Every week during the 2022 football season RealDawg’s Kaila Olin will look at 3 keys to beating an opponent.  This week Olin looks at week 1 as the Washington Huskies take on the Kent State Golden Flashes.

Key 1:  Michael Penix needs to prove he can be a leader on offense

Kent State isn’t the biggest fan of playing defense. It was the worst in the MAC last season, giving up more first downs than anyone in college football, and the ball can be moved against them anyway. Getting receivers comfortable with this newly named QB1 while establishing what can be a threatening running game, while Penix takes control of the offense is a must in this game.

Key 2:  Run defense needs to have a good day

Kent State runs an up-tempo offense with very quick running backs who find holes and can break for big chunk plays. With the run defense being a weak point for the UW the last couple years, it would be no surprise if Kent State uses their backs to attack the middle and keep the ball on the ground. That being said, this will be a great non-conference test for the run defense to figure it out and get dialed in.

Key 3:  Don’t let up in the fourth quarter

This is the first game of the Kalen DeBoer era and it sets the tone for the season. In the fourth quarter, if UW is up, they need to act like they’re down 3 and keep pushing the ball downfield, create takeaways, and get experience in their starting teams. The best game reps with the first and second teams or mixing in the two deeps is going to be these first couple games. Use all four quarters and get fans excited again but also get meaningful reps in.

Listen in as Olin breaks down this matchup.