Washington (6-4) at Colorado (4-6)
Folsom Field, Boulder, Colorado
7 p.m.
Line: Washington -14.5
TV: ESPN Radio: KOMO 1000
Washington coming off a bye heads to Boulder to face the struggling Colorado Buffaloes. In Washington’s last outing, they beat the Beavers, 19-7. Washington’s defense dominated, pitching a shutout against the Beavers. Oregon State’s only points were scored on a pick-six. Washington’s offense on the other hand was brutal – as they managed just 19 points against a struggling Oregon State defense.
“You have to throw and catch the ball better,” Coach Chris Petersen said about his team’s offensive performance at Oregon State.”We’re running the ball. This team can run the ball. But you’re not going to win the games running the ball 60 times a game. You’ve got to make some plays in the passing game. We were awful last week in that situation.”
Washington’s offense has been a disappointment this year and a big part of it comes down to third down. The Huskies rank 109th in the nation in third down conversion percentage – converting on just .348% of third downs.
“Execution. That’s what it comes down to as it always does,” Petersen said about his team’s struggle on third down.”Kind of how we sequence plays as well. We know we got two plays and sometimes that changes things and get it close to fourth and short and try to convert there. But bottom line it comes down to just consistency and execution.”
It could be the week the Huskies get back on track on offense facing a Colorado defense that allows 32.3 points per game. The Buffs’ have given up 6.8 yards per play this year and 469.3 yards per game – ranks 119th in the nation.
Washington’s offense hasn’t found their identity through 10 games. Junior quarterback Jacob Eason has looked great at times and at other times, not great. Eason has passed for 2,472 yards, 20 touchdowns, and seven interceptions.
A lot has changed for the Buffaloes after a 3-1 start with impressive wins against Nebraska and at Arizona State. Those wins looked good at the time but they turned out not so great. Since their solid start, the Buffaloes dropped five straight games before finally ending the streak with a 16-13 victory over Stanford. During the Buffs’ five game losing streak, they were outscored by a combined 99 points.
Colorado struggles on both sides of the football. But it’s been their offense that has been most disappointing. Led behind senior quarterback Steven Montez, Colorado averages 24.7 points per game – ranking them 137 in the nation in points per game. Montez has thrown 14 touchdowns to 10 interceptions. It’s also been a disappointing season for star wide receiver Laviska Shenault. The junior has been hampered by injuries this season. Shenault comes in with 621 yards receiving and five total touchdowns.
Keys to the game for Washington
1. Account for Shenault on every play
Laviska Shenault is a projected first round pick if he decides to leave after this season. And he’s a player that UW must have accounted for on every play. Shenault is not only a great wide receiver but he also can score touchdowns rushing too. Washington must do everything in their power to limit his production Saturday night.
2. Pound the rock
The Huskies must get back to their bread and butter, which is to run the ball at will. Washington has a veteran offensive line and three capable backs that can go over 100 yards on any given day. Colorado gives up over 160 yards on the ground per game. This is a game where the Huskies could get over 200 yards if they are clicking.
3. Turnover battle
It sounds so vanilla but Washington more than in recent years must win the turnover battle. The room for error with this squad has not been much and they must take care of the football on the road.
Prediction
Colorado has been better at home this year and must win their next two games to get to a bowl game. Washington meanwhile is trying to climb the ladder in the bowl lineup. Both teams get a bye before this matchup but I expect the Huskies to benefit more from the bye. Washington’s defense should be able to continue their momentum on defense against a struggling Buffs’ offense. And this is the week Washington’s offense should get right. Huskies win big in Boulder.
Washington 31 Colorado 14
