First look at Texas' playoff opponent, the Washington Huskies
Texas isn’t the only team having a magical 2023 season. Texas’ final opponent in 2022, the Washington Huskies, remained undefeated this season after a huge victory over the Oregon Ducks in the Pac 12 Championship.
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The Ducks had been a bit of a playoff committee darling and were favored over the rival Huskies despite Washington’s 36-33 victory in Week 7. The old adage of it being difficult to beat the same team twice in the same season didn’t apply in the Pac 12 title game as Washington won the rematch 34-31. While Washington was somewhat lucky to win the first game at home, Kalen DeBoer‘s team won in more convincing fashion than the three point victory would indicate on Friday night.
The straw that stirs the drink
DeBoer is now an incredible 24-2 in his two seasons in Seattle, thanks largely to the ability and leadership of quarterback Michael Penix Jr. Penix Jr. will almost assuredly be named a Heisman finalist after throwing for over 4,200 yards and 33 touchdowns.
The senior’s career started at Indiana while DeBoer was the offensive coordinator. The two reunited in Seattle after DeBoer’s two-year stint at Fresno State.
NFL talent at wide receiver
The Huskies offense is boosted by two early round NFL Draft picks in Rome Odunze and Lufkin native Ja’Lynn Polk. With his 6-foot-3, 215 pound size and his ability to make plays down the field, Oduze is likely to be drafted in the first round. He has 81 receptions for 1,428 yards and 13 touchdowns. Polk is a silky smooth speedster who might go in the late first or early second round. He has 1,000 yards receiving on 60 catches and 8 touchdowns.
Texas might not have the best receiving duo on the field and the Huskies don’t even stop there. Receiver Jalen McMillan has missed time this season, but he had over 1,000 yards receiving on 79 receptions in 2022. Our most recent look at him against Oregon on Friday revealed he’s back to his previous form. McMillan torched the Ducks for 9 receptions and 131 yards.
Complementary run game
As you’d expect with such a dominant passing game, the Huskies can also run the ball effectively. Dillon Johnson has 1113 yards on 201 carries. He’s found paydirt 14 times.
But make no mistake, this is a passing team with a run-pass split of 37.2 to 27.7 per game.
Susceptible defense
The Huskies are clearly an offensive football team but I’ve found their defensive coaching to be quality. That side of the ball simply doesn’t have the same amount of talent it does on offense but they’re usually assignment sound.
The top NFL talent is Edge Bralen Trice who was signed by Texas defensive coordinator Pete Kwiatkowski.
Season Record 13-0
Boise State, 56-19
Tulsa, 43-10
@ Michigan State, 41-7
Cal, 59-32
@ Arizona, 31-24
Oregon, 36-33
Arizona State, 15-7
@ Stanford, 42-33
@ USC, 52-42
Utah, 35-28
@ Oregon State, 22-20
Washington State, 24-21
Oregon, 34-31
Similar to Texas, Washington played a handful of games in October and November that were incredibly close. Also similar to Texas, the Huskies repeatedly found ways to win.
