Michael Penix makes Washington a national contender, per Phil Steele

Barkley-Truaxby:Barkley Truax•07/09/23•

BarkleyTruax

Michael Penix Jr. enters the 2023 college football season as a preseason Heisman Trophy contender, and his versatility under center could be the difference between Washington being good vs. being great this year.

“The Huskies made my Most Improved List and went from 4-8 to a super 11-2 season!! UW opened an impressive 4-0 but ran their road losing streak to seven losing at UCLA and Arizona St,” Steele wrote. “The Huskies then won their last seven games including a big win in Autzen and in the Alamo Bowl vs Texas.

“They do face a much tougher schedule this year as USC and Utah pop back up on the docket. They did benefit from 3 net close wins last year. The Huskies finished last year #8 AP and if they take care of business at home vs Oregon they could be 8-0 when they travel to USC. They are a Pac-12 and playoff contender with QB Penix back in the fold.”

In 2022, Penix Jr. threw for the second most passing yards in the country last season with 4,641. That finished only behind WKU’s Austin Reed. It was also over 400 yards more than what he threw over four seasons in Bloomington. Add in 31 touchdowns on a 65.3 completion percentage, and he was easily one of the nation’s best passers last fall.

Penix Jr.’s production helped the Huskies finish as one of college football’s hottest teams, going 11-2 in 2022 and closed the year out on a seven-game winning streak. Penix Jr.’s return gives Washington what they need to match the offense that finished top 10 one season ago. If the hype is to be believed — Washington could surprise some people not only in the Big Ten, but on a national stage as well.

Washington has multiple opportunities to earn quality wins over strong opponents in 2023, meaning they have every chance to stake their claim of why they deserve the respect they believe they earn. A non-conference game on the road against Michigan State could be a tricky matchup early, but the Huskies need to zero in one three matchups in particular: Oct. 14 at home vs. Oregon, Nov. 4 at USC and Nov. 11 vs. Utah.

If the Huskies can enter the matchup against Oregon 5-0, the mid-October Pac-12 battle has the potential to be the game of the week if both teams pan out as advertised.