2012-13 Football Previews – (Pac 12) – UW Huskies
The 2011 Washington Huskies are probably best remembered for losing 67-56 in last year’s Alamo Bowl. Steve Sarkisian is an offensive wizard, but it has become completely clear that this team must find a way to play a little more defense if they are going to contend with the best teams in the PAC 12 on a weekly basis.
PAC 12 Conference 2012-2013 College Football Previews: Washington Huskies
Head Coach: Steve Sarkisian
2011 Record: 7-6
Washington Gambling Odds from BetOnline to win BCS Championship: +10,000
Washington Gambling Odds from BetOnline to win PAC 12 Conference: +750
Washington Team Page – Players Stats – Roster – 2012 Schedule –>
The entire defensive staff was revamped after last season, and Justin Wilcox (former Tennesee defensive coordinator) will now head the defense.
The PAC 12 has a couple great teams in USC and Oregon this year, but the depth of the conference isn’t quite as impressive as the last couple seasons. Washington is the type of team that could come up and be a player in the top three or four of the PAC 12 standings if they can get improved play on the defensive side of the ball.
Team Strengths:
Keith Price is a tremendous signal caller for the Washington Huskies. It was tough losing Jake Locker two years ago, but Price was awesome in 2011. I expect him to be even better in 2012. Price set single-season records in completion percentage, touchdowns, and quarterback rating last year. Price wasn’t completely healthy in 2011, but he appears ready to go in 2012. He has the potential to be a Heisman candidate.
Washington should have the best offensive line they have had in many years. Drew Schaefer is a senior leader on the line, and the team brought in lots of talented youngsters in this year’s class. This group should be solid in run and pass blocking. [soliloquy id=”82219″]
The defense has struggled the past few years, but the Huskies have some real star power in the secondary this year. The Huskies have three very good cornerbacks, and the safety spot is a major area of strength as well. Highly touted freshman Shaq Thompson should contribute to the team right away from the safety spot.
Team Weaknesses:
Chris Polk will be missed in a big way at the running back position. Polk was underrated by many, and the team really doesn’t have anyone else who can fill his shoes right now. The Huskies are unsure who will get the majority of the snaps at tailback. Jesse Callier probably has the inside track to the starting job, but Washington is thin in this area.
Washington has plenty of players at the linebacker spot, but no one has proven anything in their time at the school. If this defense is going to get substantially better, they’ll need some play makers at the linebacker spot.
2012-2013 Washington Huskies Football Prediction: 8-5
Washington’s defense should make some positive strides in 2012, but it will take some time to completely turn this unit around. The Huskies play a very tough schedule this year. The road trip to Baton Rouge in week two will be a very daunting task. Keep an eye on their early October schedule. The Huskies travel to Oregon on October 6, then host USC on October 13. Keith Price should have a big year, but losing Chris Polk will hurt the team. Expect Washington to improve, but their tough schedule will keep them from making a huge leap in the standings.
2012 Schedule
9/1/12 TBD SDST
9/8/12 TBD @LSU
9/15/12 TBD PORST
9/27/12 9:00 PM ET STAN
10/6/12 TBD @ORE
10/13/12 TBD USC
10/20/12 TBD @ARZ
10/27/12 TBD OREST
11/2/12 9:00 PM ET @CAL
11/10/12 TBD UTAH
11/17/12 TBD @COL
11/23/12 TBD @WSHST
