleasure of watching disinterested millionaires half-assing their way through a scrimmage.

What they’re saying…

“We can’t do anything about their size right now or our size right now. Just got to do the best job we can.” — UW defensive coordinator Nick Holt sounding really depressed about the Huskies’ chances of stopping Nebraska

“Hopefully we’ll win the game, but if things don’t go right I’ll get the question why didn’t you guys run more? When they shoot you just see guys on their bench running back to the other end. Everybody runs back. Their crowd runs to the other end. And they just stack up in the paint. ” — Lorenzo Romar on USC

“Ive watched two plays of the Vikings-Eagles game, and I can already tell you I would trade Charlie Whitehurst for Joe Webb.” — @Circa_1981_

“For #Seahawks fans who are pulling for a loss to improve draft position: Do u want to see Rams celebrating Div. Title at OUR house? #NFW!” — @GoSeaHox

In other news…

The Seahawks signed DE Maurice Fountain, who you’ll remember from the UFL Hartford Colonials.

The Mariners want to land four-time All-Star closer (and former Mariner) Brian Fuentes. So do 10 other teams.

With Rajon Rondo injured, Nate Robinson has started the last five games for the Celtics. Nate the Great had 8 points and 4 assists in the Celtics’ win last night at Indiana.

Aaron Curry decided to hold a contest for PhotoShopped photos of himself. I like this one.

Franklin High’s Anrio Adams is ESPN Rise’s West Region Player of the Week.

Today in SPNW…

Doug Farrar breaks down a running play that may help the Huskies beat Nebraska.

Bob Sherwin on the Husky hoopsters’ road troubles.

Sherwin previews the Pac-10.

September 2010 in Seattle sports.

Today’s action…

Military Bowl: East Carolina vs. Maryland, 11:30 a.m. (ESPN)
Texas Bowl: Baylor vs. Illinois, 3 p.m. (ESPN)
NCAA Hoops: Lafayette @ Gonzaga, 5:30 p.m. (FSN)
Alamo Bowl: Arizona vs. Oklahoma St., 6:15 p.m. (ESPN)
NCAA Hoops: Washington @ USC, 7:30 p.m. (950-AM) No TV!
NCAA Hoops: Washington St. @ UCLA, 8 p.m. (FSN)

Yo! If you have a tip or a comment, email me at sethkolloen@sportspressnw.wpengine.com or message me on Twitter, @SethKolloen. Cool? Thanks!