The Washington Huskies went into Eugene, Oregon and dropped the 6th-ranked Ducks 37-34. Before the game RealDawg.com’s Kaila Olin looked at 3 keys to victory.
Key Number 1: Take Advantage of an Explosive Passing Offense
Kaila Said, “Oregon is one of the worst in all of FBS in terms of passing yards allowed per game, averaging 276.6 yards per game to go along with an average of 11 yards per completed pass allowed. Washington needs to take advantage of their biggest strength versus where Oregon struggles the most and it will help pick up any slack from the defense.”
Kaila Nailed It. Michael Penix had 408 passing yards, but the explosive pass plays of 62-yarder from from Penix to Taj Davis and a 76-yard hook up between Penix and Polk kept the Huskies in the game.
Key Number 2: Washington’s Defense Needs to Pull Through on 3rd Downs
Kaila said, “If the defense can figure out ways to force punts and pull through on third downs, the Huskies can get the win.”
Kaila Nailed it: With just over 3 minutes remaining in the game the Ducks decided that they wanted to continue to grind the game away. Three straight carries of 3 yards brought up fourth and 1. The game was decided on a slip by Oregon running back on 4th down, giving the Huskies a short field setting up Peyton Henry’s game-winner.
Key Number 3: Takeaway Oregon’s Run Game
Kaila Said: The Ducks have the No. 11 rushing offense in all of FBS, averaging 231.2 rushing yards per game and is No. 6 in average yards per carry at 5.81 yards. Irving is the 4th best running back in the country in terms of average yard per carry.
Kaila missed on this one but was correct about needing to stop the run game.
