3 Keys For Washington's Offense Against Michigan State
As Washington travels to Michigan State in what is a future conference matchup, too, the focus, as always, is on the Huskies' high-powered offense. Led by Heisman-hopeful Michael Penix Jr., the Huskies are coming into East Lansing as the nation's sixth-best offense, averaging 565.5 yards per game.
Unlike the first two matchups with Boise State and Tulsa, Michigan State brings an elite defense to this pairing in East Lansing in terms of yards and points allowed per game, at 206 yards and 10.5 points per contest, respectively. Offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb has a big test in front of him.
Granted, the Spartans' two opponents have been Central Michigan and Richmond, but Grubb has to find a way to exploit Michigan State's defense.
Stretch the defense out
While the Spartans have put up great numbers, their secondary is relatively untested. Michigan State returns only one starter on the back end of its defense from 2022's matchup with Washington, which could spell bad news for the home team against arguably the country's best group of wide receivers.
Ja'Lynn Polk recorded six catches for 153 yards and 3 touchdowns in the first matchup between the two teams. Polk will probably receive special attention from Spartans defensive coordinator Scottie Hazelton, but it's going to be tough for his secondary to cover all of the Husky pass-catchers.
Establish the run
The Huskies have had trouble or little interest running the ball through the first two games of the year. Michigan State's biggest defensive strength is its defensive line, but Washington has the personnel to outmuscle the Spartans up front.
With running back Dillon Johnson expected to return, Grubb can divide the workload between him and Will Nixon, who could provide the Huskies with the rushing attack needed to add balance to the offense.
Utilize Germie Bernard
The wide-receiver transfer from Michigan State has proven to be a dynamic playmaker with the ball in his hands. The sophomore has been utilized as a wide receiver, kick returner and even as a running back so far in his first year with the Huskies.
When asked if Bernard reminded him of all-purpose receiver Deebo Samuel of the San Francisco 49ers, UW wide-receivers coach JaMarcus Shephard preferred to muzzle the hype, saying Bernard is "not the man yet."
Yet he added, "When we're in practice, I show him every clip where I'm saying, 'You should be Deebo right here, but you're not.' ... There is certainly a comparison there when we start talking about how he should play the game."
Bernard as this all-purpose threat still has a lot to learn, according to his position coach, but Grubb will almost certainly have a few plays drawn up to unleash Bernard against his former team.
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