Teams that aren't getting the recognition they deserve

SERIOUS CHALLENGERS
No. 15 Washington


Best win so far: 39-28 vs. Michigan State

Biggest challenge ahead: at Oregon (Nov. 12)

Odds to win national title: +15000 (bet $10 to win $1,510 total)

The last several years have led Huskies fans to wonder what the program could be capable of if they just had an offense that could pair with a regularly salty defense (or even just a signal-caller capable of connecting on passes more than 20 yards downfield). Now, it seems like we have an answer under new coach Kalen DeBoer, who has injected life into the team on Montlake and inspired some wistful feelings of the team’s 2016 run.

QB Michael Penix Jr. leads the country in yards per game and has already thrown 12 touchdowns in four games. The Huskies are also allowing just 2.6 yards per carry, have recorded seven takeaways and rank third in sacks. Just as important, the schedule sets up favorably by missing USC and Utah on the Pac-12 rotation and an easy path to rolling into Eugene undefeated if they take care of UCLA on Friday night.

Tier 2: High-End Contenders
Michael Penix Jr., QB, Washington:
Penix recorded his fourth straight 300-yard game in Washington's win over Stanford. He's thrown for 1,388 yards and 12 touchdowns with a single interception in 143 attempts, and the Huskies have soared to 4-0.

 
Last edited:
Top