On Saturday afternoon the Washington Huskies will host #11 Michigan State in a battle of two teams touting a 2-0 record. While the wins by each program are impressive, neither team has been challenged by inferior opponents.

First, the Huskies have welcomed Kent State and Portland State to Husky stadium for a monumental beatdown. The Dawgs have outscored their opponents 97-26 over the two games. While the offense has been extremally effective led by Michael Penix and his 70% completion percentage and a 6-1 TD to INT ratio he has yet to be pressured consistently.

On the other side Michigan State has outscored their opponents 87-13 pitching a shutout against Akron. While the running game has been effective with the two headed monster of Jalen Berger and Jerek Broussard the quarterback play has been suspect. Payton Thorne has a 58% completion percentage and 4 touchdowns against 3 interceptions.

The quarterback comparison between the two is one to watch. Both signal callers have been playing inferior defenses. One has excelled and one has left some questions. The key to a Washington win will be making Thorne uncomfortable. Pass rushers Bralen Trice, Zion Tupuola-Fetui, Jeremiah Martin, and Sav’ell Smalls will determine the outcome of this game. If they are effective against a rebuilt (3 new starters) O-line could give the defensive backfield a chance to turn the Spartans over.

For Michigan State the plan should be to find chunk yards on the ground with Berger and Broussard. If the change in leadership can fix the run problem of 2021 Washington will have a hard time winning this game.

Washington is favored by 3.5 heading into the matchup. I believe that the UW offense will be too much and the pass rushers overwhelming against an O-line in their first major test. I would bet Washington to win and cover.