Washington will look for revenge after last year’s 12-10 loss to California this Saturday night at Husky Stadium. Here are five things to watch for when #13 Washington takes on California.
1. How will Washington’s wide receivers look against Cal’s stout secondary?
Washington’s wide receivers looked great against Eastern Washington. Combined, UW wideouts caught 28 passes for 370 yards and four touchdowns. But California is a whole different task. The Golden Bears bring in a great secondary that can really disrupt an offensive game plan. Last year, UW had just 151 yards passing against California. The same wide receivers are back for the most part and it will be interesting to see if their experience will be for the better this Saturday night.
2. Jacob Eason Encore
Jacob Eason’s Husky debut could not have gone any better. The Georgia transfer threw for 349 yards and four touchdowns in Washington’s 47-14 win over Eastern Washington. Eason was making NFL throws look easy. This week presents a new challenge. California’s secondary is one of best in the country and it will be intriguing to see how Eason does for his encore.
3. Turnover Battle
In a game where the over/under is set at 44.5 points you know the turnover battle is huge. The Huskies lost at California 12-10 on a late pick-6 by the Golden Bears’ defense last season. Washington was 4-0 last year when winning the turnover battle. California was 5-0 when winning the turnover battle last season. In last year’s matchup, California was plus two in that category. Protecting the football is a must in this game with two of the best defenses in the conference -if not the country.
4. Washington’s Ground Attack
Last year, Washington was held to a season low of 91 yards rushing on 33 attempts against California. It was the only game that UW failed to eclipse the century mark. Of course Myles Gaskin and starting left tackle Trey Adams did not play in that game. But either way Washington must take this game to heart and dominate up front. Getting the run game going will soften up a very good California secondary and make life on Jacob Eason much easier.
5. California’s Offense?
The Golden Bears offense was a mess in 2018. Cal averaged just 21.5 points per game. To make matters worse, California quarterbacks threw a combined 20 interceptions. In Cal’s season opener against UC Davis last Saturday, they had four turnovers. Quarterback Chase Garbers must take care of the ball if this offense has any chance of doing anything against an always stout UW defense.
