#22 Washington (2-1) at BYU (2-1)
12:30 p.m.
LaVell Edwards Stadium, Provo, Utah
Line: Washington -6
TV: ABC Radio: KOMO 1000
The No. 22 ranked Washington Huskies will face their first road test of the season this Saturday at BYU. Washington is coming off a 52-20 home win over Hawaii. But this week is a much different test.
“I think their quarterback (Zach Wilson) makes them better,” UW head coach Chris Petersen said during his Monday morning press conference on BYU.”He’s a really good player. He’s super athletic (and) gets the ball out quick. He’s got some moxie to him.”
Zach Wilson’s ability to extend plays with his legs is what makes him most dynamic. BYU’s offense is averaging just 23.7 points per game but have faced the likes of Utah, at Tennessee, and USC. The Cougars’ offense features a balance. BYU has passed the ball 97 times and ran the ball 92 times. Ty’Son Williams leads BYU’s rushing attack with 236 yards on the ground with three touchdowns.
BYU’s defensive numbers are extremely inflated after two overtime games and Utah scoring 14 points against the Cougars on defense. But don’t be fooled, this is another good BYU defense. The Cougars return eight starters from a defense that allowed just 21.4 points per game in 2018. Junior linebacker Kavika Fonua leads the team with 30 tackles.
While the Huskies have had one close game, BYU’s games have been a little more dramatic. They played Utah tough for most of the game in their season opener until the turnover bug caught up with them. BYU in consecutive weeks have had overtime wins at Tennessee and against USC. Interesting enough, BYU has a 2-1 record despite being out-gained in all three games.
Washington brings to Provo a balanced attack on offense. The Huskies have ran the ball 120 times to 94 pass attempts. UW is averaging 39.3 points per game and 456.0 yards. Quarterback Jacob Eason has passed for 773 yards and seven touchdowns. All three of Washington’s main running backs (Salvon Ahmed, Richard Newton, and Sean McGrew) are averaging at least 5.6 yards per carry. Tight End Hunter leads the FBS in TE receiving yards with 236.
On the other side of the ball, UW’s defense is allowing a solid 18.0 points per game. Washington hasn’t quite been as dominant on defense as in recent years with nine new starters but they continue to be solid. Watch for senior safety Myles Bryant to anchor the back end. Bryant had two interceptions and a sack in last week’s win over Hawaii.
Altitude issue?
UW HC Chris Petersen when asked about altitude maybe having an impact on the game,”That’s never bothered us,” Petersen said. He went on to say that maybe the kickers like it more sense the ball travels further.
Last year’s meeting
Washington dominated BYU in Seattle last season – 35-7. Washington out-gained the Cougars, 464-194 yards. The Huskies were up 35-0 until a late BYU touchdown with 41 seconds left in the fourth quarter. The main difference for this year’s matchup is that BYU is at home and Zach Wilson will be the QB.
Prediction
The Huskies haven’t put together a full 60 minutes all season long. This is the perfect time for them to do it on the road. And they might need a full 60 minutes without the defensive lapses in this one. I think Washington gets all they can handle from a very solid BYU team. But UW gets it done with a balanced offensive attack.
Washington 31 BYU 20
