The Washington Huskies were viewed by a lot of pundits to be a year away from truly being ready to contend for Pac-12 and national championships, but Washington wasn’t really a year away. The Huskies proved they were ready in 2016, as the pieces came together in Seattle under head coach Chris Petersen, who showed that everything he did at Boise State could in fact be replicated at a bigger program in a power conference. The Washington Huskies lost several important pieces from their 2016 team, but they are certainly a lead contender in the Pac-12 and for a College Football Playoff spot this season.
How Did They End 2016
The Huskies lost in November to USC at home, on a day when they were physically manhandled up front. That could have been a disillusioning and painful moment for the team, but it instead chose to view that game as a learning experience. Washington responded against rival Washington State – in a game which was going to decide the Pac-12 North Division champion – with a 28-point first quarter and a very strong effort. The Washington Huskies were not physically inferior in that game, and they weren’t inferior when they played Colorado a week later in the Pac-12 Championship Game in Santa Clara, California. The Huskies powered their way to their first Pac-12 title in almost 20 years and reached the first College Football Playoff in school history. Their defense played well in the Peach Bowl playoff semifinal against Alabama, but the offense couldn’t do anything after a first-quarter touchdown drive. The Huskies exceeded all expectations in 2016 and will try to replicate their feat in 2017.
Offseason Changes
The loss of John Ross at wide receiver is notable, and some members of the front seven won’t be around, but the secondary is the centerpiece of the team’s concerns and what Petersen has to replenish in the coming season. Budda Baker, Kevin King and Sydney Jones were all outstanding performers on the back line of the Huskies’ defense. Their replacements don’t have to meet the same standard, but they sure do have to come reasonably close. The defense won’t be as good as it was last season, but it can’t experience a huge drop-off. If the defense is modestly good – and therefore not that much worse than the 2016 group – the Huskies should be able to return to the championship stage.
Team X-Factor
Chico McClatcher was the No. 3 receiver on the team last season, but with Ross going to the pros, McClatcher will be a more primary target and will need to shoulder a substantial workload. If he is up to the task, the Huskies’ offense – which will probably need to carry the team this year – can live up to expectations and do what needs to be done.
What To Expect From The Huskies This Year
Washington, with Jake Browning back at quarterback and with solid line play returning on both sides of the ball, is in reasonably good shape. The secondary is a concern, and so is the simple fact that the Huskies will be more of a target. Many think the Washington Huskies will play USC in the Pac-12 Championship Game for a spot in the Playoff. It is too early to offer a strong line of argument on that game, but the Huskies have a very good chance to win.
Record Last 5 Seasons
2016: 12-2
2015: 7-6
2014: 8-6
2013: 9-4
2012: 7-6
Schedule & Outlook
The Huskies have a win total of 10 but the schedule looks quite manageable. Their first seven games look like this:
at Rutgers
vs Montana
vs Fresno State
at Colorado
at Oregon State
vs California
at Arizona State
If they can find a way to win at Colorado, this team could be 7-0 through the middle of October. And four of their final five games are at home. 10 is a big total but over looks really good in this spot.
The Huskies were crushed by USC last season even though the score didn’t indicate it. They might be able to take advantage of a weak USC offensive line and win a reunion this December. Washington is probably still the best team in the Pac-12, though USC will challenge the Huskies.
Regular Season Win Total Prediction: Over 10
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