Cal vs UW
The 2-1 Washington Huskies football team, fresh off a tough loss to Nebraska, look to bounce back at home in its Pac-12 opener against the 3-0 Cal Bears. The Huskies need a big win to start off conference play and make a statement to the rest of the Pac-12.
Keith Price has been nothing but clutch in most situations this year. Despite throwing some crucial interceptions in the red zone, he has otherwise led impressive drives capped off by his stellar receiving corps and running back, Chris Polk.
If Price’s banged up knees can hold up, look for another big game from him and his receiving corp.
The key to this game, though, will be the Husky defense, who have been soft this year, to say the least. The Huskies defense is giving up over 36 points per game while Cal’s offense is putting up an average of 45 points per game.
Can UW QB Keith Price put up big numbers against Cal?
With the game looking to be a shootout, the Husky defense needs to step up big time. Keith Price this season is 56 for 87 with 691 yards passing, a nation-leading 11 touchdowns and 3 interceptions. Cal’s impressive QB, Zach Maynard, is 49 of 95 with 724 yards passing, 9 touchdowns and 3 interceptions.
With both teams delivering big plays this season, it will be up to the defense to make the stand that could possibly win the game. LB Cort Dennison and CB Desmond Trufant will need to deliver with big games to keep this a close contest.
Chris Polk is finding himself nearing the top of several Washington rushing records and will be looking to continue his streak of excellence against the Bears. Polk is averaging over 120 rush yards per game and has rushed for over 100 yards in all 3 games this season.
Wide receiver Devin Aguilar is leading the team in receiving yards, but WR Jermaine Kearse has found the endzone the most with 4 touchdowns followed by WR James Johnson’s 3. Look for true freshman WR Kasen Williams to make some plays for the Huskies and insert himself into the potent UW offense.
With a talented receiving corps like they have, Washington’s offense needs to capitalize each chance they get and not rely solely on the golden leg of kicker Eric Folk.
This weekend’s game will no doubt be a dogfight to get a solid start and a foot in the door into the Pac-12 standings this year. Let’s hope the Huskies bite is more intimidating than the Golden Bears roar.
About Brandon Choate
