5 Keys To A Washington Win Over Oregon

The Huskies are ready for their biggest game in years. Here's how they can beat the Ducks.

ESPN's College GameDay hasn't come to the University of Washington since its matchup with the USC Trojans in 2016. The seventh-ranked Huskies are 0-2 when the pregame show has landed on campus, but are looking to improve that record with a win on Saturday over the No. 8 Oregon Ducks.

Led by quarterback Michael Penix Jr. and wide receiver Rome Odunze, the Ryan Grubb- and Kalen DeBoer-created Husky offense is the nation's best, this after its strong game plan guided the UW to a 37-34 victory over the Ducks in Eugene in 2022.

Here's how DeBoer can improve his record to 2-0 over coach Dan Lanning.

Tackle

Oregon's offense had its way with the Husky defense on the ground in 2022. The Ducks ran for more than 300 yards in last year's matchup and come to Seattle sporting the nation's eighth-ranked rushing attack that averages 225 yards per game.

The biggest difference-maker could be linebacker Edefuan Ulofoshio, who is in line to make his first career start against Oregon. The sixth-year senior is second on the team in tackles and will get in the way of Oregon running back Bucky Irving and quarterback Bo Nix.

Take What's Given

Against the Huskies, Arizona was determined to prevent any big plays downfield. Penix ended up throwing for 360 yards without tossing a touchdown pass.

If Oregon's defense gives the Huskies a similar look, running back Dillon Johnson should be a crucial part of Grubb's game plan. But if the Ducks choose to play man coverage and blitz Penix, the Huskies will stick to their strengths and throw the ball somewhere between 35-40 times.

Pressure Bo Nix

Behind a talented offensive line, Oregon's quarterback hasn't been pressured a lot this season. Edge rushers Zion Tupuola-Fetui and Bralen Trice have been playing well, but they haven't been able to pick up sacks at the same rate that they did in 2022.

If the Huskies can get after Nix and force him into a few bad throws, this could be enough to slow down Oregon's offense.

Tomorrow it gets serious.#USvsUS x @Buddabaker3 pic.twitter.com/8zOyc63mlY

— Washington Football (@UW_Football) October 13, 2023

Protect Michael Penix

On the other side of the ball, the Huskies need to make sure their Heisman candidate isn't pressured by Oregon's pass rush. The Ducks have recorded 18 sacks this year, 9  against Colorado, which ranks 132 out of the 133 qualifying FBS teams in sacks allowed.

Led by defensive linemen Brandon Dorlus and Jordan Burch, Oregon can get after the quarterback, but Washington's offensive line has been stellar this season. The Huskies have permitted only 3 sacks so far and, if they can keep the pocket clean for Penix, he'll be able to pick apart the defense.

Get Off the Field

Washington's defense cannot let Oregon extend drives. The Huskies are 96th in the country after allowing opposing offenses to convert on nearly 42 percent of their third-down attempts.

If co-defensive coordinator Chuck Morrell's defense can get a couple of stops early in the game and force the Ducks to punt, this could go a long way in unleashing Penix and the rest of the offense, too.

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