Pac-12 football is back in Seattle for one final go-round as the California Golden Bears and Washington Huskies open conference play. Cal is 2-1 and coming off a loss to Aubrun while the Huskies sit at #8 in the nation at 3-0.

Cal has much improved from last  season and should put up a decent fight tonight. But this game is all about the Huskies. Let’s talk about what UW has to offer:

Is the Running Game Real?

Dillon Johnson looked like the answer in East Lansing. Now he’ll have a chance to back it up. Cal did a good job to stop the run against Auburn last week and if the Huskies have struggled anywhere it’s been rushing.

Tonight will be Johnson’s, and the entire running game’s chance to build off their week three performance. The Golden Bear’s should prove to be a test but if what we’ve seen holds true this could be the game where the Huskies finally take some running identity.

It’s been a similar story for everyone of these “What to Watch” stories but on a potentially cold and rainy night at home putting some bodies on the ground could be just what the Huskies need to initiate Pac-12 play.

Will the defense keep it up?

A lot of the talk surrounding Washington focuses on Michael Penix and the nations top offense. But the thing that separates this Huskies team from the rest of the conference (and dare I say the country) is they are excelling on both sides of the football.

While the offense has put up screen shattering numbers game after game the defense has quietly shutdown opponents. The Michigan State win was their recognition game on the national stage as they held the Spartans to zero points in three quarters.

Bralen Trice and Zion Tupuola-Fetui have been leading a top tier pass rush while the interior has stiffled the run. Kamren Fabiculanan is the somewhat unlikely leader in interceptions but has been balling out along with the rest of the secondary.

Expect a big game from this unit against a shaky looking Cal offense, especially with home field advantage.

Is this Team Ready for the Gauntlet?

The Huskies haven’t faced the nation’s toughest schedule to this point. And their conference schedule is brutal. With five ranked opponents on their schedule, including four in a row to end the season the Huskies need to be firing all cylinders.

There have been points that have looked sloppy for the Huskies and it’s been ok so far as they’ve been able to overpower teams.

This is going to be a big game in front of a home crowd and a perfect opportunity for the Huskies to get firing at the right time.

Things won’t be getting easier from here so getting things right now should save them scares in the big moments.