#15 WASHINGTON (5-2, 3-1) vs Colorado (5-1, 2-1)
TODAY, 12:30 PM
HUSKY STADIUM (Seattle, WA)
TV: FOX
RADIO: KOMO AM 1000 and FM 97.7
LINE: UW -17.5
The Series
Washington has won eight straight in the series to take an 11-5-1 lead, including a 4-3-1 mark in Seattle and a six-game win streak since Colorado joined the Pac-12 in 2011.
Last Season
Washington traveled to Boulder in what was anticipated to be a revenge match for the Buffs following the previous season’s Pac-12 championship game. Instead, Myles Gaskin rushed for over 200 yards as the Huskies wiped the Buffs out again, 37-10.
The Rankings & Standings
Washington is ranked #15 this week in the AP Poll, and #14 in the Coaches Poll. Colorado fell out of the rankings after the loss to USC last weekend in Los Angeles. While the Huskies are still in a solid position to compete for the North championship, Colorado is also still fighting to take control of the South, although they’ve lost to USC and so their position is a little more precarious.
On Offense
Steven Montez has had a productive season so far; he’s passed for 1590 yards and is at 70% completions. In the run game, Travon McMillian is leading all rushers with 560 yards on 102 carries and four touchdowns. He averages 5.5 yards-per-carry.
Montez’s favorite target, Laviska Shenault Jr. may not even play today. He has had a toe injury and, even if he does play, he won’t be over-doing it, so look for Montez to find other targets such ,as K.D. Nixon, Jay McIntyre, and Tony Brown.
On Defense
DL Mustafa Johnson leads the team in sacks (5.5) and linebacker Nate Landman leads the team in tackles (59). Also keep an eye out for nose tackle, Javier Edwards and true freshman DL, Israel Antwine.
Keys to the Game for Washington
** Washington’s crowd really needs to help this team out. It was a devastating loss to Oregon, but not just because it was Oregon — it oculd have been anyone in the country — but Washington went on the road and were, in reality, the better team. So the fans really need to bring the homecoming energy and pick this team back up.
** Montez is the best dual-threat QB that Washington will face all year. They need to keep him in the pocket. Take away his short-passing game, take away the run and then get off the field on third downs.
** Run the ball, run it again, and run it again. Colorado’s offense is an up-tempo offense and so Washington needs to keep the ball, grind the clock, and keep CU’s offense off the field.
** The Huskies should just play the same game they played against Oregon, but this time they’ll be at home, facing a team that is banged up and went on the road last weekend to USC — unlike Oregon who was at home and coming off a bye.
** If Laviska Shenault Jr. does play,just contain him. Toe injuries can be nagging and can even ruin a career — so if he gets in then he won’t be playing that much.
** Win the turnover battle, and make the field goals
Predictions
Kyle Waltos: Washington 35 Colorado 14
Ruth Robbins: Washington 31 Colorado 17
