Opponent Q&A: Washington
The University of Utah and the Washington Huskies readjusted their plans this week, as their opponents were both hindered by Covid-19 and they now face each other on Saturday at 5:30 PM MST. The Huskies have become a consistent force in the Pac-12 ever since Chris Petersen took the program over, but he retired in 2019 and his assistant Jimmy Lake took over.
The Huskies are 2-0 during the shortened season, have reason for optimism, and their trotting out some new faces at key positions. With that in mind, Rivals affiliate and TheDawgReport Publisher, Lars Hanson was kind enough to give us a breakdown of Lake’s new squad.
With Lake replacing a legend, what’s the early feeling within the fan base? Will it take a while to win them over?
Being that Lake is a Chris Petersen disciple I don't think it was hard for the fans to, at the very least, let it play out. Starting off with two consecutive wins doesn't hurt Lake's cause but I think there are still more layers for him to peel back before judging who Washington truly is under his leadership. I think it will still be a while before Lake earns the same respect nationally that Petersen had, but he's got the backing of the fan base without question.
Was it a surprise that Dylan Morris won the starting job? How has his performance been, so far?
Not in that with what first-year offensive coordinator John Donovan wants to do scheme wise Morris made the most sense. He won't lose the game with his decision making and he uses the compliment of talent around him to their fullest. Short and intermediate throws are his butter and butter, but where he's impressed me most is with his deep ball accuracy. He struggled more with those throws in the opener against OSU compared to the game against Arizona last week. He needs his receivers not named Cade Otton to catch the ball more than they've been.
If you were facing the the Washington offense how would you stop them? Who are some guys to watch?
First it starts with forcing Washington to be one dimensional. Force Morris to beat you with his arm and the weapons outside who haven't been as consistent as the run game has to start the season. If UW is able to establish the line of scrimmage through the run game it allows Morris to pick his spots — where he's best suited. Cade Otton, the junior tight end who had a career game against Arizona, is one to watch. All three of the Husky backs; Sean McGrew, Kamari Pleasant and Richard Newton each do their own thing in their own way, and that's been UW's offense through the first two games.
How would you attack the Huskies defense?
Spread and stretch them to get the linebackers moving. It's hard to envision UW struggling in coverage, which means the Utes have to find a happy medium balance of run and pass to open up the Husky defense. If UW can get home early on Bentley that'll set the tone so keeping whoever is under center up right is also vital to success.
What’s your prediction and why?
UW seems to not be as vulnerable under Lake as they were under Petersen towards the end. In that vein I think UW will keep its relative game plan the same style as last week and use that, and their pass rush, to get their third win.
UW 31, Utah 14