Oregon State (0-1) at Washington (0-0)
Saturday, 8 p.m.
Line: Washington -13.5
TV: FS1 Radio: 950 KJR
The Jimmy Lake era has yet to take off after Washington’s season opener at California was cancelled due to Covid concerns. But that hasn’t got the Huskies too down as they prepare to open their season against Oregon State this Saturday night at Husky Stadium.
“Found out the news, we had an emergency team meeting about 45 minutes after that and let the team know,” Lake said about finding out last week’s game against California had been cancelled.”They were extremely disappointed but I’m proud of them. They did not flinch one bit. We re-juggled our schedule and ended up practicing on Saturday and Sunday. And I love the way the guys responded.”
Washington will be breaking in a new offense with a new quarterback this Saturday night. Jimmy Lake has yet to name a starting quarterback and will not until game time. But Lake does seem to think the Huskies will have an advantage not having shown their new offense last Saturday.
“It’s a definite advantage for the team that they have not shown on offense,” Lake said. “So on defense you’re really going into it blind.”
Whoever is at QB for the Huskies should have a solid running game to rely on as 6-foot, 210-pound sophomore Richard Newton is expected to be the Huskies workhorse out of the backfield. Outside of the Huskies running game, it will be much more of a wait and see about this unknown UW offense.
Something less unknown is Oregon State’s offense. The Beavers had to play catch up for most of the night in a 38-28 loss against Washington State last week. Junior QB Tristan Gebbia passed for 329 yards on 48 attempts in the loss. But if all things are clicking for the Beavers offense it will be running back Jermar Jefferson that will do a lot of the damage. Jefferson rushed for 120 yards and three touchdowns last Saturday. Although it wasn’t the best offensive performance for OSU, a Jonathan Smith coached team is always one that makes defensive coordinators worry.
After what was considered a down year for Washington’s defense a season ago, they are looking for a bounce back season. The Huskies lost two key players to opt outs that included Joe Tryon and Levi Onwuzurike. But the Huskies do have a lot of talent on this side of the ball. UW’s defense features a veteran secondary that includes junior Elijah Molden who is on almost every preseason award watch list. For this team to win a conference championship the defense will have to return to elite form.
Keys to the game for Washington
1. Stop Jefferson
The Huskies must stop Jermar Jefferson. There’s no doubt that Jefferson is one of the best running back’s in the conference. If UW can limit Jefferson, it could be a long day for Oregon State’s offense.
2. Make it easy at QB
Whoever starts at QB for the Huskies, the coaching staff must make his job as easy as possible. This means getting the running game going early to set up short third downs and set up the play action pass.
3. Winning the turnover battle
Especially in the first game of the season winning the turnover battle is crucial. When the Huskies have been at their best in recent years, they are one of the best in the country in turnover margin.
Prediction
This is a game where the Huskies should be able to run the ball at will setting up the play action pass. The Beavers have struggled in recent years to stop anyone on offense and that should continue on Saturday. Also Oregon State doesn’t have any tape on UW’s new offense. And expect UW’s defense to come in prepared as always. Huskies look sharp in Jimmy Lake’s debut.
Washington 35 Oregon State 17
