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College Football: Rewatching Week 1 of an exciting 2009 season

By Griffin McVeigh

(Photo by Steve Dykes/Getty Images)
(Photo by Steve Dykes/Getty Images) /
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SEATTLE – SEPTEMBER 5: Quarterback Jake Locker #10 of the Washington Huskies runs with the ball for yardage against the LSU Tigers during their game on September 5, 2009 at Husky Stadium in Seattle, Washington. The LSU Tigers defeated the Washington Huskies 31-23. (Photo by Otto Greule Jr/Getty Images)
SEATTLE – SEPTEMBER 5: Quarterback Jake Locker #10 of the Washington Huskies runs with the ball for yardage against the LSU Tigers during their game on September 5, 2009 at Husky Stadium in Seattle, Washington. The LSU Tigers defeated the Washington Huskies 31-23. (Photo by Otto Greule Jr/Getty Images) /

No. 15 LSU vs. Washington

This was the first game I watched and there were a few interesting talking points from a 2020 perspective:

  • Seeing a team go 0-12 as Washington did in 2008 was almost impressive
  • Steve Sarkisian seemed to be the beginning of the rise of the Washington program
  • Any game involving Les Miles is an entertaining one
  • Jake Locker was a serious blast from the past
  • Sarkisian had the Huskies running the ball downhill and play-action bootlegs out of the I-formation all game — the sport has changed dramatically
  • I cannot wait for the day a big-time SEC program like LSU has the cajones to go back up to the Pacific Northwest.

Despite not winning a single game the season before, the hype around this game was for real for Washington. While they lost the game 31-23, the Huskies had something to hang their heads on. A promising new coach in Sarkisian, a young quarterback who looked solid at times and a team that looked worthy of winning a few games in 2009.

LSU on the other hand, got the job done in brutal conditions. Driving from Baton Rouge to Seattle would take over 38 hours and over 2,500 miles. The Tigers had their fair share of their fans in attendance, despite the distance.

Jordan Jefferson looked rough at times, but his three touchdowns are the reason LSU was able to pull off the victory.

Key Stats

Chris Polk (Washington): 21 carries for 91 yards
Terrence Toliver (LSU): Four receptions for 117 yards

Key Play

Husky kicker Erik Folk missed a 42-yard field goal down 11 with 10:50 left in the fourth quarter. If he would have made it, Washington would have been down eight and with defensive momentum. Instead, he missed it, killing a great drive from Locker and the offense.

Eventually, the clock was against the Huskies and LSU was able to pull away with a touchdown under two minutes left, making it 15-point game.

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