Hawaii (2-0) at #23 Washington (1-1)
Saturday, 4:30 p.m.
Husky Stadium, Seattle, WA
Line: Washington -21
TV: Pac-12 Radio: KOMO 1000
The No. 23 Washington Huskies will look to rebound this Saturday after a stunning 20-19 loss to California.
“Obviously a tough game on Saturday,” Coach Chris Petersen said about the loss against California a week ago.”Three quarters of it was some really good football our guys played. And your’re really proud of them for how hard they played. And really put good tape (on).You know, played well on tape. And there’s a handful of things that you just (would) love to have back. And that’s the game though. That’s why we’re still a work in progress. I think a lot of learning goes on. You know that’s what we love about our guys.”
The Huskies made mistakes you are just not used to seeing from a Petersen coached team in the loss to Cal. Tackling issues, dropped passes, and contain issues on defense all led to the loss.
But it’s a new week for the Huskies as they face a Hawaii team that is already 2-0 against the Pac-12. Hawaii beat Arizona in their home-opener and followed that win up with a victory over Oregon State – shutting out the Beavers in the second half.
The Rainbow Warriors feature a “Run and Shoot” offense. Hawaii has attempted 100 passes to just 55 runs. Quarterback Cole McDonald has 799 yards passing with an 8-5 touchdown/interception ratio. Wide receivers Cedric Byrd and JoJo Ward have combined for 35 receptions for 544 yards and nine touchdowns. The two talented wideouts have accounted for nine of Hawaii’s 11 touchdowns.
“I think we have a really good team coming in here because it’s completely unique,” Coach Petersen said about Hawaii.”That’s one thing you don’t see is their back to the run and shoot which you don’t see a lot. You can say the same thing (with) what they’re doing over in Pullman with the the air raid. You see a little more of that.”
Washington’s strength on defense is their secondary led by senior safety Myles Bryant. The Huskies are allowing just 161.0 passing yards per game through two games. Cole McDonald’s 799 passing yards rank No. 3 in the nation. It will be a battle of strengths this Saturday.
The Huskies offense will look to take advantage of a Hawaii defense that has allowed 33.0 points per game – tied for 108th in the nation. Washington put up a respectable 348 yards of offense against a very stout California defense. But it should have easily been over 400 yards if not for dropped passes. Also, UW visited the redzone three times against Cal and failed to score a TD.
Extra Points
* Since taking over at UW in 2014, Chris Petersen is 32-3 when favored by 10 or more points
* Washington’s only non-conference, non-power five loss under Petersen was in 2015 at Boise State
* 55 of UW’s 106-man roster is either freshmen or redshirt freshmen
* Washington is 4-1 all-time against Hawaii
Prediction
Washington has had success against teams that like to throw the ball a lot. Specifically their arch rival Washington State. Hawaii’s offense is different but they like to throw the ball a ton. The Huskies should come out angry after last week. Hawaii hasn’t faced a good defense yet and in the past have struggled against good defenses. Washington’s offense should also be able to get back on track against a lesser Hawaii defense.
Washington 45 Hawaii 17
