What we learned from UW coach Petersen’s presser 10/15

Washington’s depth at running back is being tested

In the second half, Myles Gaskin (shoulder) and Salvon Ahmed (knee) both left the game due to injury and the Huskies were forced to play their third and fourth options, Sean McGrew and Kamari Pleasant, more than usual.

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Petersen acknowledged that it was that time of year and you are going to have to play a few tailbacks because it is a physical position. He thought that the backups played pretty well considering the situation and magnitude of the game.

Sean McGrew had 64 total yards (30 run, 34 receiving) and Kamari Pleasant had 37 total yards (30 run, seven receiving) in the game and showed some promise. Petersen said the two redshirt sophomores practice hard and he was happy with their contributions.

He went on to say that he always figures he needs a handful of backs to get through the season. A philosophy that is proving to very true. If Gaskin and Ahmed are sidelined for any length of time, the Huskies will need the reserves to play a significant role.

At five-feet, seven inches and 175 pounds Sean McGrew doesn’t look very intimidating. The former 2015 Gatorade California High School Player of the Year is very intimidating when he takes off with the ball. Meanwhile, Pleasant has great acceleration and hits the hole fast. Since the pair converted 15 touches into 101 yards, Petersen should be comfortable using them.

On Saturday, The Huskies will host Colorado, who lost at USC last week, while Oregon heads to Pullman, Washington for another showdown, this time with the Cougars of Washington State. Now ranked in both polls, the Cougars will be this week’s home to ESPN Gameday, and they are the team who is coming off a bye week. Oregon will now face some of the challenges that Coach Petersen and his staff faced against a rested Ducks squad.