Analyzing The Pac-12 Football Teams: Washington Huskies

In the third installment of Go Joe Bruin’s team previews, we will examine the Washington Huskies. The #25 Huskies had a solid season in 2013, ultimately finishing the season at 9-4 thanks to a 31-16 win over BYU in the Fight Hunger Bowl. Multiple changes are definitely a storyline for Washington though, most notably the hiring of Chris Petersen to replace Steve Sarkisian, who left to USC.

Washington was picked to finish third in the very difficult Pac-12 North, behind division powerhouses Oregon and Stanford. Even though Washington does have talent on both sides of the ball, it is hard to imagine that they will be able to overtake the Ducks and Cardinal in 2014. However, with intriguing quarterback prospect leading the offense this coming season and Petersen known for getting the most out of potent offenses, you never know. And that’s what college football is all about.

Key Losses

RB Bishop Sankey

143.8 rushing yards per game (2nd in Pac-12)
20 touchdowns in 2013 (2nd in Pac-12)
Second-team Associated Press All-American
First-team All-Pac-12
Drafted by the Tennessee Titans, 2nd round, 54th overall pick

QB Keith Price

247.2 passing yards per game (6th in Pac-12)
21 touchdowns in 2013 (6th in Pac 12)
Holds school record with 29 touchdowns in 2011
Signed by Seattle Seahawks as an undrafted free agent (has since been released)

TE Austin Seferian-Jenkins

Dec 27, 2013; San Francisco, CA, USA; Washington Huskies tight end Austin Seferian-Jenkins (88) is defended by BYU Cougars linebacker Uani

450 receiving yards and eight touchdowns in 2013
Third-team AP All-American in 2012
Second-team All-Pac-12 in 2012 and 2013
John Mackey Award winner (best tight end) in 2013
Drafted by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, 2nd round, 38th overall pick

Key Returners

QB Cyler Miles

#2 dual-threat QB in the Class of 2012, according to Rivals.
418 passing yards and four touchdowns in relief of Price as a freshman
200 rushing yards on 23 attempts
Suspended for season opener @ Hawaii

DE Hau’oli Kikaha

13 sacks in 2013 (2nd in Pac-12)
70 total tackles

LB John Timu

77 total tackles
Two interceptions
Two sacks

Coach Review: Chris Petersen

Jul 24, 2014; Hollywood, CA, USA; Washington Huskies head coach Chris Petersen talks to the media during the Pac-12 Media Day at the Studios at Paramount. Mandatory Credit: Kelvin Kuo-USA TODAY Sports

Petersen comes to U Dub after a storied tenure at Boise State. He transformed the Broncos from a mid-major to an overall contender, compiling a 92-13 record over his eight-year time at the school which included five bowl wins, including two Fiesta Bowl victories in 2006 and 2009 respectively.

Petersen is renowned for his up-tempo, pass heavy offenses, and that should fit Miles and the Huskies well. Miles is a good pocket passer, but he is also skilled outside the pocket and making plays with his legs. He also has some talent at receiver at his disposal, and Petersen should be able to figure out how to take full advantage of that.

2014 Schedule

Sat, Aug 30 @ Hawaii (CBS Sports Network)

Sat, Sep 6 vs. Eastern Washington (Pac-12 Network)

Sat, Sep 13 vs. Illinois (FOX)

Sat, Sep 20 vs. Georgia State

Sat, Sep 27 vs. Stanford

Sat, Oct 11 @ California

Sat, Oct 18 @ Oregon

Sat, Oct 25 vs. Arizona State

Sat, Nov 1 @ Colorado

Sat, Nov 8 vs. UCLA

Sat, Nov 15 @ Arizona

Sat, Nov 22 vs. Oregon State

Sat, Nov 29 @ Washington State

2014 Season Outlook

Washington loses some key weapons on offense in Seferian-Jenkins, Sankey, and Price, but Miles looked relatively promising last season, considering it was his freshman year. The Huskies do have a senior at running back in Deontae Cooper, but expect Miles to be a major part of the offense, with Cooper possibly sharing carries throughout the season.

Defensively is where the Huskies should be strong. Their defensive line has multiple playmakers and the Washington secondary definitely has the speed to match up with Arizona State, and they could present a challenge for Oregon, but they will most likely fall to the Ducks.

As for Washington’s record, they have a very weak non-conference schedule and they should come through that stretch undefeated even though Eastern Washington is a sneaky good FCS team. Ultimately, they will very likely lose against both Stanford and Oregon. Even though their schedule does ease up after that, aside from a tilt against UCLA at the Rose Bowl, it will not be an tremendous season, as I personally believe they will finish with a 9-4 record.