Washington Huskies vs. California Golden Bears: 3 Keys to Victory
By Paul Taylor
1) Use the playoff poll as motivation
The mere fact the Huskies are unbeaten, tells you all you need to do about coach Petersen’s ability to prepare the team each and every week. (Maybe there is something to this whole mindset of only concentrating on the next opponent!)
Regardless, it doesn’t hurt to be provided with a little extra motivation once in a while. In that respect, may I present to you the College Football Playoff committee’s first poll of the season.
Yes, Petersen has repeatedly told his players to ignore all the outside noise. However, you have to figure the Huskies’ head coach will make an exception for this, given what’s at stake.
In theory, the Dawgs should jump into the top four as long as they win out, although there are no guarantees. To be honest, the fact they’re not there for the inaugural poll is exasperating, especially given that the AP and Coaches’ polls both rank them at number four.
At least quarterback Jake Browning sounds like he’s struck the right balance with how to respond, as per his comments to The Seattle Times‘ Adam Jude: “Good, put us at fifth — or wherever. We’ll keep playing and keep worrying about Cal.”