5 Keys To A Washington Victory Over Washington State

The Huskies are on the verge of making history in the 115th Apple Cup.

The Washington Huskies have never gotten through a 12-game regular season unscathed and the only team in their way is the Washington State Cougars. On top of that, no team in the Pac-12 era has ever gone undefeated in the regular season.

Here's how coach Kalen DeBoer's team can make history and run its winning streak to 19 straight games on Saturday. 

Contain Cam Ward

Washington State's quarterback is an exceptional playmaker outside the pocket and could give Washington's defensive line a lot of trouble. The Huskies have struggled to defend mobile quarterbacks this season but could limit the Cougars' high-flying passing attack if Ward isn't allowed to create on the move.

Ward is fourth in the country with 310.8 passing yards per game. However, the Washington State offensive line has allowed 32 sacks this season. The Huskies have struggled to wrap up and tackle, but should have plenty of opportunities to bring down Ward in the backfield.

Build on the Secondary's Success

Against Oregon State, cornerback Jabbar Muhammad had arguably the best performance of any member of Washington's secondary this season. The Oklahoma State transfer came up with 2 interceptions and 4 pass break-ups in the game while allowing a 0.0 passer rating when targeted.

The Cougars have three receivers averaging over 65 receiving yards per game who could give the secondary some trouble. But after the Huskies held Oregon State to just 169 passing yards, they should play with added confidence and feel a need to build on that performance.

Establish the Run

With the status of running back Dillon Johnson uncertain because of a foot injury, offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb will need to figure out who will carry the load in case the Mississippi State transfer is unable to play. Washington's offense was fairly pass-heavy early in the year until Johnson got going and added balance to Grubb's play-calling.

The likely choice is a split between freshman Tybo Rogers and sophomore Will Nixon, younger backs who will have an opportunity to produce against a Washington State defense that gives up 155 yards per game on the ground.

“People hear Seattle and they think flashy city, people hear the Palouse and they think trees or something” - Zion Tupuola-Fetui

— Roman Tomashoff (@rtomashoff34) November 21, 2023

Utilize Jalen McMillan

McMillan finally appears to be healthy enough after he was kept out for the better part of two months with a knee injury. He hasn't caught a pass since the Michigan State game, but that could change early in the Apple Cup.

Getting McMillan involved early on will not only help get him back in rhythm before the Pac-12 championship game, but he would provide quarterback Michael Penix Jr. with a reliable security blanket over the middle of the field.

Attack Downfield

Between McMillan, Rome Odunze and Ja'Lynn Polk, Penix has no shortage of deep options . The long ball is a big part of Washington's passing attack and the Huskies lead the Pac-12 this season in completions of more than 20 yards with 63.

In the last game of the regular season, Grubb will want to play to his strengths and finish it off on a high note.

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