No. 10 – Washington Huskies Season Preview

The Washington Huskies only played four games in 2020, but it looked like Jimmy Lake was ready to pick up where Chris Petersen left off. Washington was set to represent the Pac 12 North in the Pac 12 Championship Game, but a COVID outbreak meant that the Huskies had to end their season early. Now, they are looking to show the rest of the conference what would have awaited them in a regular season in 2021.

Washington Regular Season Win Total

Over 8.5 Wins -150

Under 8.5 Wins +120

OFFENSE

Dylan Morris only completed 60.9% of his passes last year, but he averaged 8.2 YPA to rank in the upper half of the conference. Morris threw three interceptions against Utah, but he was very efficient for a freshman against every other team on the schedule. Washington is hoping that he will grow into the role more in 2021.

The top three running backs from last year all return to the fold. Sean McGrew and Richard Newton each averaged 5.3 YPC, while Kamari Pleasant was a solid change of pace.

All three running backs are likely to post much better numbers in 2021 behind a veteran offensive line. Every starter from 2020 is back, and all five members of the offensive line have at least four years of experience. That will help the Huskies establish the run to help out Morris.

Tight end Cade Otton was the top target for the Huskies last season. He caught 18 passes for 258 yards and three touchdowns, and he should be Morris’ favorite target again in 2021. Unfortunately, the receiving corps is not very experienced, and that could be a major problem this season since the Huskies are projected to start two freshmen.

DEFENSE

Washington’s defense has been rock solid under Lake. He has been the Huskies’ defensive coordinator for four straight seasons, and they have routinely been one of the top defenses in the conference. That should be the case again in 2021.

The Huskies return seven starters from 2020. Edefuan Ulofoshio should be an all-conference linebacker, and Zion Tupuola-Fetui could provide a huge boost if he is able to return from an Achilles’ injury.

This linebacking corps is expected to be solid with Ulofoshio and Jackson Sirmon on the inside and Ryan Bowman and Jeremiah Martin on the outside. Washington’s defensive line could be a bit of a problem though, as there isn’t much experience up front.

Look for the secondary to be one of the best in the Pac 12 in 2021. Trent McDuffie is a standout cornerback, and Brendan Radley-Hiles brings a lot of experience from Oklahoma. The safeties aren’t great though, so complex passing attacks could give this defense trouble.

SCHEDULE

Washington has an interesting non-conference schedule. The Huskies shouldn’t struggle with either Montana or Arkansas State, but they might have a hard time going on the road to take on Michigan. In conference play, they get to host Oregon and Arizona State, and they avoid both Utah and USC. That should bode well for a strong full first season for Jimmy Lake.

PREDICTION

Barring injuries or an uncharacteristic defensive collapse, Washington should win at least nine games. The Huskies have a strong corps and consistency post-Petersen under Lake.

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