The Huskies are coming off their worst season in almost 14 years. Jimmy Lake got fired mid-season after the infamous push of a player on the sidelines, and Washington finished just 4-8 on the year.
But there is a new reason for hope on Montlake. In comes head coach Kalen DeBoer, who’s coming off a very successful season at Fresno State. DeBoer brings an offensive mind to a team that desperately needs just innovation on that side of the ball.
Washington’s 2022 win total is set at 7.5 at Vegasinsider.com.
Let’s take a look at why the Huskies will, or won’t, win eight games.
Why the Huskies won’t win 8 games?
The Huskies won’t win over 7.5 games for a few reasons. First, the health of Michael Penix Jr. is a major concern. Penix Jr. has yet to finish a full college season. When healthy, he can be very good, which would be great for Washington. But if he can’t, they don’t have a QB that has had any kind of sustainable success at the collegiate level.
Washington also brings in some concerns over the loss of cornerbacks Trent McDuffie and Kyler Gordon, who departed to the NFL. There is going to be a drop-off in the secondary without question. But can they limit the drop-off?
Washington’s road schedule gives them no margin for error. When looking at the schedule it’s realistic to think UW could be underdogs in every road game. The Huskies face UCLA, Arizona State, California, Oregon, and Washington State. That won’t be easy.
Why the Huskies will win 8 games
Washington’s offense improves significantly under Kalen DeBoer and offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb. Washington finished 2021 ranked 114th in the nation in total offense, at just 323.4 yards per game. DeBoer and Grubb’s offense at Fresno State finished 14th, at 464.8 yards per game. UW will be better on offense without question this season. To win eight games, it will have to be significantly better.
The defense needs to create takeaways. Last year, UW played a very conservative defense and created just 15 turnovers – ranking them tied for 82nd in the nation. Washington will be more aggressive this year, which was evident in the spring game, where the team lined up in more aggressive fronts. And that should pay dividends in creating turnovers. They might give up more big plays but it would be shocking if they don’t create more takeaways this season.
The offensive line has to live up to the hype this year. Washington’s offensive line in the summer before the 2021 season was expected to be a top-five group in the country. Instead, it was an absolute disaster. The O-line looked confused most of the season, which probably was because of a scheme issue. With a new scheme in place and the return of star left tackle Jaxson Kirkland, this group is going to be a lot better, and they’ll need to be to get to eight wins.
Verdict
I like the over of 7.5 UW wins this season, and there are a few reasons why. Starting with four home games is a huge advantage for this team. Sure, one of those games includes a primetime matchup against a very tough Michigan State team, but by their third game the team should be nice and warmed up in what should be an electric Husky Stadium.
I also like the Huskies winning at least eight games because they will be a much better offense this year. DeBoer and Grubb together are a great combination. Add in an experienced starting quarterback with a very talented wide receiver corps and you get an offense that will be significantly better than a season ago.
They will have to sneak in a few road wins, but I think they’re up for the task.
