Washington Huskies Football: Can the OL survive the loss of two starters?
By Matt Barry
What happened to the running attack?
Heading into this season, Washington Huskies running back Myles Gaskin was the career active rushing leader in the nation. So far this season, Gaskin has not played to his potential. In each of his first three seasons, Gaskin has rushed for over 1,300 yards culminating with an average of 6.2 yards-per-carry (YPC) last season. In 2018, Gaskin has just 128 yards for a YPC of 4.0. He has scored just one touchdown on the ground after scoring 21 last season.
Some of this may be caused by the lack of continuity on the offensive line. Without the two starters, the Huskies are struggling. They will need to straighten out the run game if they want to win PAC-12 games.
This week will be a huge test, Utah is ranked 21st nationally in run defense. Last season, Gaskin ran for just 52 yards against Utah in an improbable, come-from-behind 33-30 win. Look for the Huskies to try and run behind the makeshift offensive line early on Saturday.
An effective ground game would help take some of the pressure off quarterback Jake Browning, who’s had to be the big playmaker on offense so far. In order to do this, the line will have to protect him better than they have thus far.
Utah’s strength on defense is it’s secondary. Safeties Corrion Ballard and Marquise Blair lead the way. The PAC-12 version of Earl Thomas and Kam Chancellor are equally terrific against the run and the pass. Ballard has seven tackles and a forced fumble and Blair has eight tackles with two defended passes. Utah has a history of putting together strong defenses, this year’s group is no different, with the senior safeties leading the way.