The Washington Huskies head into the Boise State game double digit favorites. Does that mean that it will be easy for UW? Probably not. Despite a Twitter personally putting the Huskies “officially in upset alert” this Washington team is dialed in.
Here are five guys (not named Michael Penix) who will factor heavily into a Washington victory. Keep in mind that these aren’t the players with the biggest roles, but will factor into a season-opening win for Washington:
Bralen Trice, Edge
Hemming in Boise State quarterback Jaylen Green will be critical. Once outside the pocket the sophomore signal caller becomes a different threat than just being a passer. Throughout both Spring and Fall camps Trice showed the ability to beat both of Washington’s tackles.
Edefuan Ulofoshio, Linebacker
It’s been a while since the 6th year senior started a game. However, his ability to anticipate a quarterback’s decisions will be important in containing Green in the running game.
If Green gets knocked around early by Trice, Ulofoshio’s brain will become even more powerful.
Rome Odunze, Receiver
Duh, right? The Junior from Las Vegas doesn’t have to put up out-of-this-world stats to have a big impact on the outcome. If Odunze can consistently draw double teams he will make every receiver better down the line.
The visitors may have the ability to matchup with a couple receivers some of the time, but when either Odunze and/or McMillan are double-teamed receivers down the line will benefit.
Asa Turner, Safety
The Washington defensive coaches have called Turner another coach on the field as there’s not a lot that he hasn’t seen in his half a decade on Montlake.
The reason he’s on this list is that he will need to be sound in every aspect of his game. There can’t be any lapses, especially in the run game. If the front can make life uncomfortable for Green, Turner may be the one with the last shot to bring him down.
Germie Bernard, Kickoff Returner
Bernard is the 3rd Las Vegas product on this list. The first-year Husky returner has already returned some kicks in Husky Stadium. A year ago while at Michigan State in Husky Stadium, Bernard was returning kickoffs for the Michigan State Spartans. In the few drills available to the press Bernard has shown great hands, but also the patience to set up blocks as well as the vision to set up blocks.
BSU will probably try to run down the clock on Washington’s offense so big returns by Bernard will help the efficiency of the offense.
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