The Washington Huskies have been transformed into a perennial power under Chris Petersen. In the last 3 years, they’ve made a College Football Playoff appearance, won the PAC 12 twice, and won their division three times. With the graduation of star quarterback Jake Browning, the Huskies look to Georgia transfer Jacob Eason to step in and lead them back to the CFB.
Prestige Ranking (If NCAA Football 20 existed): 4 stars
2018 Record: 10-4 (7-2 in PAC 12)
Losses came to Auburn, Oregon, California, and Ohio State
Projected Returning Starters
Offense: 7
They return four starters on the O-line along with two tight ends and two wide receivers.
The O-line will be the offenses biggest strength with two All-Pac 12 selections. The line is lead by center Nick Harris and will pave the way for running back Salvon Ahmed to have a breakout year. Ahmed spent the last three seasons as Myles Gaskin’s backup and finally has his opportunity to shine. Hunter Bryant returns to the lineup from injury and hopes to finally make it through 12 games. When he’s healthy he’s the Huskies leading pass catcher and best threat in the passing game.
Defense: 2
DE Benning Potoa’e and S Miles Bryant
Despite losing most of their starters, the Huskies defense should actually remain solid. They have a lot of talent upfront and even more talent in the secondary. The biggest weakness in this defense is in the linebacker core. Due to injuries, the two inside linebackers in position to make the jump this season haven’t had much playing time. With DJ Flowers retiring because of his injuries it leaves the position even weaker. Brandon Wellington will really have to step up and he’ll be playing alongside a lot of unproven talent.
Special Teams: 1
Punter Joel Whitford returns for his senior year.
Key Losses:
Quarterback Jake Browning, running back Myles Gaskin, offensive tackle Kaleb McGary, defensive tackle Greg Gaines, linebackers Ben Burr-Kirven and Tevis Bartlett, DBs Byron Murphy, Taylor Rapp, and JoJo McIntosh
There’s a lot of talent in this group, especially on offense. The names that most people will recognize are Jake Browning and Myles Gaskin. They will be missed dearly on offense but with so much lost on defense it’ll be interesting to see how the Huskies transition.
Key Newcomer – Offense: Jacob Eason
Eason started all of the 2016 season for Georgia as a freshman. In 2017 he was injured in the first game and lost his job to now starter Jake Fromm. Eason grew up 40 minutes from UW’s campus and his everything that Jake Browning wasn’t. His large build and cannon arm make him an exciting replacement. The UW fanbase started to turn on Browning in the later parts of his career so hopefully, the hometown kid can gain their trust quickly and keep it.
Key Newcomer – Defense: Kyler Gordon
Gordon is a lockdown corner but only action in four games last season. He was able to keep his redshirt and should be able to make an immediate impact this season. Athlon Sports predicts him to be Washington’s next elite Defensive Back.
Breakout Player of the Year: Salvon Ahmed
He played behind Myles Gaskin for three years and finally gets his chance to shine. Running behind one of the best O-lines in the country should translate to a breakout season for Ahmed. He’s a running back who has breakaway speed so if he finds a whole watch out because he’ll be gone.
Wins Conference If:
Washington will win the conference if the offense proves to be on par with the years previous and the defense lives up to expectations. The last two seasons have seen Washington lose one bad game that they should’ve won that has hurt them in the standings. This year will be all about taking care of business and avoiding the bad losses.
Circle this game on the calendar: SEPT 28th vs USC
This will be the first conference test for the Huskies and it will be an important one. USC is a team that could be really good this season and a win here at home would set UW’s conference season off to a good start.
Alcohol Prediction: Margarita
They can be a lot of fun and a great time but the second it’s not good anymore you’re in for a long night.
Outlook
I expect to Washington to continue trending upwards this season. I think Jacob Eason is a great replacement for Jake Browning and that their veteran O-line will open up a lot of the offense. The young defense is a question mark but should still be serviceable in the PAC 12. If the defense holds solid, I see the Huskies contending for a Pac 12 title once again in 2019 and could mess around and win the thing.
AUG 31 vs Eastern Washington W
SEPT 7 vs California W
SEPT 14 vs Hawaii W (This could be a trap game for Washington)
SEPT 21 at BYU W
SEPT 28 vs USC W
OCT 5 at Stanford L
OCT 12 at Arizona W
OCT 19 vs Oregon W/L
NOV 2 vs Utah W/L
NOV 8 at Oregon State W
NOV 23 at Colorado W
NOV 29 vs Washington State W