Today we will predict Washington’s first six games of the 2019 season. Part two will come out later in the year.
VS. Eastern Washington (Aug. 31)
A lot has changed since Washington’s near loss to Eastern Washington in 2014. It was Chris Petersen’s first game at Husky Stadium as UW’s head coach as he watched opposing quarterback Vernon Adams throw for seven touchdowns. But the Huskies avoided the upset, winning in a 59-52 shootout. Eastern Washington is still an FCS team you don’t want to see early. Eastern lost in the FCS Championship game to South Dakota State last season. The Eagles bring back starting QB Eric Barriere and are once again expected to compete for a National Championship. The Huskies will have a new look defense and a new quarterback (Jacob Eason). But this Husky team will be ready for an Eagles team that is capable of beating an FBS level team on any given Saturday.
Washington 38 Eastern Washington 17
VS. California (Sep. 7)
An early week two Pac-12 matchup where the Huskies will be looking for revenge after last year’s shocking 12-10 loss in Berkeley. The Golden Bears will once again have one of the best defense’s in the conference and in the country. But they still have a ton of questions on offense. Don’t expect a lot of points in this game. This will be a great early test for UW’s new look offense.
Washington 20 California 13
VS. Hawaii (Sept. 14)
The Hawaii Rainbow Warriors will bring their explosive offense into Husky Stadium led by star quarterback Cole McDonald assuming redshirt freshman Chevan Cordeiro doesn’t takeover the job. Last season, McDonald, passed for 3,875 yards and 36 touchdowns. But in games against some of the better defenses, like Utah State, Fresno State, and BYU – Hawaii failed to score more than 23 points. This Hawaii team brings back 17 starters and should be an improved squad. But the Huskies should have no problem scoring and Hawaii hasn’t proven they can score against elite talent.
Washington 45 Hawaii 20
at BYU (Sept. 21)
Washington will travel to Provo this year after dominating BYU in Seattle last year – 35-7. The score didn’t do justice how much the Huskies dominated the game. UW out-gained the Cougars 464-194 yards and BYU didn’t score until under a minute left in the fourth quarter. But BYU is at home and QB Zach Wilson showed promise last year. Huskies get a hard fought win.
Washington 24 BYU 20
VS. USC (Sept. 28)
The last time the Trojans visited Husky Stadium in 2016, they derailed UW’s perfect season, defeating the Huskies 26-13. But that was a different USC team. The Trojans were just 5-7 last season. Clay Helton’s job security is anything but safe. Before USC meets with UW they face Fresno State, Stanford, at BYU, and Utah in the first four weeks of the season. The Trojans will likely be banged up and tired coming to UW. But every USC team has talent and you never know when it will all come together.
Washington 35 USC 24
at Stanford (Oct. 5)
Washington hasn’t beaten Stanford in Palo Alto since 2007. KJ Costello is back after having his best season as a Cardinal. Costello passed for 3,540 yards and 11 touchdowns. Stanford hasn’t had the same dominating offensive line in awhile but Costello should keep the offense solid. Again, the Huskies survive in a close one on the road.
Washington 24 Stanford 23
