Washington State (6-5) at Washington (6-5)
Friday, 1 p.m.
Husky Stadium, Seattle, WA
Line: Washington -7
TV: FOX Radio: KOMO 1000
The Washington Huskies had thoughts of a conference championship, a fourth straight New Year’s Six Bowl, and a return to the Rose Bowl to start the season.
”We should compete for a Pac-12 Championship,” Coach Petersen said Monday on what his expectations are on a year-to-year basis.”That’s the goal and that’s what we should be able to do.”
All those dreams are dashed now after a stunning 6-5 season. But the Apple Cup is here and the Huskies look to extend their winning streak to seven games over the Washington State Cougars.
Washington’s defense will be tasked with stopping Mike Leach’s “air raid” offense. The Cougars come in ranked No. 1 in the nation in passing yards (456.7) per game. And No. 9 in the nation in points per game (41.5). WSU QB Anthony Gordon leads the nation in passing yards (4,920), passing yards per game (447.3), and passing touchdowns (45).
But the Huskies have had success stopping Leach’s potent offenses in the past. Under head coach Chris Petersen, UW has held WSU to under 20 points in each of their five meetings. The most WSU has scored since Petersen arrived at UW is 17 points back in 2016. Washington has outscored WSU 190-69 in those meetings.
On offense, Washington’s struggles have been alarming. Against a struggling Buffaloes defense, UW managed just 238 total yards of offense and 14 points. It was the fourth time this season that the Huskies finished with less than 20 points.
“If there was a real common thread I think we can get that fixed,” Coach Chris Petersen said when asked if there was a common reason why Washington’s offense has struggled this season.”Sometimes it’s on the protection. Sometimes it’s on the wideouts not making a play. Sometimes it’s on the QB, where the ball’s maybe not as accurate as it should be or going the wrong direction. It’s a little bit of all those things. When we do get in a rhythm, when we do stay on the field, we can be pretty darn productive and good at times.”
Washington’s offense might have to do more than they have this year then in past Apple Cups. Washington’s defense has not been quite as dominant – allowing 21.1 points per game. But Washington State’s defense has struggled all season long. The Cougars allowed 53 points to Oregon State last week. For the season, WSU ranks No. 95 in the nation in scoring defense – allowing 31.5 points per game.
Keys to the game for Washington
1. Run the ball
It’s clear at this point when Washington can’t run the ball they are in trouble. Coach Petersen echoed the same thoughts earlier in the week. Washington must run the ball to take the pressure off of Jacob Eason and the UW passing game that has struggled this season.
2. Get turnovers
Washington State will be able to move the ball tomorrow but Washington must force turnovers. The Huskies have feasted on turnovers in past Apple Cups. This year it’s even more important with the Huskies struggling on offense.
3. Protect Eason
Washington’s offensive line was manhandled last week against Colorado. That cannot happen against Washington State. The Huskies must keep Eason upright to keep a balance on offense.
Prediction
Washington’s offense has been brutal of late. And this is a game where they might have to score more points than normal. But recent history is on the Huskies side as they have found a scheme to shut down the air raid offense. Washington’s offense does enough and UW’s defense forces a few turnovers that gets the Huskies their seventh straight Apple Cup.
Washington 31 Washington State 21
