Football Predictions – October 13-14, Huskies, Seahawks, Sunday Night
By Ed Stein
Washington Huskies at Oregon
Dave Champion – On Saturday the number seven ranked Washington Huskies will travel to face the #17 Oregon Ducks. This will be a tough challenge for Washington because of the Ducks fast-paced offense. But I think the Huskies will rise to the challenge by keeping the Ducks offense off the field with their running game. That will give Washington’s defense, a what will be well deserved, break. The Huskies will stop that offense enough times to come away with a “W.”
Kevin Saito – On paper, statistically speaking, you’d be tempted to give the edge to a high powered Ducks offense that is an absolute juggernaut. Averaging 45 points and 500 yards of offense per game is insane. But then, other than Stanford, who has Oregon racked up those stats on? Mostly on the San Jose State, Bowling Green, and Portland State’s of the world.
Meanwhile, Washington has been battle tested by the likes of ASU, BYU, and Utah… none of whom are easy outs. With College Playoff implications on the line, Washington wins, having played stiffer competition already.
Ed Stein – It’s a huge game for both teams. Oregon is a little more desperate coming into the contest. After losing to Stanford a few weeks ago, a loss Saturday knocks them out of the PAC-12 title picture, a win puts them in a tie for first place in the division. The Huskies become the dominant front-runner in the PAC-12 North with a win.
The Huskies have had their way with Oregon the last two seasons. Chris Petersen’s team has won by a combined108-24. It’s going to be different this season because Oregon has a very good offense, led by quarterback Justin Herbert. I think Washington’s defense learns from last week and steps up. Huskies win.
Matt Barry – This is a big game for both, but a real test for Washington if they want to prove that they are a contender for a college football playoff spot. Oregon poses a challenge with a balanced offense that can score points.
Last week at UCLA, the Huskies had some issues defensively with the quick, short passing game. They have also had some trouble at times with the run game. This past week may have been a blessing as Chris Petersen and the staff can correct some of those things.
The Huskies have had some slow starts as well, which Petersen addressed in his presser. Look for a better start this week. I see the Huskies rising to another challenge and winning this game.