The now and future of Huskies football hangs on Jake Locker.

It's an unfair proposition since Locker has growing of his own to do, but the program is teetering. Football at the University, it's most identifiable athletic pursuit, has been stuck in the muck. Six years removed from their last winning season, the Huskies arrive in 2008 more dependent on a single player than any other school in the country.

Sure, Florida has Heisman winner Tim Tebow. West Virginia will be driven by quarterback Pat White, and wee Central Michigan almost solely relies on Dan LeFevour.

But the difference between Locker and the rest is this: his success will determine many fates.

Affected most will be Tyrone Willingham. The coach has been under siege while the program has floundered since his hiring in December of 2004. To be fair, the former Notre Dame coach did not arrive to a loaded roster. He was taking over a team which produced only one win the prior year, and was shut out in Pac-10 play. Disenchantment reached a staggering peak at the end of last season when a booster reportedly offered a $100,000 donation predicated on his removal. Now much of his future rests with Locker's brain as much as his brawn.

Next would be the incoming athletic director. The University is apparently searching far and wide for Todd Turner's replacement, a process that is now in its ninth month. Logic seems to dictate the unsettled direction of the football program is a major talking point for the both candidates and the university. Again, what Locker does this season, can alter the entire process.

Let's not forget recruiting. Having a talent of Locker's level enables the school to bring more talent at other positions. Locker's presence is a signing day cliche enabler, allowing the newbies to point at the Ferndale Flash as a reason for signing up. This goes for both sides of the ball. Locker's ability nurtures Rose Bowl dreams which influence the decision making of defensive talent as it does offensive.

This is an unfair task ahead for Locker. It's his second year. For all his rambunctious runs last season, his passes at times proved to be as elusive as he was. His decision-making growth and increase in accuracy will be mandatory for the program to move forward.

Naturally, he can't stop opponents' from running the ball, the same way he can't dictate whether a receiver's hands are chiseled or 400-thread count soft. He can't punt it, he can't return it, he can't block.

He's not part of the four returning offensive lineman expected to make life easier. He can't find the hole for new running back Chris Polk. He can't possibly do everything expected of him.

But the program long ago passed the considerate point of fair. It's now moved to desperation, heading toward a season filled with pressure born of traditional expectation.

The schedule could be viewed as a remedy assuming the opinion maker is wearing rose-colored glasses while sipping pure water from a half-full glass. The first three games, ferocious challenges in any season, bear daunting weight this one.

There's a trip to Eugene for starters. The Huskies were bludgeoned by the Dennis Dixon-led Ducks last season, and could view his departure, and that of running back Jonathan Stewart, as reasons for glee. Though a quick perusal of the boxscore reminds Locker was just 12-for-31 in that game, and returning Oregon back Andre Crenshaw sashayed through the Huskies defense for 113 yards on a measly 15 carries.

Second is BYU. The Cougars come to Montlake with a triumvirate every school should be envious of. Max Hall at quarterback, Austin Collie at receiver, and Harvey Unga in the backfield. This group is talking about going undefeated and busting into the BCS.

Then Oklahoma. This program is in such dire straits, the past few years have been deemed blah thanks to losses in BCS games. Really, boo-hoo. The Sooners steer the wagon into town with the nation's most efficient quarterback, Sam Bradford, only a sophomore, and all five offensive lineman returning.

And this is Locker's window. A currently unfathomable two wins in the first three games can start the palate cleansing, allowing exhales and Jeeves to put the booster's checkbook back in the hidden wall safe. A manageable remaining schedule may result in an appearance at the Superfluous Bowl, sponsored by a chip.

But an 0-3 beginning, especially by wide margins, simply tightens the vice and expedites change. Though not fair, it all starts with Locker. And for others, it may end with him as well.