Washington Huskies: Scouting October 30th Opponent Stanford
After a narrow 21-16 win at Arizona last week, the Washington Huskies head to Stanford for a Pac-12 North showdown.
This week the Washington Huskies face Pac-12 North Division rival Stanford in Palo Alto, California. After narrowly defeating Arizona last week, UW can even their season record to 4-4 with a win on Saturday. It won’t be easy, Stanford recently has the Huskies number, and they have just as much stake in this game.
Stanford Offense
Stanford lost last year’s starting quarterback Davis Mills to the NFL. Their new QB is Tanner McKee. He’s a sophomore in status but spent the previous two years as a Latter-day Saints missionary in Brazil. So far, McKee has thrown for 1370 yards with 13 touchdowns. All three of his interceptions came in a Game 6 loss to Arizona State.
Back this year are top rushers Nathaniel Peat and Austin Jones. Peat has 333 yards and 2 touchdowns on 57 carries (5.8 yards-per-carry). Meanwhile, Jones has 396 yards from scrimmage. Both will play against the Huskies on Saturday, but the hot hand should get most of the touches.
Junior Elijah Higgins leads all Stanford receivers with 33 catches for 410 yards and 4 touchdowns. Behind him is senior Brycen Tremayne with 20 catches for 245 yards, but he’s been out with a broken leg. In his place, tight end Benjamin Yurosek stepped up. Over the last two weeks, Yurosek has 217 yards receiving.
Stanford defense
On the defensive side of the ball, the Cardinal give up 203 yards per game in the air. That includes eight touchdowns against only four interceptions. Interestingly, Stanford allows 203 yards rushing per game as well. Additionally, they have been particularly weak defending their endzone, with 18 rushing touchdowns against.
Stanford is led in tackles by linebackers junior Levani Damuni (50) and senior Ricky Miezan (44). Each has a pair of sacks. Another linebacker, Stephen Herron, leads the Cardinal with three sacks.
Senior safety Kendall Williamson is third on tackles with 41 and no interceptions. Cornerback Kyu Blu Kelly is fourth in tackles with 37 and has two of Stanford’s four interceptions, including a pick-six.
History
The Washington Huskies series against Stanford is very tight. The Cardinal lead 44 -43-4. That includes two straight won by the Palo Alto school. At last year’s meeting, Washington scored 23 points in the second half but fell short 31-26.
Outlook
Washington should try to establish the run against the Cardinal. Running the ball early in games has been a problem for the Huskies since opening day. But if the offensive line can generate a push, it could pay off big because Stanford struggles to stop the ground game. Even with Richard Newton out, Washington’s Sean McGrew and Kamari Pleasant have an opportunity to post their best rushing totals of the season.
Even though Stanford’s offense is average, last week’s game showed that the Washington Huskies defense has to play better to win. They should expect a very balanced attack coming at them.
Saturday is a must-win game for Washington to stay in the Pac-12 North race or even go to a bowl game. Go Dawgs!